Has Ferrari Lost It's Luster?

This thread is going to become the longest of the forum.

 

If I could "like" this more than once I would.

Folks are kidding themselves if they think it's all about "advancement" in the case of building SUVs. Years ago when Porsche began the chatter about their "new" SUV, Motor Trend wrote and article on how the company was doing very well financially just concentrating on producing and selling their sports cars. The conclusion: Porsche just wanted more money in the coffers. Simple as that. And of course it mattered not to many Porsche buyers. But it did to this Porsche buyer-- not that they lost any sleep over it.

To add, IMO it's not about nostalgia. It's about a car you feel connected to, a car that is not overly complicated to satisfy your required participation as the driver. For the "new" buyers of these sports cars/ exotic cars it may be a non issue since they have never driven a car like that.

A $10 bottle of wine may be the best thing you ever tasted if you've never had any other.

 

Agree, visibility seems like a vision problem. I can see all cars on the road fine and think most drivers can see my non-SUV. Maybe the individuals concerned with visibility need a monster truck if visibility is that big of a fear?

 

Those that don’t get it, well they don’t get it. Something for everyone.

 

SUVs and trucks ride higher. Driving a sports car on Texas superslabs is scary.

 

My Ferraris, the Solstice, and the Fiats all can disappear when viewed from the driver's seat of a pickup or SUV, especially if I'm on the passenger rear quarter.

But hell, most of the morons around here can't see my bright yellow Ram 4 door pickup in broad daylight either.

 

O hell! what have we here?
A carrion Death, within whose empty eye
There is a written scroll! I’ll read the writing.
All that glistens is not gold;
Often have you heard that told:
Many a man his life hath sold
But my outside to behold:
Gilded tombs do worms enfold.
Had you been as wise as bold,
Young in limbs, in judgment old,
Your answer had not been inscroll’d:
Fare you well; your suit is cold.

 

I had to drive my 1998 M3 into Houston yesterday. (I live 60 miles north.) I needed a drink when I got home.

 

Why? Is this the superslab issue?

 

Few places worse than that! Get a double scotch!!
How did the M do?

 

Driving a small sports car when you are surrounded by SUVs and jacked up pickup trucks and everybody has their nose in the phone is scary.

 

Great, except rowing gears gets old in stop and go, more stop than go, traffic.

 

I’ve tasted both. Many. A Porsche SUV is great for what it is and is intended to do. Why on earth would that impact your view of their sports cars? They have a Motorsport division that delivers and understands their enthusiasts. I have owned new Porsche’s since the early 80’s. I’m thankful for the special cars they deliver today.

 

I don’t get some peeps who say they’ve never driven an suv, and wear that statement like it’s a badge of honor. Or an EV….just missing out on the great experience of a multitude of different and unique rides.

 

It’s like bragging- I’m ignorant and proud of it.

 

I understand the experience and have had it many times myself in my cars. But it will never be an argument to get an suv or the PS toy. I’ve owned suvs. But not so people can see me. It’s always important to be seen in your super cars in terms of remaining out of blind spots.

 

No it isn't, driving in Houston is no different than every other USA big city, which all have big SUVs and trucks filled with distracted drivers.

The real scary driving places are large cities in foreign countries.....damn alot of stories I could tell.

 

I've driven many. Just haven't liked any.

We all like cars for different reasons. None right, none wrong.

Not all vehicles or vehicle categories feature the things that I enjoy about cars. I find the seating position and suspension travel of SUVs unpleasant. The ICE is intrinsic to the experience for me, so while I don't find EVs unpleasant to drive, they just don't move me (no pun intended).

If you find enjoyment in a broader range of vehicles, more power to you.

 

You should drive a 296---light years difference.

 

My SUV:

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No kids so maybe an unfair comparison. But if I did, I'd save a fair amount of money and probably buy a Honda minivan. I simply don't understand the SUV experience I'm missing.
But for sure I'm not "missing out on the great experience of a multitude of different and unique rides".

 

You’ve got that experience covered for sure. Clinton wants his ride back btw!

 

speaking of appeal, how less appealing is Ferrari going to be to the American audience with the 25% tarrif on EU cars that he's apparently about to announce? it could be pushing the price of a well spec'd 12C well past the $900,000 mark

 

"Ferrari going to be to the American audience with the 25% tarrif on EU cars..."
****
Since Trump likes Giorgia Meloni, maybe there will be an exclusion for Italian cars.

 

I don't see Ferrari owners cancelling their cars after waiting years. "If you have to ask the price, you can't afford it". I can see some options being cut at the time of the order. And used car prices will rise. So current owners get the benefit.

Alfa, Fiat and Maserati will certainly be hurt but US sales are already dismal. Brand new Maserati MC 20's can be found with 80K off MSRP. Does anyone really care about any Alfa built after 1993? Maybe the 4c, kinda. If you can fit in it. The 4c is the car enthusiasts love -- and don't buy.

And I'm thinking that new horrific electric Jag won't be hurt one bit. It will still sell 2 cars a year.

Speaking of losing its luster.... Exhibit A. Case closed.....

 

"Alfa, Fiat and Maserati will certainly be hurt but US sales are already dismal"
****
If the 25% tariff is applied only to automobiles then Trump is sending a message to Germany...a 25% tariff is a heat seeking missile directed at the German economy.