http://www.caranddriver.com/previews/11159/preview-review-2006-ferrari-599gtb-fiorano.html
Tiff has under-steer. They get over-steer. Huh, I take it they got more than an authoritative finger waved in front of them for that one.
"While contemplating all this and the now dented fenders, Valente leans over and says, “Actually, I pretty much had the shot on the second run.”" Classic.
Oversteer at 30 is still better than understeer @ 90. Tiff's tires must have been off, or traction control wasn't. Doubt C&D get any press invites in, say, the next millenia. Image Unavailable, Please Login
Are you guys sure it was Tiff? I don't see his name mentioned. There is a referrance to some other names though.
In general, automotive journalists are useless drivers and shouldn't be entrusted with anything greater than a Hyundai. Smucking a 599 is just another example.
My son was the Nissan product planner in charge of the 350Z in 2001-2003 and had to introduce US auto journalists to the car. He often told me how surprised he was by the low level of driving (and other) skills they showed.
I think there are people that can write really well, and people that can drive really well. People that can do both are rare and do not make up 100% of auto journalists. i w0ndr whr me wouLd bee?
We in the US are not blessed with any of the real good auto journalists who can write and see beyond their nose. Special mention here of Detroit journalists especially those at AutomotiveNews/Autoweek. These guys' only purpose in life is to desperately try to find endearing features in GM and Ford products. The west coast auto press is a little better informed but pale in comparison with British and German writers/testers. Few exceptions like Simanaitis (R&T)
I've read extensively Car, Autocar, Motor Trend, Road & Track, Automobile and Car & Driver, and I can honestly say that the quality of the journalism in C&D stands out head & shoulders above the rest. Not only do I think that the quality of journalism is good for a car magazine, I think it represents a quality level equal to some of the very best newspapers or magazines in the world regardless of subject. It is the only magazine I read cover to cover and never have a "get round to it" stockpile of back issues because it's been read before the next issue arrives. The articles are occasionally irreverent, often hilarious, usually very well researched and accurate, and always very entertaining. It doesn't matter whether it's a review of the new Ferrari 599 Fiorano or the latest econobox from Kia; the review is a rewarding read. I find the level of writing in C&D is not sophomoric or attempting to appeal to the "lowest common denominator" that afflicts so many of the other publications. The articles I've read from Phillips, Bedard, Robinson, Webster, Yates are often very thought provoking and enlightening and represent, to my mind, the epitome of insightful journalism. What other magazine is going to bring you articles about what it's like to drive a mimesweeper, a nuclear submarine, an airport firefighter crew or bring you an article about a cross country jaunt in a bunch of "diesel beaters". If you want the same bland, sycophantic, "me too" reviews (read: "reprints of press releases") there are lots of car magazines that will pander to you. If you want originality, independence, witty astute journalism there is only one Car & Driver. Many of their reporters are extremely accomplished with backgrounds in various racing sports. The best drivers in the world occasionally spin, lose control or crash their cars, some paying the ultimate price for a brief lapse of concentration. There is no successful racing driver in the world that never makes a mistake or loses control. C&D didn't have to report that they had an oopsie with the Ferrari (I'm sure they could have let it be reported elsewhere), but it's a mark of their integrity that they chose to do so, and let's face it, the article was a lot more entertaining because of it (everyone loves a little schadenfreude now and then). I realize that C&D don't need me to defend 'em, with an audited circulation of around 1.4M, but I just can't understand why anyone would have any disdain for them. Success breeds contempt I suppose.
But you dont read EVO, which blows every magazine on the planet(on the subject of new performance cars anyway) http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showpost.php?p=135865779&postcount=34 Enjoy
Well, EVO tends to use hyperbole a little too often, C&D leans a little more to dry reporting that leaves me bored and still uninformed. That said, I think the accident was minor and that the reporter was doing what anyone would do, play with the functions to see if they do or don't improve the car's characteristics. He just found out at the wrong time. There are more than a few members here that have done something equally as stupid.
I guess that auto-journalist believed in his own BS and convinced himself he's a good driver. Unfortunately reality proved otherwise. So why would anyone take his driving impressions seriously now? Good drivers have the uncanning ability to get in a car they have never driven before and take it on a piece of road they have never been on, yet within a very short time, they manage to find the limits within a few percent without going over it. That writer isn't one of them. He simply has no respect for the car because he knows he doesn't have to pay for damages.
that gets invited to drive with some teams, named Patrick Hong, works for Road and Track. He actually was on a team at Nuerburgring this weekend that finished 5th in the 24 hour race. And, yes Pat Bedard has raced at Indy. But generally most of the guys are writers. John Phillips from C/D, and Peter Egan from Road and Track are some of the best comedy writers anywhere.
http://www.wreckedexotics.com/newphotos/exotics/599_20060613_002.shtml Thats not to bad, compared to other ferrari crashes, ehrm ehrm cough cough , stefan and his enzo.
I agree, Brit-- C&D is the only US mag I read, they are opinionated and very funny, and the writing is very acceptable. EVO is hands down the best car mag, but I don't buy every issue at $11 a pop, ouch. As for the 599 it was not a matter of oversteer but over-correction. That's when they get for playing with the Manettino. Somewhere on F-Chat I read a quote that the top setting should read, "God." LOL, I guess they found this out first hand. I did find the cover to be a bit brazen as they boast about "crash testing" the car, when it was just a little fender bender.