575M insights please
Discussion
Calling all (current and former) 575M owners, I need your guidance please.
You’ll be glad to hear this isn’t another values thread. I buy my cars, use them, and they fall in value. It’s what I do! I’m just looking for some trusted advice.
I owned a 550 Maranello from 2008-2012. It’s my all-time favourite car, but I can’t afford a good one now. I owned a 599 with the HGTE pack, which I didn’t get on with. Just a bit too frenetic for me. I’m not a racy kind of driver; I actually preferred the DB9 Volante loan car that we had for a month. But I don’t want an Aston Martin enough to buy one.
And so…this brings me to the 575M. I adore the design and the interior. I can afford a good one, with the F1 box. As I’ve said, I do rather like the whole GT vibe, so I’m not sure the optional handling pack will be much of an issue for me.
If there is anyone on here with some insight into the overall ownership experience and running costs, weak spots, reliability, please do chime-in. My 550 never put a foot wrong in 28,000 miles. My 599, on the other hand, was an absolute pain in the derrière.
I’ve seen a peachy example at a well-known Ferrari specialist. It looks immaculate and well-cared for, with an impeccable history. An annual service/cambelts is included in the price. My final question is, would it be prudent to arrange an inspection? Would a dealer be receptive to the idea? I’ve only ever bought cars from main dealers (Ferrari, Porsche, BMW) so it has never been a consideration.
Thanks so much everyone.
You’ll be glad to hear this isn’t another values thread. I buy my cars, use them, and they fall in value. It’s what I do! I’m just looking for some trusted advice.
I owned a 550 Maranello from 2008-2012. It’s my all-time favourite car, but I can’t afford a good one now. I owned a 599 with the HGTE pack, which I didn’t get on with. Just a bit too frenetic for me. I’m not a racy kind of driver; I actually preferred the DB9 Volante loan car that we had for a month. But I don’t want an Aston Martin enough to buy one.
And so…this brings me to the 575M. I adore the design and the interior. I can afford a good one, with the F1 box. As I’ve said, I do rather like the whole GT vibe, so I’m not sure the optional handling pack will be much of an issue for me.
If there is anyone on here with some insight into the overall ownership experience and running costs, weak spots, reliability, please do chime-in. My 550 never put a foot wrong in 28,000 miles. My 599, on the other hand, was an absolute pain in the derrière.
I’ve seen a peachy example at a well-known Ferrari specialist. It looks immaculate and well-cared for, with an impeccable history. An annual service/cambelts is included in the price. My final question is, would it be prudent to arrange an inspection? Would a dealer be receptive to the idea? I’ve only ever bought cars from main dealers (Ferrari, Porsche, BMW) so it has never been a consideration.
Thanks so much everyone.
Wonderful gentleman's express
Will probably have sticky buttons
Be sure you are happy with F1
Don't believe the FHP hype - its not necessary - I didn't even feel the need to use Sport mode
Service @ Carrs (have them collect)
Make sure hoses in V have been changed (only breakdown I had...annual service otherwise)
Its just possible now the 19 in wheels have better tyre choice - been a while....
They gather speed very very quickly so make sure tyres are warm before heroics
Red is not the best colour
Will probably have sticky buttons
Be sure you are happy with F1
Don't believe the FHP hype - its not necessary - I didn't even feel the need to use Sport mode
Service @ Carrs (have them collect)
Make sure hoses in V have been changed (only breakdown I had...annual service otherwise)
Its just possible now the 19 in wheels have better tyre choice - been a while....
They gather speed very very quickly so make sure tyres are warm before heroics
Red is not the best colour
Edited by johnnyreggae on Saturday 27th January 17:23
SL550M said:
Calling all (current and former) 575M owners, I need your guidance please.
You’ll be glad to hear this isn’t another values thread. I buy my cars, use them, and they fall in value. It’s what I do! I’m just looking for some trusted advice.
I owned a 550 Maranello from 2008-2012. It’s my all-time favourite car, but I can’t afford a good one now. I owned a 599 with the HGTE pack, which I didn’t get on with. Just a bit too frenetic for me. I’m not a racy kind of driver; I actually preferred the DB9 Volante loan car that we had for a month. But I don’t want an Aston Martin enough to buy one.
And so…this brings me to the 575M. I adore the design and the interior. I can afford a good one, with the F1 box. As I’ve said, I do rather like the whole GT vibe, so I’m not sure the optional handling pack will be much of an issue for me.
