MT just wrote/posted their explanations/background thoughts. 2013 Best Driver's Car Aftermath - Ranking the Chevrolet Corvette Z51, Ferrari F12 and Porsche 911 4S - Motor Trend
ouch. I don't really care what most auto journos say about a car's handling, as most of them can't drive; but when Randy Pobst says a car has a mediocre chassis, that's pretty damning. sad.
I don't think name calling will help. It seems to me the F12 is a GT car first and foremost. Perhaps there will be a handling package available?
FWIW I have driven a 991 non C4 extensively and found it disconcertinly active in the rear end, even at moderate cornering speeds. A person who was following me told me later that he could actually see the motion. Frankly I don't know what to make of this test, but I am skeptical about f12 chassis misbehaviors (was there an issue with this example), the weight and acceleration times. And I remain generally skeptical about MT's prowess in road testing. We will need to see more tests from other sources.
i own an F12. if Pobst drove a stock f12, with stock alignment no wonder he was dissapointed. they need stiffer springs and a proper alignment. HUGE difference. at the proper ride height and set-up there is no way he'd have preferred the other 'chassis' over the f12's Ferrari are making sure their chubby customers are nice and comfy....
I can't help but recall Chris Harris' review of the F12, and how it's practically different from MT's: > To the circuit then. With the Manettino set to 'CT off', the car has reduced electronic chassis intervention and is comfortably the best front-engined car of its type I've driven. http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?f=23&t=1331545&nmt=RE%3A+Ferrari+F12%3A+Review
I guess it all depends on what we find funny. Thats the problem with humor and text based communication. Not looking to argue with you just that his opinion is what it is no matter his affiliations.
No offense but it sounds like motor trend has a hard time handling a car with that much power. Get a real driver in the F12 and then lets see how the Porsche and Vette compare.
I haven't driven an F12 yet, I will a COTA in Dec. I think its supposed to be a GT. My 599 was like that a GT. I agree that Ferrari's sales of the F12 will not be affected by MT opinion.
it certainly has the potential to be one of the greatest cars in the world. that motor is nothing but impressive!!!!
I know Randy is a great driver, however maybe someone like a Lucas Luhr or Fischella needs to drive the car so we can really see how good it is. The Porsche and the Vette are very easy cars to drive vs. the F12. Its similar to when the GTR came out and journalist said it was the best car.
Too bad the F12 power train is not available in the 458 or Speciale. Even as is I bet the Speciale smokes the F12 on most tracks. Stock Italia also likely faster - just much better at putting power to the ground and able to carry more speed thru corners. And yes I know that Ferrari officially states otherwise (i.e. official Fiorano lap times), but clearly those factory lap times are marketing B.S. OK flame suit on!
QR test at Vairano also sais that the F12 is more than a sec faster than the 458 and that is just a 75 second lap. I bet that on tracks with long straights the F12 is quicker than the Speciale and that on twistier ones it is the other way around.
