My first ever Ferrari has arrived, 2019 488 GTB [updated] now 458 Speciale.

Funny, just came across a thread in the 599 section where Jerry mentioned switching to snowflake mode for an AGM battery (it said for < 41F so I missed the next part in the manual also saying for an AGM battery go snowflake). Just went downstairs to the garage to change the setting, thanks for the tip. Between regular driving/racking up the miles, AGM battery and 7002 sure hoping I don't run into any problems knocking on wood

As for cuoio interior, the only issue would be the optional upper dash. Personally I'm very relieved and happy to say I have 0 issues with glare, YMMV. There is a large black vinyl trim piece on the 488 in between where the windshield meets the hood, and where the leather portion of the dash starts, which thankfully reflects up where most of my "driving sight" is focused, straight ahead. In other words the cuoio portion of the dash does reflect a bit, but it's in the upper portion of the windshield where I'm not really looking. I find it to be faint and not noticeable, but if you want to find it you'll make it out. Thrilled with that "tradeoff" to get the look and spec I wanted, I didn't want to settle with the popular nero upper dash and end up with a two tone leather interior. And on my 911 which is black leather but with platinum grey stitching, the stitching and portions of the dash on that even reflect in the California sun so I don't know if anything is truly impervious in that regard

If the 488 did not have that black vinyl piece there then it could have been a bigger issue admittedly, so I think I might have gotten lucky, hard to tell. What's hilarious is initially I pressed my GM to find out if I could get the black trim piece covered in cuoio, had him talk to FNA and the factory, as I wanted everything in cuoio. It was the look I had in mind and what I truly wanted. Thank God he said there was no option, whether telling me the truth or not!

 

another good reminder, living in LA and don't have shades. going to pick up some ray bans ala Vettel and leClerc

no problem. From my limited understanding FSV is same "network" or ownership group as Ferrari bev hills, south bay, and westlake, and I don't even know if that matters. No issues, wasn't even brought up once. Went with FSV because I had visited the showroom a handful of times when in town before even realizing I would be a Ferrari owner and enjoyed their very low key style, much like mine. Also, I wanted a 488 coupe just as production was ending and FSV was able to hold the allocation open long enough to meet my requirement that I be able to come in and spec the car with my dad. Never asked bev hills/south bay/westlake. Didn't have anyone fight for my business, and not much one can do since from my understanding new cars are MSRP only. Nothing more nothing less, which I appreciate

My car will be serviced by Ferrari South Bay, been great to work with to date

Hope that helps mate

 

Scrape armor skid plate install @ Ferrari South Bay. Having them put in the aluminum dead pedal as well

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Thanks for such kind words Nuno

Happy I decided to journal my journey with my first Ferrari and helps me realize that the dream came true. A feeling I hope to never take for granted, being the bug eyed kid staring at the Ferrari in the parking lot or driving by on the road like many others I'm sure. Very easy to look towards the next thing, or the newer or faster car, or even the older car (360 CS is one I want to grab in a couple years), but this will always be my first one and one I got to spec to boot so it's fun to savor the moments

A cool little fun fact as well, my car was finished and left the factory on 4/9/19 per the info from my dealer. Exactly a year ago prior, on 4/9/18 I was in Maranello with my father touring both museums during a Porsche euro delivery, unbeknownst to me that I would later become an owner myself

 

yup, forgot to ask to have pics taken when the car was on the lift getting it installed but this pic from scrape armor (no affiliation) can capture it way better than I ever could. Circled where I scraped (nowhere near as bad as the pic), just about undetectable but you can make a little bit of it on the very front portion which I don't mind

Nip and tuck is complete. Really happy with the alu dead pedal, matches the brake/gas pedal perfectly for an OEM look, and scrape armor is on so hopefully that's the end of worrying about nicking the underside

Chris the service manager at Ferrari South Bay is the man, love working with that guy. Apparently he's been selected as one of the top worldwide and flying to Maranello next month to compete, told him to kick some ass! Forza Chris & Forza Ferrari




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Dealer installed it as they are on the list of preferred installers from Scrape Armor themselves, they've done a bunch of these installs already is what they told me

Most of the skid plates mounts on top of existing factory drilled points, but a few tiny pilot holes need to be drilled in to secure the front edges. It's the tradeoff between having those done, and just allowing the painted underside to take the potential beating. Since I plan on really driving my car and in various situations including around town with ramps/inclines of various degrees, I chose the former

Coming from the 911s where it's a replaceable front plastic lip, I very much like that solution rather than leaving the painted body work exposed personally for peace of mind!

 

The issue I would have with the F8 (not speaking for anyone else) is I'd imagine replacing the gloss black (or CF) parts after they get mauled would not be cheap, assuming on the F8 they really are detachable and not fixed to the body. And in either case (488 or F8) I fear for a scenario where you hit something hard enough and it could lead to a crack or damage beyond a scrape. On cheap ABS plastic like the Porsche front lip or like this Scrape Armor, worry about that a bit less personally.. I am with you on avoiding the drilling but I called Scrape Armor myself to get the full scoop and was told the pilot holes are allegedly small enough to where if you are in a scenario you want the plates off, one could easily have the holes patched/filled/made like new FWIW. It's a trade off either way, no right or wrong answer

& grazie Angelo, I am loving this bella macchina / decision to go for the 488. Was browsing over my window sticker again and so happy again you told me about the headliner and standard mirror, even if you ended up costing me an extra $4k!! lol

 

~1800 miles, what an escape. Some pics from some recent drives

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Thanks man, it's amazing the emotions these cars can solicit. You said it better than I could, being a kid admiring these machines from afar

Wait until you get yours and go for your first drive, every time I'm behind the wheel I feel like that same kid again grinning from ear to ear. Even just holding the key in hand and walking up to the car is a special feeling

Best of luck & congrats on the 458, it's a lovely car!

 

Crossed 2000 miles yesterday on a beautiful Sunday up the Pacific Coast Highway past Malibu to Point Mugu. Been an incredible journey so far