Don't sell your F430 or 360!

The new F458 had the chance to be something great, and performance wise it still may, the dual clutch has to be a massive improvement over the F1 box (crappy in my opinion).

But the bodywork (not the design lines) is absolutely awful, it looks like a kit car; and something Ferrari pieced together to avoid manufacturing expenses (and to maintain profits). The bean counters are out in force so when they start compromising who knows where it ends. If you pay a premium for this car you are.....!

Attached are a few pictures that might demonstrate the point, ad I do realize that love is blind.

While the 360/430 has their flaws they were minor compared to the 458. I think the 458 establishes the previous design as "classic", hold on tight.
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I dont understand your point. What are these pictures supposed to show ?

 

I think he's talking about the panel gaps and imperfections in fit-and-finish. I also think he hasn't taken into account that these particular cars were probably thrown together with haste in order to make the auto show circuit- and that they aren't the final production versions that will be delivered to customers.

I personally only see one flaw in these pictures - and it's around the right front light assembly. Probably chipped during shipment.

 

good, thank god and get out of the way, so I can get one from my local dealer quicker!

 

what chip? it looks fine to me. the headlight covers are not flat, they rise slightly on the inside edges, and follow the line up the hood...

 

He's talking pish....click.

 

While there are pleasing elements, it also looks like a kit car (in places) and that the development/tooling effort was cut short. It lacks an overall integration and pieces seem to have been tacked on, they may be useful or functional but the aesthetics are open to question. Hence the F430/360 comparison, a much better all around execution.

It didn't thrill me in the same way as the 599 where it was clearly a "no compromises' approach.

 

Obviously, you've never seen a kit car...

 

I don't like the lack of fit of the hood to the fenders. The "carbon fibre" filler doesn't look right, but then again, I haven't seen the car in person.

Other than the "sheet metal" the car looks like a 360/430, which it probably is, with improvements, such as the transmission, and better motor.

Art

 

hey whatcha trying to say? my Fiero F355 puts a Rolls to shame in the fit and finish department

 

Art: If you look close, that "carbon fibre" filler is actually a functional grill. This car was designed to minimize tacky grills being placed everywhere spoiling the overall design and disrupting the airflow.

This car was designed to be visually the complete opposite of the Lotus Elise.

 

Go away and get yourself a Lexus....

 

Are these on the ground ready to be purchased???

 

None of these cars are "classic".

I think the 458 looks like a huge step forward, at least in the photos. I'm not keen on the lack of a manual gearbox, but I guess that's what new cars are about -- technology.

 

Crappy post of the month goes to....


No matter what "flaws" it has, it looks head and heels better then the 360/430. IMO it's almost as nice as the 355.

 

That wheel doesn't sit centered in the wheel well. Looks kinda odd, I must say

 

Any reason why you also posted this on Rennlist, the Porsche board?

Same exact post.

 

The angle I think.

 

Ah! So it's a conspiracy!

BTW: the 458 is amazing. My 430 is amazing. Nuf said.

 

Because there was a thread (not initiated by me!) there specifically related to Ferrari (and I participate there too). Since I was writing about it, and I frequent here (as well as a Ferrari owner) I thought I would share my initial impressions and cross post.

I have sold many cars in my life to chase the latest and greatest (and only a few with regrets) but this car might not be one that I would chase. If I were to buy this car (assuming an MSRP allocation) it would be because performance transcends the looks, and after proof that they have the bugs worked out in the new transmission (since it is not six speed). Unfortunately, I am disappointed in some of the up close looks, some design elements, and some construction techniques

Hopefully, those are sufficient reasons to visit and opine here!

I sense some of you here might be having a difficult time with any opinion that is not "Kool-Aid" induced.

When you start to question motive(s) too early in a thread (especially over opinions expressed concerning impressions, taste or "art"), could it be because you are taking things (and yourself) a little too seriously?

Maybe the disappointment will diminish over time, but in the meantime the looks/beauty of the 430/360 have been revived.... sort of like how the F355 guys feel about the 430/360 in direct comparison terms!

 

With all due respect, I think OP's post is overly inflamatory for no good reason. The pics show nothing.

It's OK to criticize and voice issues. But, this seems a bit over the top for what he is presenting.

 

Ape wants 458.

 

Holy moley. The front bumper is huge!!!!

 

After me bud!

Actually, I want a spider. I'm a poseur.