I’m sorry to hear. It was quite a surprise when my wife took an interest. She is not a car person. I had to talk her into coming with me the first time we spec’d a car. At the dealership, when she saw the materials, paint samples and configurator in action, she totally got into it. It definitely makes it more fun for us!
I don't think that's a valid point at all. All of the cars I've driven are great cars, maybe not everyone's preferences.
Is there a price difference with the standard carbon steering wheel (LEDS)? I would also consider this option.
Yes, it is more expensive for sure. We ordered it on our 812SF. We didn’t want any carbon on the interior, but wanted the shift lights because, well, because they are cool. So, a leather wheel was the only way. I think, but am not certain, that it was something like a $1200 option on our SF. Didn’t even ask this time!
I have this option in my car. You have to pay the full price of the carbon LED wheel and paddles and then an additional charge (around $1200 like mentioned) on top of it to change back to leather covered wheel and aluminum paddles. It's insanity but the result is awesome if you aren't into carbon.
I've watched a few reviews of the 12C. I've noticed between the reviews they all generally agreed that the 812 was unpredictable and difficult to handle, something I strongly disagree with. While I haven't driven a 12C I have put almost 10k miles on my 812 and driven many other cars that are significantly more challenging. This point seemed like it might have been fed to reviewers in press notes ...
That is a trend with a lot of subsequent reviews which irks me. Wait a few years for the 12cilindri successor. It will be the bomb, and the 12cilindri will suck. It is fun sometimes to see what reviewers say now about a previous gen car when reviewing a new car, and then go look at what they said about the previous gen car back in the day when it was new. Contradictions galore. It like watching the reviews, but i treat it for what it is, entertainment.
Also a quick review done after spending a few hours (at best) with the car will never capture the experience of ownership and what it's like to live with the car for a long time.
For what it is worth I did 13,000 miles in an 812 Superfast and have now driven a 12 C for an hour or so. 12 C is a much better car and much easier to drive quickly.812 needs to be on Michelin PS4 to drive properly IMHO. Think 458 Speciale to 488.Same pace but delivered in a more civilised manner. 12 C traction and handling is amazing.It will kill you at much higher speeds than 812.
My 1st Ferrari is an 812 GTS and I love it. I have driven it 4500 miles without incident. I took the liberty of watching again the Chris Harris reviews of the 812 GTS, and of the 12Cilindri Spider before I test drove the 12Cilindri coupe. The 12C is a very, very nice GT. Very smooth and very refined. If I ordered a 12C Spider with a similar options package as my 812 I believe the final price would be $800K+ !!! As I was driving the 12C I asked myself about 4 alternatives. 1st: Did I like the idea of owning an 812 and having an extra $800K- in another carefully selected investment. 2nd: Would I prefer to own an 812 and a12C spider. 3rd: Would I prefer to sell or trade in my 812 GTS upon delivery of a 12C spider. 4th: Would I prefer to sell my 812 GTS, and not buy the 12C spider, thus ending my my front engine NA V12 modern Ferrari spider experience, while having those additional funds to invest? The answer became crystal clear! I will stick with the 812 GTS. If I decide to upgrade in the future...I would buy an 812 GTS which I liked even more than then I currently own, then sell my current one. The cost of any upgrade would be far less. If I chose not to upgrade I would just get extended warranties. I have or had multiple cars in my small collection which I have owned for 8-20+ years and have been perfectly satisfied with each for the duration because I know how to select "keepers" for myself. Some will have that feeling about the 12C spider.
In new (released today) driving vid of 296 GTS, @ 4:50 Harris says: "I just think it's probably the best car the company makes at the moment....." Wait, he just said same regarding 12C! (does he have ANY credibility at this point???!)
Most reviewed agree that the 296 is one of the best sport car ever created; I think it's the most underrated car of all time.
It is interesting to me that ALL new Chris Harris Ferrari videos are about the same --> what a great piece of kit, fantastic car... seems like he has lost objectivity and is enjoying the free trips to Maranello too much ( been eating quite a bit of pasta too haha)
Between the lines you can sense a big difference in his confidence: 296: "Probably the best car..." 12C: "Unquestionably the best car..."