RE: Driven: Ferrari 458 Spider

[George H]

Apart from the FF, I can't think of a worse looking Ferrari. The interior doesn't even look a nice place to be.

I'd take an SLS roadster over this any day of the week.

[kambites]

Hmm, not keen on the looks of either this or the hard-top one and the lack of a manual gearbox would knock it off my fantasy shopping list even if I did like the looks. There's no denying that it's a damned impressive car, though.

[melvster]

Wonder if Mclaren will chop the roof off the MP4??

[CliveM]

Looks are subjective.

The coupe never looked good to me - too many odd distractions to look "beautiful". Somehow the spider looks great though?

[DayTrader]

Beefmeister said:

Maybe it's so good it jizzed itself?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLnWf1sQkjY&ob=...

[alexpa]

melvster said:

Wonder if Mclaren will chop the roof off the MP4??

Bets are they will. Webasto being the company behind the tech for it's retractable hard top.

[rob.e]

alexpa said:

Saying that, apparently Eric Clapton has a 458 with a 599 type engine (F140 series), not sure what state of tune. Built by Ferrari, not PF.

Really? A 12 cylinder in to a car designed for a v8?

[melvster]

alexpa said:

Bets are they will. Webasto being the company behind the tech for it's retractable hard top.

I will have the MP4 12CS




The S meaning Spider

[christofmccracke]

Mmmmm not too much of a fan, I think its styling is ahead of it's time would rather have an f430 with underground racings twin turbo conversion

[Justices]

Immense fun to zip around in, for a time, but I can't see any way to fall in love with something like this. The new machinery just makes the classics and soon to be classics ever more desirable.

[Anubis]

Quarter of a million for a V8?!! I think it will age badly - there is something about it I don't like. It kind of looks like a flat Peugeot thing; infact as I type this the more I think its like Peugeot and Ferrari mashed together. :s

Then again, I think the same about the Aventator; all the new supercars do nothing for me. It's the generation of the 360, 430, Murcielago and Zonda that gets a thumbs up from me. All this latest and greatest stuff is getting into stupid prices and you have to question - is all that cash really worth it?

[RemyMartin]

I still think the back end of a 458 is a dogs dinner. This just makes it worse IMO. Love the front end though. Still would have a Mclaren instead mind....

[TommyBuoy]

This will get me shot, but I don't like the look of this car - it reminds me of those Veilside kits.

[minimatt1967]

Has this just made the California obsolete?

[Porkie]

PhilJames said:

Yes, the Zonda F Spyder is really stiff with its CF tub chassis, just goes to show the 458 Spyder is really just a show boat.

Cant tell if you are joking or not?

Its about half a second a lap slower around a circuit than a Coupe. I bet its about the same time off a 430Scud as well.... hardly a show boat.

I'd EASILY trade half a second a lap on the very few occasions that cars like this go on track for the amazing thrills and feelings and sensations that open top motoring gives you!!!

Its not like its going to be a floppy old barge is it!!! Its alot stiffer than the F430spider was compared to the F430 coupe.... and I've never heard anyone moan about that cars chassis stiffness in all the many reviews I have read and seen on TV.

Edited by Porkie on Wednesday 5th October 16:04

[alexpa]

RemyMartin said:

I still think the back end of a 458 is a dogs dinner. This just makes it worse IMO. Love the front end though. Still would have a Mclaren instead mind....

Im completely the other way around. I don’t mind the back, even though it is very fussy. But the front I find offensive.

[alexpa]

rob.e said:

alexpa said:

Saying that, apparently Eric Clapton has a 458 with a 599 type engine (F140 series), not sure what state of tune. Built by Ferrari, not PF.

Really? A 12 cylinder in to a car designed for a v8?

Yes, by Ferrari’s as part of the Ferrari Portfolio Program.

It makes commercial sense for them to create one (or 7…) offs as PF do.

[Porkie]

minimatt1967 said:

Has this just made the California obsolete?

Pretty different cars in both Target markets and also Prices now I think.

You have to admire Ferrari....

From one V8 model with the 360/430's a few years back.

They now have 2....

one a 'softer' more GT type V8 that maybe appeals to different kinda people. Like women

Then a harder faster and focused (and expensive) 458

[thewheelman]

Sorry, but it does nothing for me in anyway. It's overstyled to the point where it looks almost cheap looking. I look forward to the FF, as it could well be the best lookig Ferrari since the 355. I'm sure footballers & tv chefs will love the attention a 458 gives them & their oversized egos. But i would be embarrassed to be seen in this car.

[Streetrod]

Beefmeister said:

I'm sorry but from that angle it looks a complete mess. I have driven the 458 and it is a great driver’s car with a few caveats but I could never get along with its looks. Too many ideas fighting with each other...shame