Cancelled my 296 after seeing it, keeping F8

Not sure if this has already been posted, but check out designer Frank Stephenson's YouTube channel for an excellent video showing his subtle changes to the 296 design. They all make sense and improve the car. Maybe Ferrari needs to go outside the four walls (Pininfarina?) for a different look.

 

Everything goes now by computer, if there is a problem they attach a computer to the car and try to find and solve the problem which is registrated by the computers of the car. If necessary they link the computer to computers of the factory in Maranello (It).

 

Ferrari says that the 296 is more fun to drive, so I am waiting to make a testdrive, and see what kind of sound the engine makes, but that will probably be next year. The 488 has to my opinion not a nice sound, so I would never buy a F8/488.

 

Time will tell how reliable the 296 will be; once warranty runs out,the gremlin nuisance could tax the humor of the situation.

 

Lots of general overall critiques about the 296 styling vs the F8, yet no real specifics (other than someone mentioning the tail lights). I'm really curious what the specific complaints are - if anyone would care to elaborate?

 

The 458 is gorgeous. The latter 8’s are nice too, but not as good. The 296? appears much less hideous than the SF 90…

 

No Special Version of the F8

 

Agreed on both of these new designs. Usually new designs on Porches, Ferraris, etc., grow on me over time, but these have not. The SP3 reminds me of the Vector in the late 70's. The rear end is akin to cars created for sci-fi movies in the 70's and 80's in my opinion. Way to over styled. The side rakes of the Testarossa were integrated and worked visually. The rear end of the SP3 is garish in my opinion.

 

Hey - I'll be at your dealer on Sat as well....would love to hear what you think. I ordered the 296 because I like the new, all glass cockpit. I like the idea of a brand new style, but in a way haven't "loved" it. Wondering if I should continue with my order or not.

 

No - the cockpit felt very spacious to me...one of the main reasons I ordered it. I also loved the glass control panels. I have a 488 and love it. Surprised there's not more comments about the 488 here...to me it's more appealing to the eye than the F8, but at the same time and in a larger sense, the two cars look almost identical - 488 and F8.

 

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder......
Yes, style & appearance is an important part of ownership.
The ownership experience includes but not limited to: performance, comfort, driveability (track & street), curb appeal, automotive engineering advancements and so on. Not just sexy lines.

As an owner of a 458 and Mac720, I am not canceling my order. Still have time to decide if I trade in one of those or add to the stable. I do not disagree with some of you that it is difficult to warm up to the new and unique design of the 296, but it is 2021 (uh really 2022). Onward!

Con,,I hate, and will always dislike the real tail of this car. All F-cars should have some form of round tail lights. But I don't hate it enough to override the pros.
Three key points....
1st, the power plant: I am salivating over 818hp and F1 technology in the way of a new hybrid format for a street car. 818hp should cure any ill feelings about having a V6 sitting behind me.
2nd, the style: I think they did something really special here by integrating the lines of my favorite F-cars ever (the 250LM & Dino) with SF90-esque front end elements.
3rd, the interior advancements and user-friendly controls: I'm looking forward to interior controls that are more up to date than my beautiful 458. I was a bit apprehensive when I picked up the 720 but after a while I really began to love the all the latest & greatest in controls, screens, wireless, etc...

Side notes:

• The shorter wheel base and lower overall height is appealing to me. And yes, I still hate the rear end.
• The sound, while not like the 458, it is better than the twin turbos (488 & F8)
• Moving forward and out of the past.......Unless you are a "car collector", I think I would like to experience all the automotive advancements before I retire my driving shoes and hit the pine box. The 720 opened my eyes to that. Some of you might find this is crazy, but after 10+ yrs of Ford GT ownership I was at peace dropping the keys and walking out with the Mac 720. We had a great run and I met some of my best friend through that circle of ownership, but what the 720 offered was an opportunity to drive nearer to the potential performance that the engineers and designers targeted.
• While I was salivating for a newer Ferrari (between the 488 & F8) , every time I sat in them, they just felt too much like my 458. Just not screaming to me " a leap forward" .

So, for me, I will keep my spot on the list and look forward to my 296. And, if it turns out to be a bust, then I guess I will just turn it in or sell it outright.
The dealership said they will be happy to take it off my hands. They have 45 guys behind me that couldn't get one of the 12 available spots.

100hp more than my 720, should be a blast!
Closing note......To me , the only real mistake Ferrari ever mad with a mid-engine design was the 348. This is nowhere near that car in a flawed design.
Sorry if there are any 348 owners reading this. I apologize in advance....

JL

 

What is your opinion on the body styling of the 296? I ordered it but haven't fallen in love with it yet - the styling that is.

 

I feel the same way. Almost quoted you literally after I saw it in person.

 

My opinion of the 296 design. I like some aspects of the design but the rear is kind of looking like the modern day Camaro.

 

I'm on the opposite end . I don't have much interest in the cars unless it is a 812. But the little 296 is quite tasty. But it does get up to $400,000 with tax, tag, and title. I do love the F8 also. But the Roma just leaves me thinking I looking at some kind of Lexus-Aston mixture. you should do us a favor and take one for the team.
Keep us posted.

 

I think Dyson vacuum cleaners have that option now also.

Fun

Ray

 

Is this the 296 sound?

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CWR5jZmJk9K/

 

Warrantee has never run out before seeing electrical issues ( battery ) on the 458,488, F8 , Pista. On the SF90 and 296 they will just be bigger.

 

Sounds like an Emira might be to your liking. Imo it certainly looks nicer, sounds nicer and option of manual transmission too

 

I didn’t cancel a 296 order but I cancelled selling my 458 spider just as the potential buyer was going to collect it. The 296 convinced me that the 458 is going to be a collectible

 

In this thread I may be a minority but out of the 458-488-f8 cars. I feel the f8 is by far the least attractive and have never considered purchasing an f8 for that reason. The 296 seems promising but I will reserve judgment till I see and hear one in person. It seems most people on f chat that either have an f8 or have one on order automatically dislike the 296.


Sent from my iPhone using FerrariChat

 

ouch! that must have been a real kick in the nuts for that buyer. You mean literally the buyer had paid for the car and you cancelled the sale when he/she was on the way over?!?

 

Was out in my 488 GTB a week or so ago and at a stop light...driving in the opposite direction was a BEAUTIFUL dark/navy blue 360 Modena. Just took my breath away. I haven't seen one in person in a while...if there's another modern Ferrari that's stood the test of time with re: to its design etc better than the 360...I have no idea what it could be. It's the one 3xx,4xx I've never owned. Gotta get one I think

 

I keep forgetting the 296 is actually the replacement for the f8, and there isn’t another mid engine car coming out, that would sit in between it and the SF.