CS Random Observations

Nice write up. I want to own one of these cars so bad that I have had thoughts of offfing my Turbo S. BUt I would like to have both in my garage at the same time. Funny thing, with the Pss9 suspension set firm the Porsche stereo does the same thing. Pretty worthless.

 

Awesome write-up! I actually read the whole thing!

 

Very nice write-up - congrats on the car..

I do think the CS is very sexy. More so than the 355 and 550. The 550 is however, class personified. Good analogy

 

I don't know if the pumps in your area have the vapor recovery hoods like the ones here in CA. If they do, try venting the tank by lifting the rubber hood while pumping gas. I do that routinely on my 360 and it really helps. It's a bit of a hassle because you need to use both hands but it beats taking 10 minutes to slowly pump 25 gallons of fuel!

 

You do such an excellent write up on your cars.

 

Interesting observations, even though many of them seemd to be of the somewhat negative variety I can understand that, with you having far more civilized F cars previously. Of course, none of those, let's say, "less than glowing comments", are going do anything to tarnish my own nervous excitement and "childlike anticipation".
But, will you do a "part 2", with more driving impressions, and talk more about the F1 tranny? See, I have no previous experience with Ferrari, prior to my incoming CS, let alone a car with a mid-engine layout, and an F1 tranny. Does it feather the clutch as you start off like you would do with your left leg in a standard manual? Do you always put it in neutral when at a stop light? I recall someone today saying they let their friend drive their 360 F1, and smoked the clutch off the line by flooring it. Can you pull back both paddles and "rev it"? Tell us more about the exhaust note, both in the lower & upper rev range, windows up, windows down, you get the idea. What's it like having an engine right behind your head? I have so many questions, you have so little time.

 

so you ain't missing the 550, even slightly ?

 

I would agree on the F1 tranny. When I first got the maser(F1), there was no way I was ordering it in the 430 (which will replace the 6 spd 360). But after living with it for a few months, I will definitely choose F1 for the 430.
Thanks for the review.

 

That's exactly what I'm gonna feel like when my CS arrives. No sales guy to orient me to the car, nothing but your basic hands-on trial and error stuff. To tell you the truth, I'm kinda concerned I'm gonna do something really stupid with the F1. Go ahead, leave me all alone on this "island of ignorance", (hey, that sounded pretty cool), I'll muddle through somehow :-/ Is there site I could go to read up on how to work an F1 tranny?

 

hey doody. congrats!

perceptions from person to person are always interesting in how they can differ so much.

"sexy" is the description that immediately comes to mind every time i see my stradale.

also, i'm quite surprised you find the suspension stiff - especially not in race mode. i'm absolutely amazed at how compliant the supsension is given it is completely flat in cornering. this is no doubt due to the attention to reducing unsprung weight (case in point the titanium lug nuts!). i've never driven a car that is both so flat and so compliant over imperfections. the amazing thing to me is how very communicative it remains while being so compliant. again though, this is 100% due to the wonderful attention to detail they exercised in reducing unsprung weight.

as for the horn, i didn't even know (or care) where it was for a month or so until i accidentally hit it. since buying the car, i've used it twice and both times were on accident. so, i would conclude it isn't that poorly placed for only two accidentals.

as for the required hand placement at 9 and 3, this is how you should always drive a sports car. on the road driving mellow, i suppose this could be a little tiresome, but to me it enhances the race car experience the stradle exudes.

i too was an F1 hater prior to this car. but, i can just drive it so damn quickly and easily with the perfect up and downshifts which are controlled from where my hands are normally when driving agressively. i about spunk in my pants everytime i downshift while preparing for a corner entry. it just sounds and feels so sweet.

as for the schitty stereo (which i very rarely use anyway), horrible rear visability and lack of storage, i concur. however, wait til your car is out of break in and you will be so very moved you will absolutely forget about those three inconveniences. btw, i crack up every time i listen to that $2k POS stereo.

this car is so much more fun and rewarding than the porsche CGT to me. take away the track performance numbers and the ability to remove the top on the CGT, and the CGT just doesn't compare favorably IMO.

" That's exactly what I'm gonna feel like when my CS arrives. No sales guy to orient me to the car, nothing but your basic hands-on trial and error stuff."

steve, that was my experience as well and it was no big deal. it's been very easy to acclimate to the car without any instruction. i haven't even read the manual.

