Ferrari 458 Italia revealed

[the Teuton]

In a $300,000 car, do you REALLY think that they didn't engineer in safety regulations?

---------------------------------

No, you dimwit.  I just wanted to know how they did it.

[2o6]

No, you dimwit.  I just wanted to know how they did it.

Look at how wide the car is, and how inset the passenger compartment is from the overall width of the car.

[the Teuton]

Look at how wide the car is, and how inset the passenger compartment is from the overall width of the car.

Quiet, you.  Just stop.  Now.

[2o6]

Quiet, you.  Just stop.  Now.

I'm providing an explanation. The doors are wide, and the car has a lot of width and mass to crumple and destroy.

[the Teuton]

I'm providing an explanation. The doors are wide, and the car has a lot of width and mass to crumple and destroy.

Decent enough explanation, I guess.

[565]

I think sports cars just have to pass the most minimal crash test ratings.

For example I can't find the crash test rating for the C5 or C6 anywhere.  I know they must be crashed by law to be sold, but I don't see the information published anywhere on how they did.  I'm guessing not to well considering how light the doors feel, like it's just a skin of plastic and interior paneling seperating me from a crash.

[Raza]

They put a big bar in the door.  When closed, it creates a closed off passenger cabin. 

Doors aren't made of paper and wood like we were in Japan circa 1950.

[the Teuton]

I think sports cars just have to pass the most minimal crash test ratings.

For example I can't find the crash test rating for the C5 or C6 anywhere.  I know they must be crashed by law to be sold, but I don't see the information published anywhere on how they did.  I'm guessing not to well considering how light the doors feel, like it's just a skin of plastic and interior paneling seperating me from a crash.

IIRC, the Lotus Elise doesn't get crashed in the US at all.  I believe it's exempt for some reason.

[Raza]

IIRC, the Lotus Elise doesn't get crashed in the US at all.  I believe it's exempt for some reason.

It has to do with import numbers I think.  Under a certain volume, you have different standards. 

[the Teuton]

It has to do with import numbers I think.  Under a certain volume, you have different standards. 

But the McLaren F1 had to be certified by Ameritech, and I'm not sure if it was crashed or not...but they definitely had to stick some new but easily retrofit-able parts on it for the US.

You're probably right.

[Raza]

But the McLaren F1 had to be certified by Ameritech, and I'm not sure if it was crashed or not...but they definitely had to stick some new but easily retrofit-able parts on it for the US.

You're probably right.

Well, doesn't the Euro market Elise not have airbags and ours does?  I tend to remember reading that, and that it was volume related.

Maybe Mclaren couldn't negotiate as well as Lotus.  Plus now, after the 959 thing, a company could use computer modeling to simulate crash tests with shocking accuracy.  Maybe that played a part now where it was unable to factor in when the Mclaren was in production.

[Tave]

The rear carries perhaps a tad too much sharpness and visual weight, the front is somewhere between, "eh" and "good choice," but overall I think the whole package works. I'm still waiting for Ferrari to really wow me with a new design. Since the Maranello in all its guises took a bow, I haven't been keen on any particular model. Call me crazy, but the Scag is the sexiest offering on the brand right now (I like the looks of the F430--but they're appropriate, not particularly graceful).

[SVT666]

The rear carries perhaps a tad too much sharpness and visual weight, the front is somewhere between, "eh" and "good choice," but overall I think the whole package works. I'm still waiting for Ferrari to really wow me with a new design. Since the Maranello in all its guises took a bow, I haven't been keen on any particular model. Call me crazy, but the Scag is the sexiest offering on the brand right now (I like the looks of the F430--but they're appropriate, not particularly graceful).

Yeah you are crazy since the 599 is way better looking then the 612.  But that all comes down to personal choice.

[Raza]

The 599!  Yuck!

[TBR]

The rear carries perhaps a tad too much sharpness and visual weight, the front is somewhere between, "eh" and "good choice," but overall I think the whole package works. I'm still waiting for Ferrari to really wow me with a new design. Since the Maranello in all its guises took a bow, I haven't been keen on any particular model. Call me crazy, but the Scag is the sexiest offering on the brand right now (I like the looks of the F430--but they're appropriate, not particularly graceful).

I am with you on the Scag. I hated it originally, but it has really grown on me. Part of the problem is that the press cars were all some drab beige or red, it looks much better in dark colors.

The 599 has too many tacky details for me. This new car, however, looks quite good.

[Gotta-Qik-C7]

It looks really good! 3 pipes and all!

[2o6]

The 599!  Yuck!

I agree. The 599's proportions are bad, IMO.

[SVT666]

The 599!  Yuck!

2o6 just agreed with you.  You might have to reevaluate your stance on this one.

[SVT666]

I agree. The 599's proportions are bad, IMO.

[Eye of the Tiger]

I love the 599. 

[the Teuton]

599's proportions are right, but the details are all wrong.

[sportyaccordy]

599's proportions are right, but the details are all wrong.

Yep... and honestly, I could live with this vs the reverse

[Tave]

Yeah you are crazy since the 599 is way better looking then the 612.  But that all comes down to personal choice.

I find the 599 to be a little too hard edged and extreme, design-wise. I prefer the somewhat smoother look of the Maranello and Scag, although I don't think the 599 is a bad looking car, and I can understand why people like it.

My least favorite aspect is the "mandible mouth" on the front.

It just didn't create the same gutteral, "OMFG, that's one sexy Ferrari" reaction I've been waiting for. To be honest, the Scag doesn't either, but it comes the closest out of all the current models.

You're right, it's all about personal choice.

[68_427]

Dunno if I like the colored front better.





Challenge grill.




Nom

[TBR]

2o6 just agreed with you.  You might have to reevaluate your stance on this one.

Why don't you come up with something new? It's getting old, not that it was ever particularly clever or funny.

[Raza]

The proportions are fine.  It's the pontoons and that silly mouth that are all wrong.

[MX793]

The proportions are fine.  It's the pontoons and that silly mouth that are all wrong.

What's wrong with the pontoons?  The shape is a throwback to classic V12 Ferraris of old.  Some of my favorite cars ever had "pontoons".

Jag D-type
Ferrari 250GTO
Speed Racer's Mach5...

[Raza]

What's wrong with the pontoons?  The shape is a throwback to classic V12 Ferraris of old.  Some of my favorite cars ever had "pontoons".

Jag D-type
Ferrari 250GTO
Speed Racer's Mach5...

They look great on those cars.  On this car they look silly.  The 599 is far too massive of a car for a detail like that.  They make the car look like it actually can go into the water.

[TBR]

I can't stand the flying buttresses or whatever those are. They are just so tacky.

[2o6]

Everything about that car is wrong, IMO. It's got lines all over the place, and IMO it has the proportions of a muscle car.