Carrera GT

I don't tend to trust my instincts too much. Perhaps you're harking back to posts in my "punked" thread.

I'm still on the fence about the 12C, but I've certainly moved from pensive early adopter to "wouldn't touch it with a barge pole" in my disposition until they sort out these "version 1.0" problems. Once they have the GT3 variant available, I expect they'll have the car sorted out. But I doubt they'll back-pedal on their whole design philosophy and put a beefy LSD in the thing.

One of my dislikes for the 458 is the inescapable electronics that drive the car despite the driver -- the Fifth Gear review makes it clear that the 12C is even more intractable. I have no interest in drifting -- beyond the novelty factor -- so I welcome the clean, smooth car that resists power-on oversteer high jinks. But the last thing I want is a car that's a one trick pony -- learn to "play by the rules" of the electronics or suffer the intervention.

C.J. Ichiban

yeah so should I just drop 325k+ for a used 458 then? hmmm

Nizer

Gotta luv the Brits. No home-country bias here:

Nizer

Too high. Plenty out there with starting prices below $300k.

Carrera GT

I was surprised by that review from Tiff -- clearly they knew where they were going with the comparison and had to find a way to leave it open to the 12C buyer to still want their British icon. It was this video that gave me the impression that all the UK reviewers have gone back to McLaren and to Ron Dennis to say "this car's not ready, what are you doing to get it right?" and the position has been "shut up, you're wrong" to which all the journo's have now made it clear they're not willing to pretend the 12C is living up to claims or expectations.

Ritesh

I just finished reading the EVO article. The MP4 clearly needs some more work. The question is whether any of the issues will be sorted by the time the car is launched.

I have to say the reviews are extremely disappointing since I have a deposit on one. After all the marketing hype from RD you would think they would be able to deliver! I still prefer the Ext and Int styling on the MP4 to F458!!

Btw The guys on Fchat are just loving the mediocre reviews!!

cgomez

Or did you ever owned a 430 Scud? IMHO, having driven almost everything else, it IS the best street car in the world (for someone that knows how to drive).
It only misses to a more modern GT electronic amenities (Sat Nav, Sound sytem, etc.), but the driving experience and performance is sublime.

If you need more leather, sound system and NAV then go for an Italia... Im just waiting for the Scud version of it.

I was in line waiting for a McLaren, but got seriously disappointed by the driving experience review (usually Tiff, Plato et al are spot on with what I like too). Still a great performer, but why buy it if I the Ferrari is better (for a driver).

C.J. Ichiban

yeah I'm just looking for something on the road, I've already got 4 race cars for real racing, don't care about track days too much. not sure why I'm even in the market at all haha. might as well just get a bentley supersports

richk

The dealer in LA lent me a supersports for the day...its a very cool car and the stereo in the car(think it was optional naim system) sounded like a concert hall.

Carrera GT

There was a couple of them at Laguna earlier this year -- one was stripped, both had 400mm+ rotors front and rear on 20's. Bizarre looking things. Reminds me of when Jaguar was running Bathurst -- showing up with luxury cars prepared to do battle.

C.J. Ichiban

yeah I actually drove one (supersports) around during spring training for 5 weeks. prodigious torque, amazing comfort and smoother than any car I've ever driven. just a lot of money for a luxury car

carrering

i just watched that 5th gear episode. wow, they really didn't like it and how awkward! all they could say was the interior looked great?!?!

Carrera GT

Here's a great video of the Bentley with a sales pitch from Derek Bell, but more importantly a good tour of the Nurburgring with turn commentary.

911SLOW

Impressive , a true gentleman's GT car. The Bentley Boys would have been so proud of it.

Sadly one thing will never change..no matter how you dress it.

Ritesh

Anybody read the EVO article(issue 159)? Basically they summarized it as 3 major weaknesses: Carbon brakes were way to sensitive(like the Superleggera), Steering response was a bit delayed on initialy turn in, and finally that the ride quality was unsettled, i.e. - not sorted out. I wonder if the ride and steering can be addressed/refined before the cars are delivered?