 

i understand what you're saying, but the biggest problem with the horn button location is when some yoyo suddenly starts to cross over the line on the freeway and you want to "instantly" blast a warning at him. that's when you'll wish the horn button was located in the center of the steering wheel and not those little buttons.

 

An interesting point. I found this annoying at first (my CS was also my first F1). But I do the following:

a) Have the steering wheel on max extension so its as near as possible.
b) make sure I don't sit too far back either. I find more immediacy to throttle control if its not a stretch there as well.
c) I then find that I can mix hand positions. I often have my left hand below the spoke and trigger downshifts with a forefinger. Similarly I rest my right palm on the top of the right spoke and trigger up shifts with my little finger.
d) Finally you can take advantage of the longer paddle on the right to have you hand in a variety of positions as the wheel turns.

I too pressed the horn lots, but you do get used to it.

 

I'll second that. I always sit in "race position"... meaning seat very upright putting myself close to the wheel... I often drive with my hands in odd positions... often drive one handed... takes some thought to shift properly with the "wrong" hand... but you get used to it.

I haven't gotten used to that... especially in autox... I hate the position of the horns. I could never find it where my Modena had them... and at first thought the CS position was an improvement... until I started hitting it accidently... ugh.


Brian

 

"take away the track performance numbers and the ability to remove the top on the CGT, and the CGT just doesn't compare favorably IMO."

For my driving wants, thats a lot of stuff to take away!!!

While I don't have a CS, I do have F1 and like Doody and Ben, I was skeptical at best, but after a couple thousand miles, I find I like it more and more. Personally, I really like to drive with both hands on the wheel, especially if I am pushing it at all, and find the paddles positions great for two hands driving.
Doody, thanks for the write up. Too bad we can't all have all the models we want!! I miss my 550 too.

 

I don't drive it to my business... not even 2 miles... I only drive it if its at least 12 miles... so that the car gets warmed up before I am parking it. I do wish it warmed up instantly.

Yep... when you pick up a rock and pelt the underside of the car or wheel well... DAMN that's shocking!

Agreed. In fact, after my drive to CA and back, I can honestly say the CS is the most comfortable car I own in many ways!!

Stiff, yes... painful on gravel... but remarkably compliant over larger bumps and dips and such... I think that lightweight unsprung parts allows it to be both stiff and compliant... I am often amazed at how comfortable the ride is, despite the stiffness and flatness.

In theory... but I am nervous about it. It'll be interesting to see how it looks 5 years from now.

Vibrates and rolls... on the floor too... that's the second thing that surprises the cr@p out of me... metallic, hollow, sliding sound and then thwapp against something... that echoes through the cabin so its hard to tell where it came from.

I fit two small rolling suitcases, two medium sized duffle bags, a small refrigerator, a huge track bag with two helmets and two fire suits, a rolling crate that folds up, two backpacks full of stuff, a shoe bag, a 12-pack, and a few other things... all in the boot or the shelf behind the seats (no silly subwoofer taking up space).

Disagree whole-heartedly... but that's a different thread.

No, it IS a joke. Your comments and the others in this thread have made me extra glad I did NOT buy that option. For tunes, I have my iPod; for scores or traffic reports, I got a little FM radio earpiece for my Treo cell phone.

Yeah, I've found certain pumps/stations to be less compatible with the CS than others. Try other stations... you might find a few that work well.


Brian

 

Very nice. I enjoyed your thoughts on the CS. I also liked your comparison of your previous F-cars to the CS. You must feel that the CS is sexy looking or as good looking as the other F-cars you have owned? I am curious of what your thouhgts will be when it is broken in? You make me think of selling my 360 for a CS. Thank you again. I look forward to reading more.

 

One other question. Have you driven it at night? How does it look all light up? How are the headlights (brightness)?

Thank you again.

 

Doody-can I come take some of my own pics at some point? I think your car is stunning, I saw it being prepped (just in the garage after closing, and couldnt agree more on the all black interior. My pic might have been black with a black/yellow interior, but otherwise yours is what I would pick. It is a gorgeous machine, and I hope you enjoy it a lot!!! Do we know any board members that need taking care of that have one that are..ahem, on their last legs

 

Is there a CGT for sale here? I am interested and I am not a dealer.

 

Reading this thread and the CS comparison with the 550 made me miss my 550. What a wonderful and under-appreciated car the 550 is now-days. I guess only prior/current owners really appreciate the perfect balance Ferrari struck with the 550.

 

Yep, I am. It should be delivered to me this month and I will commence marketing it.

Yimn, it's Seal Gray with Ascot interior.