Handling Speciale package

I was asking the same question - it seems for comfort stay with the magna ride as the new package is 15 percent stiffer

 

The HS will be stiffer in all settings but will handle better. The front, bonnet, and side vents will also be silver.

I ordered HS because I wanted absolutely minimal body roll. I believe it comes down to how often you will use the car. Daily driver: don't get it. Weekend: get it. But magnaride is a must. Regret not having it in the 2012.

 

So, a question tied to the handling. Is there a definitive consensus that the 19's and 20's are equal with MagnaRide? Does the HS change the feel of either wheel?

I was always a believer that 20's were too much wheel for a good, stiff ride?

I guess that my question is: Which is better for the Cali-19's or 20's, with/without Mag or HS?

 

I always was under the premise that more rim, less tire wall, created a stiffer ride. I have both 20 and 19 inch rims for my Cali - 20 for summer, 19 for winter. No difference in stiffness or handling ( but the Sotto Zeros gripped the road like crazy glue on plastic). I just recently lowered the car by 3/4 inches using the factory shocks and still no difference in stiffness. This is with Mag and no HS.

 

I should re-post my question.

I had always heard that the 19's gave a better ride. 20's had a strong tendency to be too rough. Rough, as in "hard". There is a difference. Stiffness I like, but rough makes for too much jarring.

 

In my opinion no difference in rode quality between the 2 rim sizes with Mag.

 

With which springs?

 

Stock springs. Cali springs can be lowered as much as an inch but the dealer recommended only 3/4 inch. No spacers.

 

Even with magna ride?

 

Apparently Ferrari road tester prefers without HS package as I believe does Autocar

 

Not entirely true. Some reviewers like the HS others don't. None of us here has driven the 2013 with or without HS so -- to the OP-- I cannot answer your question with accuracy. If you are concerned about firmness don't get the HS. Please remember though that this is a sports car first.

 

BTW if ride comfort is the priority for you may I suggest perhaps not a Ferrari. I worry when a Ferrari buyer uses phrases like "a little sporty."

 

I realize that it is a sports car. My question revolves around the fact that, with other sports cars that I have owned, 20" wheels have created a "bone crunching" effect, so jarring that the joy of the car is spoiled. I like tightness and handling, and if I wanted a soft ride I would buy a Rolls. There is "stiff" and there is "drive over a wad of bubblegum and have my head hit the ceiling" stiff. This is why I was asking about the HS and Magnaride in connection with 20's and 19's.

 

I've only driven a California without HS of course but found it very softly sprung for this league of manufacterer...its not "sports car" and is even a bit soft for a GT based on my experiences. If I get one it will certainly have the HS and I need to drive one on the right kind of roads to ensure its what I want prior to purchase...the current car is just too soft for me.

So...I would venture, since you are asking for input, that you will be fine with the 20s without HS and with Magna...should be a fine ride...

 

I haven't driven an HS-equipped car, but think that as to MagneRide, its feel is deceptive in that you don't feel jarring bumps or jolts like you would with a conventional suspension because the magnetorheological shocks react so quickly. The car thus feels more softly sprung/shock valved than it really is. The car sticks and handles well, and there really isn't that much body roll. It is truly amazing. I haven't driven 19" and 20" wheel-equipped cars back to back, but have driven both, and there isn't much difference in harshness as between the two, probably again due to the special properties of the MagneRide suspension. Bascially, you CAN have a decent ride and handling with MagneRide, something not easily done with any other suspension.

 

This sounds as though it would fit the bill. I wish that I could test one with HS.

I had decided early on to buy either a 430 or used 458 as the first step in Ferrari-hood, in order to get my name on the list for a Spider. After testing the 458 coupe, I realized that I wanted a drop-top more than anything(d espite the incredible feel), which meant the Cali or a 430. Drove the 430 back to back with a Cali, and it felt a bit "old", relative to cost. Have decided to go the Cali route, and put my name on the list.

 

Once you drive the DCT transmission you are spoiled; the prior F1 transmissions just feel clunky and unrefined by comparison. That is actually OK for a more track/sport focused car like a 430, but the DCT is so much better for everything.

 

I went a similar route . I had driven my friends 430 many times then when he decided to sell it I realized it was a little dated and not really what I wanted . I also had an opportunity to drive the california at the same time and there just was no comparison in my mind . Also the 2012 california with 20 inch wheels and without marnaride like mine has a much softer ride then my 2009 corvette ZR1 with magna ride . I am considering trading my california in on a 2013 AND I AM NOT SURE YET IF I WOULD GET THE HS . I like the way the non HS drives and rides. .. If someone gets an HS it would be nice to here the comparison .

 

the question I think is do you plan to track the car? When I tested the cali about two-three years ago, I drove it at Infinion. Loved how balanced and well mannered it was, but body roll and lack of downright acceleration discouraged me. I'm sure I would have bought it that afternoon with HS and the added power and weight reduction it has now. For just canyon driving I would bet the current additional stiffness would be fine. I would have ordered the HS option, but couldn't wait and bought a 991 with all the handling options checked. It's complete lack of body roll I'm sure will spoil me for all future considerations.

 

I am just trading my 2010 cali in on a 2013. I spec'd the handling package. You also are given silver, Grill,side vents and hood scope mesh no charge with the handling package.

 

riiiight, no charge

 

LOL!!!!

 

Automobile magazine just tested a 2013 HS (all 2013s have +30HP & +14TQ, and are 66 lbs lighter), and it had magneride. So it's either standard or an option, so you know. Oh, and steering is quicker too. AM liked it a lot, saying the 15% stiffer in front and 11% stiffer in rear suspension, made the car 'firm and tight, but not harsh'. Good luck with the decision.

How exactly? I thought only composite mono-leaf springs (like on Corvettes) could be lowered. Just curious. And did you realign the car afterwards?
Didn't want to mess with it, but if it's an easy job, then maybe. Car looks like a 4x4 from the factory. Thx.