If there is anyone on here with some insight into the overall ownership experience and running costs, weak spots, reliability, please do chime-in. My 550 never put a foot wrong in 28,000 miles. My 599, on the other hand, was an absolute pain in the derrière.
I’ve seen a peachy example at a well-known Ferrari specialist. It looks immaculate and well-cared for, with an impeccable history. An annual service/cambelts is included in the price. My final question is, would it be prudent to arrange an inspection? Would a dealer be receptive to the idea? I’ve only ever bought cars from main dealers (Ferrari, Porsche, BMW) so it has never been a consideration.
Thanks so much everyone.
I've had a couple of 550's and a manual 575 with FHP.You’ll be glad to hear this isn’t another values thread. I buy my cars, use them, and they fall in value. It’s what I do! I’m just looking for some trusted advice.
I owned a 550 Maranello from 2008-2012. It’s my all-time favourite car, but I can’t afford a good one now. I owned a 599 with the HGTE pack, which I didn’t get on with. Just a bit too frenetic for me. I’m not a racy kind of driver; I actually preferred the DB9 Volante loan car that we had for a month. But I don’t want an Aston Martin enough to buy one.
And so…this brings me to the 575M. I adore the design and the interior. I can afford a good one, with the F1 box. As I’ve said, I do rather like the whole GT vibe, so I’m not sure the optional handling pack will be much of an issue for me.
If there is anyone on here with some insight into the overall ownership experience and running costs, weak spots, reliability, please do chime-in. My 550 never put a foot wrong in 28,000 miles. My 599, on the other hand, was an absolute pain in the derrière.
I’ve seen a peachy example at a well-known Ferrari specialist. It looks immaculate and well-cared for, with an impeccable history. An annual service/cambelts is included in the price. My final question is, would it be prudent to arrange an inspection? Would a dealer be receptive to the idea? I’ve only ever bought cars from main dealers (Ferrari, Porsche, BMW) so it has never been a consideration.
Thanks so much everyone.
Being completely honest the 575 didn't do it for me. Just like you the 550 is a wonderful car and probably the one I gelled with most over 30 years of Ferrari ownership.
The 550 is a wonderful blend of analogue/modern whilst the 575 felt a bit too modern.
The wonderful Jaegar dials in the 550 were replaced by generic looking Fiat type ones. The digital element to the display, the electronic beeps to the indicators, none of that appealed to me.
I honestly noticed zero difference in the performance despite the 575 supposedly being faster. The Handling Pack was maybe a tad bit firmer and I don't remember the steering feel being so different.
I tried to buy another 550 a few years ago but it felt quite dated/tired example. It costs a lot to keep one in tip-top shape and I think many have sat for years. Like you I drove mine a lot.
I don't think there is a modern equivalent with the same blend of size, performance, effortless cruising ability and comfort as well as old school driver appeal.
Do take a proper extended drive in the 575 to make sure it's something you will bond with. The more electronics that crept in the more gremlins did too. I had a lot of issues with the TPMS on the 575 otherwise it was generally reliable.
Edited by cgt2 on Saturday 27th January 19:32
Edited by cgt2 on Saturday 27th January 19:34
Many thanks for the comments, gents.
Very interesting cgt2 that you loved the 550 (as I did enormously) and yet didn’t gel with the 575. I thought they’d be more similar. Good to hear your feedback on that. And beeping indicators is a worry…that could quickly get on my nerves.
Anyway, much to ponder. I’ll take your advice and try to get a proper test drive rather than just a tootle round the block. I’m aware some people really dislike the F1 box, but I heard one respected specialist say they just need setting-up properly. Let’s see. I can’t go manual, not least due to my budget but also the fact that a clutch pedal aggravates a long-term back problem.
I’ll enjoy the search as always.
Very interesting cgt2 that you loved the 550 (as I did enormously) and yet didn’t gel with the 575. I thought they’d be more similar. Good to hear your feedback on that. And beeping indicators is a worry…that could quickly get on my nerves.
Anyway, much to ponder. I’ll take your advice and try to get a proper test drive rather than just a tootle round the block. I’m aware some people really dislike the F1 box, but I heard one respected specialist say they just need setting-up properly. Let’s see. I can’t go manual, not least due to my budget but also the fact that a clutch pedal aggravates a long-term back problem.
I’ll enjoy the search as always.
SL550M said:
Many thanks for the comments, gents.
