Does anyone have suggestions how to protect the seat from exit and entry rash?
For the average owner & ownership period surely it cannot be a problem (ie maximum a couple of thousand miles a year for a couple of years til the next one comes along)
FWIW the dealer offered to do a rewrap of the narrow section bordering the driver's seat's (Daytona) left bolster with stitching (a very good vendor does this, I am told) for $900. I did not think that was too bad. Am holding off, figuring I can always do it.
At the minimum, I would keep the seat leather cleaned and conditioned. Dirty, dry leather is more easily damaged. I clean/condition the bolster areas more often. It definitely helps. Also, jeans are tough on leather, I usually wear different pants when driving the Ferrari.
Pat there are 2 suggestions. One is that the car comes with the red Ferrari seat covers (in the same bag as the car cover) and if you don't mind the look you can keep the drivers seat covered esp if you are wearing jeans with studs etc. Alternatively, there is an art to getting in and out of these seats with the solid side bolsters. The idea (without wanting to sound lilke a contortionist) is to first sit on the seat and then swing around as opposed to sliding into the seat which relies heavily on rubbing the bolster. Each to his own and as other guys have said if you keep up the leather conditioner on the bolsters then they will be less likely to peel/fray. Cheers
driving around in the original red seat covers to me is quite interesting and adventurous. I prefer to enjoy the Poltrona Frau in in a reasonable manner. It is just a shame if I have to save my seat so they can be perfect for the next owner but that's just me. At some point in time, I think I have to strike a balance. Admittedly, the sliding in and out on the passenger side does cause fraying. At the end of the day, it's analogous to" do you want to appreciate the design of your phone 4 s or cover it in a big chunk of plastic". Same for the seats. The seats are luxurious as they are but with the fine leather comes at the expense of being more easily frayed and worn.
Try getting into a Lotus Esprit. You either slightly rub the steering wheel or the bolster. I do it very slowly to create less friction.
IMVHO... If you are THIS concerned....and take this option.... I honestly don't think you should own a Ferrari...
When I test drove the 458k, my sales guy said that entering/exiting is a "learned" technique, and each has their own way. He suggested sitting in the seat first and sliding the legs in afterwards. Said he had never seen frayed bolsters on that type of entry. FWIW
Thanks for the concern about not owning a 458 but I am 6'-2" 250 lbs and replaced the leather on my 430 at 7,000 miles just didn't know some had come up with something interesting as an alternative.
Don't feel bad, I ordered my 458 with Large Racing Seats and my wife tells me she cannot find a "comfortable" position in these seats (when she compared seats at the New York Showroom). She is 5'7" weighs 118, with very long legs . I am looking for someone, either in San Diego or Las Vegas who can create, for a lack of better words, a leather and/or alcantara "pillow" or "insert" to fill in the front portion and gap in the racing seat. We all have our needs. Good luck.
Did you guys get seat covers in the same bag as the car cover? I have the racing seats and there was no seat covers.
I've found the F430 to have more or a problem of seat wear in the side bolsters than the 458 -- at least at this point. Seat covers to me seem like grandma putting plastic on the couches. To me, it's more patina than wear. Not everyone sees it that way unfortunately.
I have an extra set from my 430. If you have Daytonas and the size is similar they might fit. I think it would even fit the standard seat, but not the racing seat. PM me for more details if you think it will work. Anyone know if they'll fit?
For myself, I would never ever drive around my Ferrari in the original seat cover. Same logic : would I ever wear a Patek with saran wrap ? It defeats the the whole idea of having such nice Poltrona Frau seats but that's just me. Plus I valet my car a lot and the original seat covers on the seat would definitely make it most memorable to the valet professionals. At least they will always remember me. Some people would put 3M clear bra on a 458 but I would not do that.
LOL re grandma putting plastic on the couches. Grandpa puts GLAD wrap on the remote!!! Bdelp, as an aside, I test drove the FF today with a new Brown/Tan interior breathable leather that's a lot softer than the standard seats, the leather feels so great that putting a seat cover on it makes little sense. It would benefit the next owner if that's what you want! The FF surprised me. Fine it is a shooting brake concept with funny rear but I can see merits. I like it.
Can I suggest that on exit push the seat as far back as possible and swing your legs out. Do the reverse on entry. Best way to enter a Diablo.
