Automotive perfection

[tuffer]

I was very fortunate to be offered a test drive in a 458 on Saturday, I just can't believe it can get much better than that. What an amazing car, driver ergonomics, handling, performance, everything......just perfect. Now I just need to get some money together.

[Major Fallout]

I dont like the steering wheel.

[V8RX7]

I think you'll find it was created somewhat earlier

Lotus 7

[London John]

You'll think I'm an idiot until you drive one.......but try the FF.

[kambites]

Just goes to show that everyone's definition of perfection is different, I suppose.

[Blib]

I once turned down the opportunity offered to me by H.R.Owen during an open day, to test drive a 458 in favour of a drive in a Maserati GT-S. Although the Masser was terrific, I still regret that decision.

[CBR JGWRR]

Just you and the machine...

[Alfanatic]

MajorTom said:

V8RX7 said:

I think you'll find it was created somewhat earlier

Lotus 7

You are joking? I really hope you were joking.

Well, the 7 does predate the 250GTO, which has a strong claim to be Ferrari's first time achieving perfection. That Nissan GTR thingy is quite nice too though

EDITED: stupid iphone

[crazy about cars]

MajorTom said:

Automotive perfection was achieved years ago by Nissan, with the incredible GT-R

Amen to that brother!

[good40]

MajorTom said:

You are joking? I really hope you were joking.

???? is he allowed his OWN opinion ???

[Rushmore]

Automotive perfection = MX-5 for GBP 1000.

[V8RX7]

MajorTom said:

V8RX7 said:

I think you'll find it was created somewhat earlier

Lotus 7

You are joking? I really hope you were joking.

Not in the least.

Have you driven one ?

Though without all your driver aids and safety features I suspect you might not like it BUT that is precisely why I love them - a huge, heavy, 4WD car is about as far from perfection as you can get.

[thinfourth2]

crazy about cars said:

MajorTom said:

Automotive perfection was achieved years ago by Nissan, with the incredible GT-R

Amen to that brother!

Perfection at what?

It certainly wouldn't be perfection for me

Too lardy for track work, too delicate for offroading, too thirsty for commuting.

Sorry but it ain't perfection for me.

But i'm not foolish enough to think any car is perfect for everything

[AndyBrew]

I test drove a 458 at Millbrook last Tuesday and I have to agree an amazing car 20 mph over speed bumps without a scrape or a groan, a turning circle akin to a London cab, 0-170mph down the standing mile, brakes that scrub speed off as quick as the mighty V8 got you there, 140mph around the high speed bowl before being asked to back off by the instructor complete confidence instilled by it's rock solid composure, and the noise, well silent as any luxury saloon until you flick it into race mode and plant the loud pedal then all hell breaks loose, then as you lift off a wonderful burbling sound as you coast down Razzing around the alpine route the car is an absolute delight....

So in short I would have to agree the 458 really is a masterpiece of automotive engineering!

[crazy about cars]

thinfourth2 said:

Perfection at what?

It certainly wouldn't be perfection for me

Too lardy for track work, too delicate for offroading, too thirsty for commuting.

Sorry but it ain't perfection for me.

But i'm not foolish enough to think any car is perfect for everything

Well you are right. It's hard to find a car that's perfect for every situation. This is my personal meaning of "automotive perfection" i.e a really enjoyable car to drive both on the road and the track. I wouldn't say the GTR is too lardy - yes it doesn't feel as nimble as an Atom or a Lotus but driving it on track is an absolute joy especially for a novice like me.

I don't do any serious off roading so can't comment and as for commuting there's always a boring diesel/econobox for that purpose :P

[VinceFox]

CBR JGWRR said:

Just you and the machine...

[anonymous-user]

MajorTom said:

V8RX7 said:

I think you'll find it was created somewhat earlier

Lotus 7

You are joking? I really hope you were joking.

It would all a be a bit too much for you having to drive without electronics dear.

[300bhp/ton]

kambites said:

Just goes to show that everyone's definition of perfection is different, I suppose.

Yep.

I mean lets face it the 458 would be a bit useless at doing this sort of thing...

[kambites]

MajorTom said:

Forget about the electronics. I do however like a car that can be driven all year round, in all weather conditions, on all road surfaces, with safety and comfort.....the Lotus 7 does not do any of these things.

This is why it's such a personal thing. Some people will happily give up those things to have a car that drives like a Lotus Seven.

[thinfourth2]

300bhp/ton said:

kambites said:

Just goes to show that everyone's definition of perfection is different, I suppose.

Yep.

I mean lets face it the 458 would be a bit useless at doing this sort of thing...

Someone will turn up and say a nissian GTR would be perfect for this or that no one ever actually does this including the people in this picture