Very interesting cgt2 that you loved the 550 (as I did enormously) and yet didn’t gel with the 575. I thought they’d be more similar. Good to hear your feedback on that. And beeping indicators is a worry…that could quickly get on my nerves.
Anyway, much to ponder. I’ll take your advice and try to get a proper test drive rather than just a tootle round the block. I’m aware some people really dislike the F1 box, but I heard one respected specialist say they just need setting-up properly. Let’s see. I can’t go manual, not least due to my budget but also the fact that a clutch pedal aggravates a long-term back problem.
I’ll enjoy the search as always.
It might be more psychological than anything else. I did tens of thousands of very happy miles across my 550's at a time when roads were clearer, there were less cameras and driving was generally much more enjoyable. I did have a friend who ran a 575 F1 for many miles and enjoyed it but for me the 550 was just so perfect in every way the disco remix never quite matched the purity of the original.Very interesting cgt2 that you loved the 550 (as I did enormously) and yet didn’t gel with the 575. I thought they’d be more similar. Good to hear your feedback on that. And beeping indicators is a worry…that could quickly get on my nerves.
Anyway, much to ponder. I’ll take your advice and try to get a proper test drive rather than just a tootle round the block. I’m aware some people really dislike the F1 box, but I heard one respected specialist say they just need setting-up properly. Let’s see. I can’t go manual, not least due to my budget but also the fact that a clutch pedal aggravates a long-term back problem.
I’ll enjoy the search as always.
I would speak to Aldous at AV who I am sure can optimise the F1 transmission and set it up right.
Thanks for the tip.
That’s so very true about the psychological aspect of cars. The period I owned my 550, all the stars seemed to align. It was the best time of my life and I couldn’t believe my good fortune to be driving around in my dream car. I’m not sure anything can ever come close to matching that. But we petrol heads are eternal optimists I think.
That’s so very true about the psychological aspect of cars. The period I owned my 550, all the stars seemed to align. It was the best time of my life and I couldn’t believe my good fortune to be driving around in my dream car. I’m not sure anything can ever come close to matching that. But we petrol heads are eternal optimists I think.
I did 5,000km in mine - almost 1,000km of which were on a single focaccia run down to Paraggi from Geneva in 2015.
I loved the car and it was truly in it’s element on that day - at an indicated 275km/h, held for a few seconds - on a deserted stretch of autostrada in the Po Valley, with that gorgeous bonnet flying in close formation with the rest of the car…
I would have another in a heartbeat, but I ran mine back-to-back with a 986 Boxster (i was always amused by the fact that the 550 and the 986 both came out in 1996, but I think it is fair to say that Porsche had the bigger development budget…).
By 2015, you could have bought 10x well-used 986s for what I paid for my 9yr old, 20,000km 2005 575M F1 FHP, but I have to say that it was the German that was the more complete package, and ultimately a more rewarding car to drive on a daily/regular basis.
Buy a 575M and give it a good home. If you are attracted to them, they should prove to be a fairly painless ownership proposition and they certainly have the capacity to reward in many ways, but you ideally need to find a suitable mission for it.
I loved the car and it was truly in it’s element on that day - at an indicated 275km/h, held for a few seconds - on a deserted stretch of autostrada in the Po Valley, with that gorgeous bonnet flying in close formation with the rest of the car…
I would have another in a heartbeat, but I ran mine back-to-back with a 986 Boxster (i was always amused by the fact that the 550 and the 986 both came out in 1996, but I think it is fair to say that Porsche had the bigger development budget…).
By 2015, you could have bought 10x well-used 986s for what I paid for my 9yr old, 20,000km 2005 575M F1 FHP, but I have to say that it was the German that was the more complete package, and ultimately a more rewarding car to drive on a daily/regular basis.
Buy a 575M and give it a good home. If you are attracted to them, they should prove to be a fairly painless ownership proposition and they certainly have the capacity to reward in many ways, but you ideally need to find a suitable mission for it.
Try to find a post '04 example which should come fitted with the steering angle sensor, as on the 456/550. On these later examples the suspension control unit can be upgraded to make the handling significantly sharper without necessarily forking out for a car fitted with the FHP. At least that's what I have gathered browsing through ferrarichat.
Friend of mine has a '04 with all FHP components retrofitted and it handles pretty well.
Friend of mine has a '04 with all FHP components retrofitted and it handles pretty well.
