Why does Ferrari get forgiven for Plastic Interior parts in its late-model cars?

i never really looked at the interior of my f35, so wats the ventilation surround in it? not plastic?

 

I'm not sure where you're getting your info but you're misinformed...

The 360's center console and side map pockets are aluminum. They're also painted an aluminum color which makes them look like plastic

I personally don't like the aluminum accents in the 360's interior. They clash with most interior colors, especially the classic tan. imo, the only interior color which is acceptable in a 360 is black or maybe navy, thanks to the obligatory aluminum look. I think the designer just got carried away with the hey-this-is-an-all-aluminum-sports-car theme.

Of course, the 430 comes with a carbon fiber interior option in addition to the aluminum. I don't care for that look either!

 

The parts are made of aluminum, not plastic.

 

Yes, the silver accents in the interior of the 360 are truly the expensive material...aluminum. Ferrari stated when the 360 came out in 1999 the car's body, frame and motor was made of aluminum and they wanted to bring that material into the interior of the car as well, there by highlighting Ferrari's technical accomplishment (though the NSX was doing it from 1990 ). At time the interior was well recieved by the media as cutting edge and for most it still is.

Now, if you like, we all can get into a debate about the G's audi A4 and A6's interior parts bin application which has not been well recieved by the press and lambo owners accross the board

All ribbing aside...congrats on the ownership of the Gallardo...IMO it is a wonderful car which I am sure most Ferrari owners respect Love to here some of your driving impressions of your car.

 

And the CHEVY Corvette since 1984 (ALL aluminum suspension just like the 360)

 

Yes but the Corvette and NSX lack character and soul and heritage and blah blah blah...

So it only becomes a stunning achievement when Ferrari does it.

 

Corvettes have aluminum suspensions..but have steel frames...

 

early 360's had the interior pieces as raw, unpainted aluminum. it quickly became apparent that the aluminum was difficult to clean and attracted dirt into it's pores. the 360's aluminum interior pieces were then painted an aluminum color to help prevent the cleaning/dirtying issues.

however, the plastic parts in the car have a "soft-touch" rubber coating applied. this coating seems to deteriate very quickly, especially when exposed to heat. this can be seen in 348's on the interior door handles and worsens as newer models had more "soft touch" pieces.

how come ferrari still hasn't addressed or stop using this coating. my 04 360 has it as does my 05 maserati qp. you would think after ten years of problems it would have been addressed.

 

Umm so does the 360..

 

The 360 has an *all* aluminum alloy chassis and body.

 

You can always replace those pieces with carbon fiber: www.ryalexdesign.com/products/360.html

 

From Ferrari's web site:

Ferrari's latest interpretation of the V8 sports car, the 360 Modena is a clean-sheet design anticipating future trends in Ferrari road cars. These trends include weight reduction combined with greater chassis rigidity. The new approach employs technology based on the use of aluminum for the chassis, body shell, and suspension wishbones. The exclusive use of aluminum, a first for a Ferrari road car, has enabled Ferrari's engineers to reduce the 360 Modena's dry weight by 100 kg compared to the F355 despite rather more generous dimensions resulting in greater comfort and storage space. Performance has also improved across the board thanks to both a power:weight ratio 0.9lbs/bhp better than the car's predecessor, and the exceptional 3586cc 90° V8 engine providing 400bhp at 8500rpm and 275lb-ft at 4750rpm. The 360 Modena is the culmination of research and experimentation with the use of aluminum on everything from Formula 1 cars, to the 408 4RM prototype and the GT competition cars which were always fabricated in aluminum. The 360 Modena combines Ferrari heritage with innovation.

Aluminum responsible for improving the power to weight ratio byt 0.9lbs/bhp. As a result, the 360 Modena is 0.8 of a second faster at 22.9 seconds over a kilometre from a standing start and has also cut nearly 3 seconds off its predecessor's lap time at the Fiorano track. The transmission features a longitudinal gearbox that allows larger diffusers to be incorporated on the flat underside. The 6-speed gearbox is available as a manual or with the F1 electrohydraulic shift.