Ferrari branding

Yes, I saw this article as well. I can honestly say that I think this is not only stepping over the line of shoddy branding/advertising, but obliterating the line itself. I think that Ferrari has the right to do whatever they please with the logos, corporate image and name so if they want to plaster these all over some gaudy toytown for adults, then so be it. But Ferrari, like any other major manufacturer of luxury goods has the right to make as much money as they can muster. Capitalism at its finest I guess. In my opinion, theme parks and the such are rather tacky and Ferrari shouldn't want to cheapen their image in such a way. Right about now, I'll be ducking for cover...

However, I don't think an entry-level model (Dino) will harm the Ferrari image. Although Ferrari has always been a revered for creating products sought after by both poor and rich, an entry-level product might do wonders for those of us who couldn't normally afford the current entry-level Ferraris. If however Ferrari decides to go the way Porsche is deciding to take (SUV, sedan), then things might very well never be the same.

 

Too much branding I think is B.S. Ferrari will be too mainstream. However, the new entry level Dino may work. Keep in mind that the Dino was an entry level back then. It was so entry level that Ferrari didnt wanna call it a Ferrari.

Someone once told me they remember the old Yonge Steels Motors and when they had the dino's in the window $12000.00 bucks new! Even back then that was pretty entry level. Gotta confirm that number LOL...

Vasco

 

the dark side, tempting, it is.

 

You are right on Rick. Decrease production and increase price. However, you are far from worrying about many people getting f-cars and not being able to be different anymore. Here in Canada it is far from that scenario when it comes to ultra exotic such as Fcars and Lambo's bro. However, Porsche guys do face that prob. Those things are everywhere. It's like every second guy has a 996 BiTurbo. (Sorry Ryan )

As for the Lambo...

Rick, DB. Drive one and you will see. I have had the pleasure of driving a first run Diablo 1991 and also a last run 2001 Diablo and it is sooo SICK! And Awesome! That 12 sounds like thunder and it feels like it's gonna rip through that little rear window. No joke. Rick, do yourself a fav and drive one. You will be pleasantly surprised. Ask Tom and a few others, they can back me up on that I would imagine. Joel, you around bro? Help me out here

Vasco

 

This is also being discussed in the general forum under this thread...
www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=82778 , if you care to see others opinions on this same topic.

As to my personal opinion, this is nothing new and should come as a shock to no one....well, maybe the scale is a little disturbing, lol!
Ferrari is now and for the last twenty years has been a notorious whore when it comes to marketing the brand, be it with spin off clothing and accessories, to pens, models, kids toy cars and all sorts of junk...hey, you name it, they'll slap a cavallino on it and sell it at a 300% mark-up.

The bottom line is, that's business. If people are buying, they will be selling. Do keep in mind that for most people, buying something with the Ferrari name or insignia will be as close as they come to owning an actual "Ferrari product".
The price is at least reasonable, and they have their little connection to the Ferrari world. Car owners might frown at this shameless marketing, but most non owners love that stuff. I even have a few dinky things of my own, I'm certainly not immune...

As already noted above, a more serious question might be is Ferrari hurting its "image" (?)(and by association, its perceived value/status) by slapping its name on anything it can. Well, isn't it similar to the situation with the overproduction of newer as opposed to older models? Or as Rick suggested, the new Dino. Heck, what about those damn Maseratis clogging up the Fcar dealerships? Some argue this is even more damaging to the marque...Ferrari is beginning to lose its "exclusivity", its getting watered down. Ever since Enzo died, the company has been run more and more like a business, as opposed to a small racing team that financed itself by selling road cars. Sure, they make a lot more money than they used to, but they have certainly lost something along the way. And its not over yet, that open wound started at Enzos death is still bleeding out...this new "theme park" is just the latest gush.

 

Yarr..... he's right.... *sigh* But at least it ain't no Corvette!

 

It is very interesting to contemplate what may have happened if Enzo were still around.

His attitude for example with sponsorship was that if it was motor related all good. Cigarettes , Tobacco etc was "prostitution" according to his view.

He would be turning in his grave at the thought of a Ferrari Farm in the middle east.