Edited by Thom on Tuesday 30th January 21:12
One of the features of this generation of Ferrari is that there were comparatively few options available when new.
Saying that, if you have set your sights on one then you’ll probably have a short list of acceptable colour combinations and this will dramatically reduce the number of target cars in your personal Venn diagram.
We then have to talk about the FHP.
So much has been written about it and there are those who will swear that it ‘transforms’ the car.
My belief is that there could be something in that, but not in a good way.
My car had it and I suspected that it made the car less of a cosseting GT, which I would argue is what it was made for.
It’s simply too heavy at around 1,750kg and too big to throw around and it is unlikely that many will find the space required to drive it in a way that merits the stiffer set up.
I also believe that there are so many variables, shocks, shock ECUs, top mounts, FHP, steering ECUs, wheel size that you would be hard pushed to find two cars that drive the same.
The upshot is that these cars are almost impossible to buy as it is so easy to rule out any candidate that presents itself on one criteria or another.
My advice would be to keep an open mind and look at a few. If you find ‘the one’, you will know, and you will fall in love with it.
The ensuing affair might be brief or long lasting, but it will surely be memorable, for better or worse.
Saying that, if you have set your sights on one then you’ll probably have a short list of acceptable colour combinations and this will dramatically reduce the number of target cars in your personal Venn diagram.
We then have to talk about the FHP.
So much has been written about it and there are those who will swear that it ‘transforms’ the car.
My belief is that there could be something in that, but not in a good way.
My car had it and I suspected that it made the car less of a cosseting GT, which I would argue is what it was made for.
It’s simply too heavy at around 1,750kg and too big to throw around and it is unlikely that many will find the space required to drive it in a way that merits the stiffer set up.
I also believe that there are so many variables, shocks, shock ECUs, top mounts, FHP, steering ECUs, wheel size that you would be hard pushed to find two cars that drive the same.
The upshot is that these cars are almost impossible to buy as it is so easy to rule out any candidate that presents itself on one criteria or another.
My advice would be to keep an open mind and look at a few. If you find ‘the one’, you will know, and you will fall in love with it.
The ensuing affair might be brief or long lasting, but it will surely be memorable, for better or worse.
Such great comments there Mogul, thanks. All of these wonderful cars that we’re lucky enough to own, no matter how fleetingly, end up with special memories attached to them. That’s what it’s all about.
I tend also to agree with your sentiments on the FHP not really being the point on a 575, at least not for my driving style. Maybe it’s my age!
I tend also to agree with your sentiments on the FHP not really being the point on a 575, at least not for my driving style. Maybe it’s my age!
I'm looking at 575s as well and have wrangled with FHP or not. Nobody seems to have an issue with the handling or ride of the 550 which the FHP restores (at least in part) according to every review I've read. But then, reviews are not the same as the insights of owners, which are invaluable. I'm looking at a late 2004 with FHP tomorrow. Should also have the revised steering but I'll check the build number to confirm that. Also have a modular or standard wheel choice, the former at an as yet to be discussed higher price. Also has a Tubi which may or may not be intrusive on long drives.
TwoMinds said:
I'm looking at 575s as well and have wrangled with FHP or not. Nobody seems to have an issue with the handling or ride of the 550 which the FHP restores (at least in part) according to every review I've read. But then, reviews are not the same as the insights of owners, which are invaluable. I'm looking at a late 2004 with FHP tomorrow. Should also have the revised steering but I'll check the build number to confirm that. Also have a modular or standard wheel choice, the former at an as yet to be discussed higher price. Also has a Tubi which may or may not be intrusive on long drives.
Excellent. Look forward to hearing how you get on Colin. Hope all goes well. When I was searching for a 550 I thought people raving about how better the car drove with the FHP were exaggerating, exactly for the reason mentioned above - these are heavy GT cars and I could not believe that the supposedly minor suspension tweaks included in the FHP could transform the handling. However, after seeing and driving no less than 11 examples over a several year search I ended up purchasing the only example fitted with FHP I got to find. I could have bought other examples in more market-friendly specs (lower mileage and colours) but after driving that 550 with FHP I realised it would be a big mistake to pass on it. This really is how good the car drives and handles, and the harder you push it, the more its handling virtues shine through.
Mine however is fitted with race springs that I assume are a little stiffer than the original stiffer than std FHP springs, and one could argue that it will always be difficult to get the car alive and enjoy the tighter chassis at any speeds below 80 mph, but with the sharper and superbly weighted steering it can also feel like a 2 ton go-kart at "reasonable" speed, partly thanks to the car's short-ish wheelbase and wider front track.
