Attention 456 Owners: would you be interested in a new look for your car?

Just trying to get some feedback here - do you think 456 owners would be interested in carbon fiber bumpers and side skirts with a little more aggressive look, kind of like the difference from the regular 360 to the CS?

I realize that the buyers of the 456 tend to be more conservative and/or slightly older than the typical V8 Ferrari buyer, and may be less interested in modifications. There could be substantial weight savings though, and some might like a more "challenge" looking GT. I'd like to be one to offer aftermarket pieces for the 456, since it's been rather ignored.

456 owners, how do you feel about this?



Also, feel free to see our first 456 plans here: www.ryalexdesign.com/products/456.html

 

More carbon fiber parts sound nice, but my 456mgt weighs about 3800 lbs. If, God forbid, someone runs into my car, then I may be interested, but for now the fit and finish of the car as it is is fine with me.
Winston

 

Bumpers would be a great place to start Ryan. They're so heavy that they sag over time, creating a gap with the hood at the front and the bodywork at the rear. This happens to all of them. I'm debating whether to get mine 'repaired' ie. built up to compensate, or replace with something else. I'm sure you're already on the case, and know that the pre-M and M are different so you can't use the same parts for both.

The carbon fiber pieces on the light cluster don't do it for me I'm afraid- can't see the point. That one's too subtle!

I would say that 456 owners would be more conservative about their 456s, even if they aren't really conservative. I love the CS, though I'm not sure the look would translate as is to the 456. Bear in mind that the current price point is attracting younger owners, particularly those with young children. These are definitely more willing to make modifications, though the flip side is they are probably more price sensitive.

Really interested to see what you can do!

Kevin

 

I like the carbon fiber inserts on the rear lights. I'm in.

 

Thanks Rijk; coming from someone who by profession has high asthetic standards that is a mighty compliment. I will keep you posted as to their progress, hopefully have a set done in January.

 

Im looking at Ferrari 456, but the ones that are listed on EBAY only have automatic transmissions. Was the 456 only availble with an automatic transmission? or was it just ordered that way?

 

456 GT / 456M GT are 6-speed,
456 GTA / 456M GTA are automatic.

There were series of 456 Venice Pininfarina versions (Venice Spyder, Venice Estate, Venice Sedan....) made with 5-speed Mercedes Benz automatic transmission, for the Royal Family of Brunei.

 

Ahh thanl you Patrick for clearing that up for me.

 

the taillight thing doesnt particularly draw my attention either, but the nice thing about it is that it offers 456 owners to differentiate their cars a little without spending a fortune. even subtle differences help to personalize the car.

 

Like you said I think the 456 buyers tend to be older and more conservative than the V8 buyer. I think of them to like their cars more the way they come from the factory, with no or very little modifications. However, I do like your CF light covers. I think even the more conservative Ferrari buyer will find them attractive. Good idea Ryan.

-Doug

 

Thank you for your positive feedback. I'm working on plans for the 456, but am still trying to figure out GT to GTM compatibility (so I don't have to buy two things to make), and find a good deal on 456/M bumpers. There's plenty of weight to be lost with carbon fiber... we'll see what we can do!



In the meantime, a preview of Rijk's car with a potential first mod...
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

Click here: http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=44275

 

Ryan, IMHO your tail light correct the look of the car.

As for your side rocker design, it looks very sleek. Thumbs up!