458 Carbon Fiber Steering Wheel: should I get it?

Funny my dealer told me the exact opposite! It's amazing people's perceptions.

It's not a gimmick though. I do use it.

 

So do the boys in F1.

Must have. I agree.

 

I like it. But its not like I drive around staring at my steering wheel. Still I would order it again, the CF feels good, looks nice and really suits the car well. Yeah its expensive and overpriced, but hey look at what you're buying. Its all ridiculous. Just go with it.

 

As always, and with due respect, I `concede, ``each to his/her own``. In my 458 and most other cars I've owned, I rarely look at the tac when shifting up, let alone bling lights on the steering wheel which I think are a distraction. My bling comes from the track and a long process of getting to know the engine under my butt such that shifting becomes an integral part of the driving experience with as little bling assists as possible.

 

Good decision.

A day without a CF steering wheel is like a day without sunshine.

 

Agreed. Just drove my 458 and I never looked at the tach, just side glances at the red led lights in the steering wheel. I love it.

 

My two cents worth - the led strip is an essential if you are driving at full pace. I used a similar string of leds when rally driving and it was very useful in making critical gear changes, a few hundred revs out and you drop from the peak of the power curve.
I don't think it's necessary for the street (agree it looks cool) - BUT, I'll be selling my 360 this year - and upgrading to one owner a 458 - ironically and in total contradiction to my own logic - I will be looking for one that has the led option.

 

if i want to add the CF steering wheel where do i buy it?

 

I don't believe it is possible (feasible) to add the CF steering wheel after the build.

 

A complete no brainer. If really pushing on, you only have time for a quick glance and the lights give you that info in a nano second. I like to think I know how to drive these cars but no way could I tell the last 1000 revs and the lights do it. There is a reason ALL F1 cars use such a system. As to residuals, yes, most buyers want a car with the carbon wheel, hence better resale. You made the right decision.

 

Totally agree. Picked up a 2011 458 three months ago and did not consider any cars that did not have it.

 

If you do not want the carbon fibre, you can get the steering wheel with LED in leather. Saving you on carbon fibre costs. Because it is a special option, it will obviously cost more than you would probably expect, but it is possible according to the people down at Maranello when I went on the Atelier. It was a consideration for me. But I do think if you want to explore the true nature of the 458, the LEDs are important - firstly like the Mayor is saying and he obviously has a lot of experience, the tach just can not keep up, secondly, it is at a more attainable level to the eye than the tach (even if it is marginal) and if you are pushing the car that much, those split seconds should help. Also, i would think you do not actually really even need to look as much for the LEDs, but you are just aware due to peripheral vision what is happening to them, not true of the tach.

Ps. I opted for carbon fibre LED steering wheel as well.

 

+1

 

I say get the carbon steering wheel. It looks the business and I really use it. A wonderful option and you can turn off the LEDs on wheel if it bothers you.

 

My 458 order is going in this week, and will have the CF wheel and shift lights. The idea is not to look at the steering wheel, the lights will be visible in your peripheral vision.

I added this to my race car, here is a clip: (disregard the tach data overlay, it wasn't working)


[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XaUgFfZyNmw&feature=plcp[/ame]




Very helpful, keeps my eyes up and looking through the corner, as they should be.

 

LISTEN TO BOB!

 

Excellent idea.

Now, everyone:

Send me MONEY.

 

So it's not possible to add the led cf steering wheel after the car is build? Wanted to add it on my car

 

I would think that there should be a way. Just talk to your dealer who will surely get in touch with Ferrari. I would be surprised if not doable - just will be quite pricey I suppose.

 

I have it on my 12 coupe and use it every time that I drive it hard. The 458 shifts so quickly that the LED's are essential. You simply do not have the time to look away at the tach when driving it hard. IMHO, it's one of the "must haves" on any 458.

 

I like mine a lot.

 

I would get rid of the tach before the steering wheel with LED's. I have always relied on a tach whether on the street or track and can honestly say since driving the 458 don't ever glance at it. Best

 

I also got it with the race package: clearly a must-have option!

 

It's a fun option if you just drive, and a great option if you track...

the reality is that if you are going to build a car at this price get what you really want and enjoy it because it is a new car that will depreciate.

Depreciation will accelerate on the introduction of the next model, so unless you are going to try to flip it quickly (which on a spider may be academic if you have to sign a contract that you have to sell it back to the dealer) the value is going to go down. Hopefully, your enjoyment of the car is not predicated on its depreciation.