With all that said the '04 575M of my friend with all FHP bits retrofitted still feels softer than my 550 and where his 575 can feel more refined it still lacks the immediate response of my 550, and another friend with a '02 575M with std suspension almost cried when he stepped out of my car after a spirited drive.
This is all personal experience anyway and I do not mean to diss early 575M's, which as I hinted earlier, seem to be upgradable without too much hassle, but it is hard for me no to believe that a 575M with FHP will always drive better than one without, whether the car is being driven sedately, spiritedly or anywhere in between.
Mine however is fitted with race springs that I assume are a little stiffer than the original stiffer than std FHP springs, and one could argue that it will always be difficult to get the car alive and enjoy the tighter chassis at any speeds below 80 mph, but with the sharper and superbly weighted steering it can also feel like a 2 ton go-kart at "reasonable" speed, partly thanks to the car's short-ish wheelbase and wider front track.
With all that said the '04 575M of my friend with all FHP bits retrofitted still feels softer than my 550 and where his 575 can feel more refined it still lacks the immediate response of my 550, and another friend with a '02 575M with std suspension almost cried when he stepped out of my car after a spirited drive.
This is all personal experience anyway and I do not mean to diss early 575M's, which as I hinted earlier, seem to be upgradable without too much hassle, but it is hard for me no to believe that a 575M with FHP will always drive better than one without, whether the car is being driven sedately, spiritedly or anywhere in between.
Edited by Thom on Wednesday 31st January 14:13
11 examples tested over 2 years?
I would be curious to know if you felt that the first 10 all drove ‘the same’, or what motivated you to keep looking for that special something that you happily found on your FHP equipped 11th attempt.
Keen Maranello shoppers will know that the FHP specs on the 550 and 575M are not identical but the 575M should drive sufficiently differently, not least due to the F1 system, but also because of; more power/torque, a more sophisticated ASR, and also the various iterations of steering ECU and exhaust centre pipes / silencers will have an impact.
I’ll admit that I have only ever driven two examples. The very late ‘05 FHP car that I owned and an early ‘02 car that had been retrofitted with the full HGTC kit at great expense.
That car was impressive but the most notable impression was that the steering was particularly heavy…
I had assumed at the time that the steering ÉCU was either absent or at fault.
You may know that the steering ECUs adjust the level of assistance at various speeds based on a map.
However, I never quite figured out if the issue with that car was with the ECU, or with the actual servotronic unit that is physically connected to the rack which led to very low assistance at all speeds.
The salesman wasn’t too concerned either way, because racecar.
I would be curious to know if you felt that the first 10 all drove ‘the same’, or what motivated you to keep looking for that special something that you happily found on your FHP equipped 11th attempt.
Keen Maranello shoppers will know that the FHP specs on the 550 and 575M are not identical but the 575M should drive sufficiently differently, not least due to the F1 system, but also because of; more power/torque, a more sophisticated ASR, and also the various iterations of steering ECU and exhaust centre pipes / silencers will have an impact.
I’ll admit that I have only ever driven two examples. The very late ‘05 FHP car that I owned and an early ‘02 car that had been retrofitted with the full HGTC kit at great expense.
That car was impressive but the most notable impression was that the steering was particularly heavy…
I had assumed at the time that the steering ÉCU was either absent or at fault.
You may know that the steering ECUs adjust the level of assistance at various speeds based on a map.
However, I never quite figured out if the issue with that car was with the ECU, or with the actual servotronic unit that is physically connected to the rack which led to very low assistance at all speeds.
The salesman wasn’t too concerned either way, because racecar.
It seems to me you were defending the early non-FHP 575Ms which I realise you do not seem to have driven in, just like me actually.
Perhaps they are not that bad as I have heard or perhaps they are, as the disappointment of my friend with his '02 suggests, to the point he has been considering moving back to a 360.
It is a moot point anyway if upgrading the suspension control unit is all that is needed to tighten up the handling of a std 575M, obviously not up to FHP spec but at least to get rid of the excessive softness in how the car seems to bottom out under certain conditions.
