Speciale test drive
Discussion
LukeyLikey said:
sone said:
I test drove a Speciale last week at Lovetts, wished I hadn't because I've decided I need one in my life. The standard 458 is a fantastic car and for me the Speciale is just that bit better.
Arrived at the same conclusion after a test drive. My 'I will always own this car' CS went the well-trodden path of all my previous supercars in favour of one.My 'I can't see me ever selling this' Scuderia is on decidedly shaky ground at the moment.
I've been lucky enough to get time on road and track in the Speciale and am running out of reasons not to chop the Scud in for a shiny new Speciale.
It still has that element of rawness that's so appealing in a CS/Scuderia but definitely a big step up.
isaldiri said:
Have a query if anyone knows for sure. Is the speciale running a slower steering ratio than the standard 458 or is does the steering merely feel that way as there is more weight?
Feel sure that journalists reported that the steering ratio is actually faster (i.e. same turn at road wheels is less turn at the steering wheel).LukeyLikey said:
isaldiri said:
Have a query if anyone knows for sure. Is the speciale running a slower steering ratio than the standard 458 or is does the steering merely feel that way as there is more weight?
Feel sure that journalists reported that the steering ratio is actually faster (i.e. same turn at road wheels is less turn at the steering wheel).sone said:
LukeyLikey said:
isaldiri said:
Have a query if anyone knows for sure. Is the speciale running a slower steering ratio than the standard 458 or is does the steering merely feel that way as there is more weight?
Feel sure that journalists reported that the steering ratio is actually faster (i.e. same turn at road wheels is less turn at the steering wheel).LukeyLikey said:
sone said:
LukeyLikey said:
isaldiri said:
Have a query if anyone knows for sure. Is the speciale running a slower steering ratio than the standard 458 or is does the steering merely feel that way as there is more weight?
Feel sure that journalists reported that the steering ratio is actually faster (i.e. same turn at road wheels is less turn at the steering wheel).sone said:
Apologies you're right it is quicker! I'm amazed, on the std car my only criticism was that the steering was too quick and the throttle too sensitive. I noticed neither when test driving the Speciale myself.
Bingo. I found exactly the same actually (both steering and throttle) so was a bit curious about whether the speciale has a slower rack as I am sure I read somewhere the laferrari had it's steering toned down compared to the F12/458. Perhaps it is just less assistance/more weight to the wheel then. Have to say, the speciale was a really impressive car.
Actually, 11% is quite a lot. I have driven a Speciale but not really a 458 so can't easily compare. If the Speciale is quicker but feels better, I'm wondering if it's something to do with the rear set up? If the rear has less grip/traction on a 458, they would soften off the suspension (soft = more traction, hard = better body control). So, the stiffer rear on a Speciale might tie the body control down better meaning that faster steering makes the car feel even more alive but not out of control?
if this is the case, they must have increased the 'natural' rear traction on the Speciale significantly with tyre and geo changes. it's a remarkable job really - getting so many plaudits for the Speciale having already served up the amazing 458 which seemed to take everyone's breath away four years ago.
if this is the case, they must have increased the 'natural' rear traction on the Speciale significantly with tyre and geo changes. it's a remarkable job really - getting so many plaudits for the Speciale having already served up the amazing 458 which seemed to take everyone's breath away four years ago.
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