The branded merchandise etc "being as close as most people will ever get to owning a Ferrari" is an interesting point. You cant buy cheap facsimiles like you can with other luxury goods manufacturers.

As brilliant a job as Montezemolo and Todt have done in the modern era, they have opened a can of worms that can never be put away. The theme park is a nonsense.

Threre are limitless avenues they could have explored before this, if indeed they need to generate the cash so badly and I dont think they do!

I think they are after the quick easy buck and my fear is that now they are on a slide they will never get off.

 

I already mentioned the lambos to Rick. I told him they are quite the experiance to drive, that he would like it. But he loves Ferrari too much. Maybe one day next year I'll bring a Diablo for one of the rides and maybe that will convince him!

 

I agree 100%..it was one of the deciding factors when I sold my car

 

Giulio Zambeletti, Director of Ferrari's division of Brand Development & Partners said, "Ferrari's products and stores are having great success all over the world confirming the great potential for inspiration that our brand has . . . “ See http://www.ameinfo.com/71770.html

Yes, it’s all about the money. Perhaps when it was owner operated (and just when was the last time Enzo personally owned 51% - or had the equivalent voting shares?), the position was different, but now it is about the shareholder’s wishes. You are naïve if you think it isn’t. And why exclude Saleen, Lambo etc? They would open merchandise shops & theme parks if they could. Fast forward 20 years & all of the brands will be unrecognizable – or maybe undistinguishable?

The old world automotive passion is dead. Forget the days of the craftsman hammering out a fender on a wooden jig. That’s now just a cute romantic history – nothing more. Racing is about brand enhancement & sponsorship deals & car building is about moving maximum inventory at maximum profit.

Was your car only fun to drive when it was more exclusive? Of course not. It is up to us – the old b*stards – to buy the older cars & restore them & drive them & keep the passion alive. That way our grandkids might at least remember some of the glory – from that amazing ride in Granddad’s old sports car. So wipe your drool off of that 430 & go buy a 512 or a Testa or a Miura or an air-cooled 911 . . . whatever.

The old cranky one’s all sound better anyway . . .

Ian

 

AMEN to that.

 

Boy have I been quiet for way too long. So hear goes......

Vasco, I'm affraid it's not fair for me to judge a ride for it's true worth since I don't own these cars. I rented a Ferrari 360, and a Lamborghini Diablo. For a first time ride in those rides, the thrill was absolutely incredible. What more can be said. I'm still on the sidelines when it comes to making any recomendations. Sure I can say buy one, you'll love it, but will you really love it? Perhaps I'm being facecious about it, but I'm only being honest. I do appreciate you asking for my opinion however.

Rick, as a NON owner, I'll be the last person to tell you how to get a thrill out of driving, and owning an exotic sports car. You are an owner, and despite the thrill it must be to get into your TR and rip up the roads, you can do this anytime. I can't. It's a thrill, but I'm sure some of the novelty has worn through the years. I've only driven each of those cars only once, so the novelty for me is still way up there as you can imagine. I'm dying to drive these cars again. It would also be a thrill and an honour to own one, or even both of those breeds as well. For me, I haven't experienced highs and lows of ownership, you have, so you will always know what's best for you.

Anybody who knows me knows that I like Lambos over Ferraris by far. So why am I here. Simply to learn! And damm, I've learned a lot from so many great people here. I have an open mind, and cherish everyone's opinion on any car brand. I love Ferrari's a lot, and would love to own one anyday, even before getting my hands on a Lambo. F-chat is great. Just do a search on anything, and there is a wealth of information at your disposal.

Anyway, sorry for blabbing on. I'll shut up again. Take care all.

Joel

 

OT.

Ian, you don't go by the handle "The General" do you?

Joel

 

Joel, good seeing you on here again. You need to stick around longer. Better yet, when the hell are you gonna come by and say hi again?!

I mentionned you only because you are a Lambo nut and your points are valid even though you say that you only drove a Lambo once. Why would you say you can't persuade anyone to buy? Sure you can. You have driven a Lambo and I am sure you fall into less than 5% of people in this country who have.

