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Just Drove It

Discussion in '458 Italia/488/F8' started by Senna1994, Jun 30, 2010.

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  1. Senna1994

    Senna1994 F1 World Champ

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    #1 Senna1994, Jun 30, 2010
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    One of my friends who got a very early 458 came by today and was generous enough to let me drive it. Well what can I say? It is incredible. From the way the interior surronds the driver, to the fantastic transmission, to the perfect brakes, and the stunning looks. In race mode the shifts are seamless and the downshifts are accompanied by a gattling gun sound. If you were to put it in Auto Mode, with the Mannetino set to Rain, and the shocks set to bumpy, it is an everyday driver.

    I cannot say enough how terrific this car is. Also to my friend who knows who he is, thank you again for your kindness and generosity and most important Happy Birthday!
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  2. TheMayor

    TheMayor Ten Time F1 World Champ
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    #2 TheMayor, Jun 30, 2010
    Cool Tony!

    Your comments seem to be really consistent to what I've heard from others. This car is a major step up from the F430 -- and that's saying something.

    Thanks for posting!
     
  3. Lesia44

    Lesia44 F1 World Champ
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    #3 Lesia44, Jun 30, 2010
    How do you feel it measures against the F430? Of course, we all know it's better but can you say a few words about your impressions of the comparison.
     
  4. Senna1994

    Senna1994 F1 World Champ

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    #4 Senna1994, Jun 30, 2010
    Well two things come to mind. First off the Transmission, as someone who loves Manual Gearboxes and only warmed up to the 430's F1, it is a revelation. Gone is the bumpiness on upshifts and starts. The DSG in this car is far superior to any DSG I have driven, including many 997's. In Auto Mode (FLAME SUIT ON), it is seemless on both upshift and downshift were as the 430 (although much improved from earlier F1's) was still slushy. This Gearbox IMHO is the biggest step taken forward by Ferrari, no more issues with Reversing, F1 Pumps, and Clutches hopefully.

    Second, the steering precision and feedback are even better than the 430, I believe the amount of lock needed is much less than the 430. Although I didn't have a chance nor was I inclined to really push this car (as it belongs to a friend), it had a surgical feel. I just got rid of my 997 Coupe, and that car had a lot of road feel and precision in the steering especially off center. My 430 in comparision the steering feels a bit light compared to the 997, the 458 does not have this issue.

    The interior dash of the 458 is definitely a step into the future and it feels forward one generation. Don't get me wrong, I love my 430 and feel it is the best sportscar in the world, however, Ferrari just stepped it up big time with the 458.

    Bob, I know your waiting for the Spider, but this Car is incredible.
     
  5. Lesia44

    Lesia44 F1 World Champ
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    #5 Lesia44, Jun 30, 2010
    Excellent little write up. Thank you.
     
  6. of2worlds

    of2worlds F1 World Champ
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    #6 of2worlds, Jun 30, 2010
    The steering must feel like a go-kart with just two turns lock to lock. Ferrari on purpose kept more 'heft' in the 458 steering after much debate. The 612 steering they designed to be lighter feeling by comparison. Steering 'feel' was something Ferrari paid a lot of attention to in the 458 design process.

    Looking good in black there!
    CH
     
  7. TheMayor

    TheMayor Ten Time F1 World Champ
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    #7 TheMayor, Jun 30, 2010
    It's not for me. I like things "topless". :)

    Thanks again for the info though!
     
  8. Senna1994

    Senna1994 F1 World Champ

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    #8 Senna1994, Jun 30, 2010
    Last edited: Jun 30, 2010
    I hear you and I don't blame you. With the Windows open the sound in Race Mode was better than the 430, but quieter on Snow/Wet Settings.
     
  9. Senna1994

    Senna1994 F1 World Champ

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    #9 Senna1994, Jun 30, 2010
    Agreed on the steering much more feedback and much tighter.
     
  10. Hawkeye

    Hawkeye F1 Veteran
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    #10 Hawkeye, Jun 30, 2010
    Tony, great write up. That over-run sound out of the exhaust was a nice surprise to me. The magazine videos didn't capture that aspect of the driving experience. Glad you had a good time in such a great car!
     
  11. photonut

    photonut F1 Rookie
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    #11 photonut, Jun 30, 2010
    i am on the same page!
     
  12. hdpt00

    hdpt00 F1 Rookie

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    #12 hdpt00, Jul 1, 2010
    So the big question is - are you trading in the 430???
     
  13. gothspeed

    gothspeed F1 World Champ

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    #13 gothspeed, Jul 1, 2010
    mmmm ........... nero ............ :cool:
     
  14. TheMayor

    TheMayor Ten Time F1 World Champ
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    #14 TheMayor, Jul 1, 2010
    Sure. And I love the F430 -- best car I've ever owned. This one just seems even more better. :)
     
  15. speed racer

    speed racer Formula 3

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    #15 speed racer, Jul 1, 2010
    Just heard from my dealer that the factory has kicked back the spider till 2012. Reason: They want more people to purchase a Cali. Doesn't make a lot of sense to me. I can't see too many 458 topless guys interested in buying a Cali as a replacement car. Buts thats me.
     
  16. TheMayor

    TheMayor Ten Time F1 World Champ
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    #16 TheMayor, Jul 1, 2010
    I heard a few weeks ago from my dealer they will show it for the first time in late 2011 with the first deliveries being spring 2012.

    I'll keep the F430 spider until then. It's difficult to beat.
     
  17. Townshend

    Townshend F1 Veteran
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    #17 Townshend, Jul 1, 2010
    Sounds like a home run as from what I've heard from everyone so far. Makes me wonder how great the Scuderia version is going to be...
     
  18. PAP 348

    PAP 348 Ten Time F1 World Champ
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    #18 PAP 348, Jul 1, 2010
    Fantastic, thanks for sharing. :D:D

    Car looks awesome and you are a very lucky boy to have driven one of them. :):)

    Anymore pics? Nero Ferraris are gorgeous. :eek::eek:
     
  19. lung7707

    lung7707 F1 World Champ

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    #19 lung7707, Jul 1, 2010
    Thanks Tony... I cannot wait to test one for myself
     
  20. Senna1994

    Senna1994 F1 World Champ

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    #20 Senna1994, Jul 2, 2010
    The particular owner is a very private individual and he was ok with one photo of it. Trust me, I wish I could post more. I have to say one other thing, the thing accelerates like crazy, and it is really really fast. Felt much quicker than my F430.
     
  21. hdpt00

    hdpt00 F1 Rookie

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    #21 hdpt00, Jul 2, 2010
    Are ya gonna get one Tony?
     
  22. Senna1994

    Senna1994 F1 World Champ

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    #22 Senna1994, Jul 2, 2010
    Brandon, stop pressuring me! :) Will PM you.
     
  23. Ferrari 360 CS

    Ferrari 360 CS F1 Veteran

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    #23 Ferrari 360 CS, Jul 2, 2010
    Very nice review, car looks fantastic in Nero! Its always amazing how Ferrari seems to make such big steps, the 360-430 was a big step and it seems like with the 458 Ferrari have again produced something amazing!
     

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