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Carbon Fiber Steering Wheel--Better Function or Purely a?

Discussion in 'Ferrari Discussion (not model specific)' started by chet, Jun 5, 2009.

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  1. chet

    chet F1 Rookie

    Jun 9, 2007
    2,959
    Chicago
    #1 chet, Jun 5, 2009
    I am close to buying my first Ferrari. The owner of the one I am close to buying added a $5500 carbon fiber steering wheel. Other than being a little lighter (I assume), does it function differently or was it selected purely for aesthetic reasons?

    I spoke to an independent mechanic who has worked exclusively on Ferraris since 1970 and he had nothing good to say about that wheel or cf accessories in general.

    Thoughts?
     
  2. Nuvolari

    Nuvolari F1 Veteran
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    Rob C.
    #2 Nuvolari, Jun 5, 2009
    Purely asthetic. There is no functional difference.
     
  3. AceMaster

    AceMaster Three Time F1 World Champ

    Feb 6, 2009
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    #3 AceMaster, Jun 5, 2009
    I read the same thing - that there is no functional advantage whatsoever.
     
  4. TheMayor

    TheMayor Ten Time F1 World Champ
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    Vegas baby
    #4 TheMayor, Jun 5, 2009
    Your mechanic is right and wrong. He's right in that it adds nothing to performance. He's wrong when it comes to adding something to the aesthetics.

    You can decide the value of "cool" without his help.
     
  5. noone1

    noone1 F1 Rookie
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    #5 noone1, Jun 5, 2009
    $5500? Rip off... yikes
     
  6. Jackmb1

    Jackmb1 F1 Rookie

    Dec 27, 2005
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    #6 Jackmb1, Jun 5, 2009
    +1
     
  7. #Lennard

    #Lennard Formula 3

    Aug 26, 2006
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    Lennard
    #7 #Lennard, Jun 6, 2009
    Purely asthetic. Except for the newer ones with the shift lights (Scuderia/599/etc.)
     
  8. Forexpreneur

    Forexpreneur Formula Junior

    May 11, 2009
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    Alexander Everhart
    #8 Forexpreneur, Jun 6, 2009
    That is a very good point. All done and said I have driven some with CF and many with leather. I personally love the feel of leather. However a CF with the lights, now that is truly functional.
     
  9. WILLIAM H

    WILLIAM H Three Time F1 World Champ

    Nov 1, 2003
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    HUBBSTER
    #9 WILLIAM H, Jun 6, 2009
    I added a cf wheel to my F40

    I found the original a bit slippery, my cf wheel has suede on it making for a firmer contact so in my case the suede at least is functional and it takes a few ounces off and I think cf goes well w F40s
     
  10. Solobagpiper

    Solobagpiper Karting

    May 6, 2009
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    Mark Frost
    #10 Solobagpiper, Jun 8, 2009
    Looks cool but won't make any meaningful difference in your driving experience, unless it's entirely carbon fiber, in which case it will be slippery and dangerous.
     
  11. paulie_b

    paulie_b F1 Veteran
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    Jan 13, 2003
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    Paul Bianco
    #11 paulie_b, Jun 8, 2009
    not for $5,500!
     
  12. marknkidz

    marknkidz Formula 3
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    #12 marknkidz, Jun 8, 2009
    Exactly!!!! i tried calling one of the board sponsors and asking if they could make one for my Stradale with lights...they couldnt, so i passed.

    however if someone does come up with one with the shifting lights like the Scud or Enzo...i would sign up for one in a heart beat!!
     
  13. tazandjan

    tazandjan Three Time F1 World Champ
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    Terry H Phillips
    #13 tazandjan, Jun 8, 2009
    Chet- Nice to have, but I would not pay the guy extra for it if that is what he is trying to do to you. Does he still have the original wheel?

    Taz
    Terry Phillips
     
  14. dakharris

    dakharris Two Time F1 World Champ

    Jun 7, 2001
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    #14 dakharris, Jun 8, 2009
    That price quoted is installed, I hope. I have a CF steering wheel. While admiring the car, it looks great. While driving, I would actually prefer leather where the CF is.
     
  15. Nuvolari

    Nuvolari F1 Veteran
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    Rob C.
    #15 Nuvolari, Jun 8, 2009
    Wow I wish I earned that much in the 15mins it takes to install a steering wheel ;)
     
  16. chet

    chet F1 Rookie

    Jun 9, 2007
    2,959
    Chicago
    #16 chet, Jun 8, 2009
    Yes, he has the original wheel but sadly the deal is falling apart. He can't get anything financed but an SLR and he's never been in one before. IF he can find an SLR and IF he likes it, he will pursue; otherwise he will keep the 612 until the environment changes. I am quite disappointed.
     

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