You think when a potential client goes and looks at a Lambo that he/she will drive it more than once? Don't think so. Some may even never get a chance to take one out at the dealer. Some may get out a few times because they might have special treatment for whatever reason (Multiple ownership, buys Ragin_Bull espresso's everyday etc. )

I havent met Rick but I sense he will seriously look at Lambo's more and more. They got "Rick" all over them. Maybe because he is so full of Bull I dunno

C'mon Rick, you wanted to add to the stable......how about a Roadster and a Testa. Tell me that's not ultra-Porn!

Anyways, just my .02 cents.

Vasco

 

No no no. As much as I love love the Countach that is NOT what I thought you would like. I say Diablo any year ESPECIALLY the 2001. That is more "you" especially coming from a TR. It's a nice compliment to the TR.

Countach is too hands on and I am afraid you wont be able to get back out of one once you sat in it LOLL..........I know I couldnt.

Do yourself a favour. Go look at a 2001. In fact call me and well go to GTA leasing and we will take James' VT for a run. He will be more than happy..........oh and bring your check book!

Cheers,

V.

 

No. Just imcarthur on all the forums. A cutesy name just doesn't work for me.

But you raise a point with your professed nod to the bull rather than the stallion. I'm a Pcar guy. It's what I wanted. It's what I bought. It's what I'll have in years to come. Not one of the anonymous new cars. A 80s Carrera. When cars were cars & men were men . . .

Fcars are exquisite . . . well . . . some of them, anyway. The older ones. Daytonas. Boxers. But really not for me. I just can't shake the cliché. Not to say that Pcars don't have a cliché too. But I don't think I'm a pr*ck.

Lambos are over the top. I would never want to be THAT visible. Maserati's are cool, but only because of the Joe Walsh song & some 70's movies. Now THAT dates me!

We all like what we like. We all love cars. The smell. The sound . . . the rush when the tach is climbing fast & the corner is coming faster . . . Some of you guys know what I'm talking about. That's why I'm here.

But, I can't deny, that a Porsche theme park, complete with 911 bumper cars WOULD p*ss me off. I mean, Pcar lovers have had to endure friggin' SUVs! Profitable but a serious, serious dilution of the brand. And the 996 is another abomination. The Cayman will buy time while they develop a new premium but quasi affordable platform (one would hope). So, I guess I can understand some of your indignation Big Red.

Ian

 

Well if you think Ferrari has gone too far, don't worry, it can go farther:

http://www.newlaunches.com/archives/ferrari_branded_f-20_and_f-19_acer_lcd_monitors.php

 

Talk about cashing out. That is sad.

Perhaps a Ferrari Track suit for Rickster?

 

Back earlier this summer when I was switching from the 355, I had seriously considered going the "way of the bull". Even went as far as going to the dealer downtown and looked specifically at the 2 2001 Diablo's they had (one purple, the other Orange) Ive always loved the look, and reportedly they (in general) are relatively trouble free and "Audified" (except for the adjustible/liftable suspension). They were fairly priced and in good condition, but once I sat in the car, I knew it wasnt for me. Way to cramped to sit and get comfortable in with very poor visibility, and these ones were supposed to have the "best" interiors? I didnt think so. As well, Im not sure I could live with the outlandish looks (the 355 was bad enough!). A five speed? With first gear on the bottom (eh, Rick?). Im sure the driving experience is right on, but I couldnt live with all the other factors...when I hoped into my 355 after, it almost felt like a honda, lol.

On the other hand, when I sat in the 550 for the first time, it was instant love at first "sitting". Dont get me wrong, I had always thought the 550 was the least attractive of all the Fcars, and the Diablo always made me drool. But the reality turned out to be just the opposite, so I did the deal....the cost was almost identical for either, it just came down to what made me feel best. Ive never regretted it since, the 550 has grown on me more and more, now Id be hard pressed to switch...and this is coming from a guy who has never kept a fun car for more than a year or two.

Sorry for the rambling hijacking, but I thought Id get my 2 cents in regarding the 2001 Diablos...definately try one before buying one. It might not be for you either...even if you had always loved them.

Now, back to Ferrari-land.....

 

LMAO....Id be willing to bet there is one right in the back of his closet already!!