Seat style selection for Cali-T

I recently traded-in my 2012 FF and will have a California-T for the future if all goes as planned. When running thru specs on California, the sales guy at FoW had suggested Kennede seats which are supposed to be more compliant/comfortable than standard offerings. I did have opportunity to sit in a Cali with these seats but it didn't have full electric (not the usual adjustment for side/back bolsters, etc) so uncertain if full electric option would influence firmness/comfort with mechanical arms under cushions.

Has anyone had Kennede seats in past or current vehicle and can provide feedback on their comfort? I'm probably 60-90 days from getting call from dealer for final order confirmation/deposit and don't want to make a mistake.

In the FF I found that the side bolsters had little if any expansion and pressed on my thighs. I could have considered having the mechanical adjustment from lower side bolsters removed and padding added, but I didn't want to change configuration of seats since I was ready to sell the FF. With next Ferrari, I was looking at options with better seat comfort. I'm 6'2" at 330 lbs so seat ergonomics are often a hassle when reviewing vehicles (e.g., dislike high/hard bolsters).

For those asking why I'd sold the FF and looking at Cali-T. Wife liked 2011 Maserati GT convertible which was sold to purchase FF. She never bonded with FF, so looking at convertible option again (e.g., the Cali-T) that we'd both utilize as second car for weekends, etc. Bought a 2015 Mercedes S63 AMG 4MATIC coupe to cover daily driving. The FF always seemed to have idiot lights (ECS failure, etc.) flashing and if it wasn't chained to battery tender it wouldn't behave so I got weary and sold it.

Thanks

Dave

 

Royalpar1

The most obvious visual thing about Kennedee style seat is different stitch pattern. Currently Ferrari Of Washington (look at dealer site: Washington DC Ferrari dealer in Sterling Virginia - New and Used Ferrari dealership Silver Spring MD Arlington Rockville MD Virginia) has a white 2014 Cali with these seats (which was Cali that I sat in for comfort-fit check). Seat stitch pattern is basically a few 'x' in center of seat so not as visually exciting as standard, daytona, diamond-stitched or backbone styles seats. It's supposed to be a comfort/padding perk with curve in seat bottom as option to regular offerings (naturally at extra $5K). From what I could tell it's same basic dimensions as other seats (not change in sizing like S, M, L, XL race bucket seats). You don't see them as option in online configurator so folk may not be familiar with them. Sales guy mentioned as option since I've always groaned about lack of comfort in standard F-seats. I'm definitely more comfortable with Mercedes S-class seats which have a lot of padding for my broad ass and large thighs and was wondering why Ferrari didn't have a comfort seat option. I'm told that kennedee is it but looking for someone with first hand experience. Sitting for 15 minutes at dealership is different than multiple hours of daily driving.

Dave

 

Entropy:

I agree that Kennedee seat is standard physical dimensions. Not certain if customization in leather stitch pattern is available (the standard 'x' pattern is boring when compared to other options) or options in padding configuration. I'd rather have diamond stitch on center cushion and door side panels. I'm at upper $260K range before tax with the Cali-T as spec'ed, so a few $K extra for additional specialization is minor in scheme of things.

I believe that the Cali at FoW is a consignment so I'd not expect to see option of 'try it' for a few hours since I wouldn't be serious purchaser for vehicle.

In my new 2015 Mercedes S63 AMG 4MATIC coupe, the bottom cushion is well padded (and no lower seat adjustment arms for bolsters) and only backrest has the tweaks (lumbar and side bolsters). That configuration would be ideal for me in Cali-T.

My wife may convince me to stop struggling to find a Ferrari to love and choose one of Mercedes GT-S models (but would need to wait a year or more for convertible release). The Mercedes GT would have better technology, comfort, not be glued to trickle charger and looks like it would be half price of the Cali-T models if the $130K range base is accurate. Bit more than SL but lot less than the outgoing SLS models.

Dave