My 550 with FHP was not the last 550 I drove, but the others I test drove after it made me realise that the std steering was over assisted and the std suspension not quite stiff enough, even in Sport mode, for any proper spirited driving, something I probably would not have cared about had I not had the chance to drive a car with FHP at all. Mine also turned out to be in the nicest overall shape with the most comprehensive service history whilst all others were in conditions that did not make sense with their service histories (or lack thereof), and at last but not least the seller never tried to over sell the car to me and had already invested a bit to correct a few minor issues, which I appreciated as many others seemed to have a tendancy to take me for a clueless idiot who just wanted a Ferrari and would not have the cars fully serviced before they are sold, which is IMO a very poor way to market such cars.
Perhaps they are not that bad as I have heard or perhaps they are, as the disappointment of my friend with his '02 suggests, to the point he has been considering moving back to a 360.
It is a moot point anyway if upgrading the suspension control unit is all that is needed to tighten up the handling of a std 575M, obviously not up to FHP spec but at least to get rid of the excessive softness in how the car seems to bottom out under certain conditions.
My 550 with FHP was not the last 550 I drove, but the others I test drove after it made me realise that the std steering was over assisted and the std suspension not quite stiff enough, even in Sport mode, for any proper spirited driving, something I probably would not have cared about had I not had the chance to drive a car with FHP at all. Mine also turned out to be in the nicest overall shape with the most comprehensive service history whilst all others were in conditions that did not make sense with their service histories (or lack thereof), and at last but not least the seller never tried to over sell the car to me and had already invested a bit to correct a few minor issues, which I appreciated as many others seemed to have a tendancy to take me for a clueless idiot who just wanted a Ferrari and would not have the cars fully serviced before they are sold, which is IMO a very poor way to market such cars.
SL550M said:
Excellent. Look forward to hearing how you get on Colin. Hope all goes well.
Thanks Steve. I spent some time with it and drove on a variety of roads. It's a late 2004 build so has the revised steering and suspension as well as FHP, but on 10 year old tyres on a cold day so driving cautiously. Impressions: Very much a firm GT so would not want more on UK roads, not much difference toggling between sport/normal settings. Steering was very good, nicely weighted at all speeds. F1 was fine, even in auto, not that jerky, perhaps well set up. Tubi is quite loud, fun in it's own way, settled down in 6th and steady pace but would need hours to know if tolerable. Modular wheels are +£5k, not sure that they are worth that uplift to me. Car is black/black, not my first choice but it's not like there are dozens to choose from. Some thinking ahead over the next day or so.TwoMinds said:
SL550M said:
Excellent. Look forward to hearing how you get on Colin. Hope all goes well.
Thanks Steve. I spent some time with it and drove on a variety of roads. It's a late 2004 build so has the revised steering and suspension as well as FHP, but on 10 year old tyres on a cold day so driving cautiously. Impressions: Very much a firm GT so would not want more on UK roads, not much difference toggling between sport/normal settings. Steering was very good, nicely weighted at all speeds. F1 was fine, even in auto, not that jerky, perhaps well set up. Tubi is quite loud, fun in it's own way, settled down in 6th and steady pace but would need hours to know if tolerable. Modular wheels are +£5k, not sure that they are worth that uplift to me. Car is black/black, not my first choice but it's not like there are dozens to choose from. Some thinking ahead over the next day or so. Pleased to hear that you got on fine with the F1, as that’s one of my few slight concerns. I’d agree with you, the modular wheels sound a tad pricey. I’d probably pass on that, if it were me. Happy ponderings!
It was a long time ago but I remember trying a 550 with the Handling Pack and while it felt more balanced on smoother surfaces I found the firmer ride was a bit too jittery for a big GT car on UK roads. In the 575 FHP it definitely didn't feel as firm as the 550 with the pack, mine was a 2003 car.
TwoMinds said:
SL550M said:
Excellent. Look forward to hearing how you get on Colin. Hope all goes well.
Thanks Steve. I spent some time with it and drove on a variety of roads. It's a late 2004 build so has the revised steering and suspension as well as FHP, but on 10 year old tyres on a cold day so driving cautiously. Impressions: Very much a firm GT so would not want more on UK roads, not much difference toggling between sport/normal settings. Steering was very good, nicely weighted at all speeds. F1 was fine, even in auto, not that jerky, perhaps well set up. Tubi is quite loud, fun in it's own way, settled down in 6th and steady pace but would need hours to know if tolerable. Modular wheels are +£5k, not sure that they are worth that uplift to me. Car is black/black, not my first choice but it's not like there are dozens to choose from. Some thinking ahead over the next day or so.Gassing Station | Ferrari V12 | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff