296 GTB Assetto Fioramo Test Drive

Huh really? I’m guessing you test drove one with the assetto fiorano pack? The “base” 296 suspension is one of the most comfiest I tried for a supercar. I find it even comfier than the 812.

Edit: apparently I can’t read, I saw the title now

 

I drove that grey and yellow car too and was like WTF , probably not the right test car to drive. Between the seats and the bumpy ride it was a bust to me.

 

I test drove an AF 296 to 'test out' the carbon door panels before speccing my GTB. after
½ mile I asked the dealer where the bumpy road button was. (there isn't one).

That told me everything I needed to know. It is harsh. Can't really speak to the handling improvement though.

 

This makes me extremely happy I did not order the AF package. The carbon doors do look amazing though.

 

WTF!! What’s the average age of a Ferrari customer now, 65/70?? Bumpy Road mode… it’s a Ferrari not an S or E Class Mercedes. Have never understood why such a button exists in a Ferrari, I bought an AF SF90 because it doesn’t have a bumpy road button, I want to feel alive in a Ferrari, not like listening to Classic FM in an S Class. Thank You Ferrari for offering AF Packs, 1st Option for me going forward…

 

Different strokes for different folks. I'm 44 and personally love bumpy road mode, especially for drives with imperfect surfaces - not because it's more comfortable, but because it improves roadholding consistency/performance. And, even in soft mode, the car is still responsive as hell!

If I want back-breaking suspension that's sublime on a race track, I'll buy a real race car. Not a $400k+ car that's still inferior to real race car in that environment because, no matter what, severe compromises are required to make any road car (even a stiff one) street-able...

That said, if you want a really stiff Ferrari, buy a really stiff Ferrari! It's your money!!!

 

I’ve personally driven a Porsche GT car with bucket seats as a daily in a city with horrible roads. I do not need that experience again.

 

Ditto. And, even still, the GT3 RS was too soft on the track for my tastes, after having become accustomed to real race cars. I'd go as far to say that a Spec Miata is just as fun on the track AND you can buy a whole, well-sorted one for the price of the AF Package upgrade alone!

 

That’s great. I don’t drive on tracks. I buy cars to drive on roads, in the city that I live in.

 

Absolutely different strokes for different folks.. but back breaking, lol. Not even close, the suspension of the AF SF90 feels the same as my previous 2 Pistas, I’m 57 and live in UK, so know all about terrible roads. My 964 RS was back breaking, no Ferrari I’ve ever owned was back breaking. I get why people don’t go for Assetto Fiorano if lift is essential in their situation, Novitec do a Retrofit by the way for AF cars, but not to buy because they think the Multimatic suspension is rock hard, is missing out what makes the SF90 an amazing car.. I didn’t buy the AF SF90 as a track car, always better options than any road car..

 

When I started buying supercars I wanted the fastest best handling thing in the market. With time I came to the same realization: No matter what you do it’s still a road car, so if I’m serious about this I’d just get an actual race car. After all Ferrari owners should be able to afford having both at the same time, that’s why Ferrari makes Challenge cars

 

as said I think it's about what you're used to, I've had a 993 RS etc and live in the UK - but after driving a road legal race car on the road for awhile that will be my basis of comparison to what stiff and uncomfortable is and the modern ferraris feel super comfy to me

 

Couldn’t agree more. found Scud Speciale pista AF SF90 all comfortable.. amazing you had the 993 RS, had one too after 964 RS and was a revelation, was in Midnight Blue. Actually was reunited with it about 3 years when I went to Maxted Page to view Maritime Blue 991.2 GT3 manual and there it was for sale.. guy did not believe me so he went to get owners manual and there was my name and address in the book. Was great to be reunited, big regret selling, but I then bought one of the 7 993 RSR as they were called in UK, think Clubsport everywhere else. Think it was 1 of 2 in Riviera Blue, bought from Rivervale Porsche in Portslade… bigger regret selling that!! They were the cars, chickened out of buying a 993 GT thought it would kill me.. even bigger bigger regret not taking my allocation lol. 993 RS magnificent car, enjoy.

 

There is no right answer. In the area that I lived in 2 years ago, I would have gone AF. Where I live now I would not. I think some people underestimate how bad a bad road can be.

 

I have a 296 GTB AF and also have spent the day driving a SF90 coupe that was not AF.

My thought about the SF90 was it was very comfortable, but when you really got on the SF90, the suspension was a millisecond or two behind the speed of the car. I thought this would be fine for someone who won’t drive the car very hard, but if you are looking for that harder driving experience with good body control, you will probably want the AF.

So I got the AF on my 296. And Im very glad I did. My roads are not very good. Lots of little rumbles and bumps. I’m actually surprised the AF isnt stiffer. It is a bit more of a jostle than the Pista when going at slower / moderate speeds. Thats because to contain the weight of the vehicle, they need not only a stiffer suspension, but one with faster reactions and also one that has more dynamic range. I think that is the AF. I find the Pista a more comfortable car to cruise around - I think thats the difference of several hundred lbs of weight. Thats the downside of the newer cars- they are something line 400-500lbs heavier on average.

Why did Ferrari give us the option between suspensions- because we know how we will enjoy these cars.

So far I have not missed the lifter and when I drive the 296 I am saying - you picked the right suspension. I think without it the car would likely be like my SF90 experience- just not loving being pushed.


Sent from my iPad using FerrariChat

 

This ^^

 

Exactly 100%

Bumpy Road mode is freaking goofy

 

the 993 will always be in my heart, unfortutently I had a bad accident in the RS so I no longer have it - though it still lives on! a porsche specialist in the UK bought the car from the insurance company and continues to run it as a track car

 

The editor from Harry's Garage on Youtube makes it a point to counter that misconception with the 296 AF Package.

@18:20 sec in he states that despite the the stiff suspension it tracks straight (on bad public roads), no bump steer going on like with the GT3.

"Absolutely tracks straight"


You can observe this directly in the video itself.

The AF 296 Package is rock solid when he makes those transitions with full power over a bad public road surface.


Keep in mind this is from an older Editor who stated he would order the 296 GTB without AF because he thinks it is too stiff.


I look at it this way - the non-AF is not soft enough compared to a car that is dedicated to absorb really bad roads even though the AF 296 package might not be as good as a full on track car.


The key selling point to the 296 GTB to me is the inherent agility and responsiveness.

The added improvement you receive in handling from the AF package only accentuates that highlight.

The customers I have spoken with who have tested both versions (including the dealership staff) make it a point to express a noticeable (if not stark) contrast in handling with the AF vs. the non-AF version.

Additionally owners and the dealerships have said it is not that stiff and no where near the stiff ride of say a GT3 RS.


I will give a review once mine gets out of port.

 

My 296 GTB AF ist stiff, but not unconfortable. For long distances I switch into WET Mode.

Last month I drove to Puglia in Italy, 4000 km in 5 days, no problem at all dispite my back/shoulder issues.

 

That doesn't change the stiffness of the dampers though, but I guess the softer engine and gearbox responses make for a more tranquil ride.

 

Different Strokes for different folks!

 

I have to eat my words here.

I've just had a three-day test of a 296 GTS AF as I get nearer to my spec day.

I had a day of 'more than spirited' driving around our somewhat poor country UK roads.

The car is outstanding AND comfortable.

I equate the AF 'around town' ride comfort to my 458 and F12 in race mode. The country road drive left me and my passenger with zero comfort complaints.

So, my order will now include the AF option.

And, for the record, I'm 66.