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FERRARI 599 - The Best Ferrari Ever?

46 messages,  Last post on Oct 02, 2012 at 11:34 PM

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What is this discussion about? Ferrari 599, Coupe

Messages Page 2 of 5

#7 of 46 Thoughts on current lineup by frank4cars

Sep 24, 2005 (4:28 am)

For all intents and purposes, the 600 IS the new Testarossa. I think with the performance they get from the mid-engined V-8s, Ferrari realized a 12-cylinder model would be redundant considering they have an Enzo in that niche, albeit way more expensive than the last Testarossas offered. They made the switch to the front-mid-engine layout with the Maranellos to emulate the classic Daytona and appeal to the nostalgic, dual-purpose, gentleman-racer-type buyers from their golden age who demand 12 cylinders from a "proper" Ferrari. Moving the engine back to the front solves a lot of packaging problems as well, like storage space, cooling and visibility. The 600 takes that a step further by offering a modern Testa Rossa (as in the original front-engined racers from the 50's and 60's).
 
With hp from their V-8 pushing 500, a rear-mid-engined 12-cylinder would need an Enzo-like 600+ hp to justify its existence, and it's hard to imagine there is a need for that AND an Enzo-type halo car. They now have a great lineup that appeals to almost every potential owner: A relatively affordable entry-level model that offers world-class track-like performance and classic mid-engined Pinninfarina styling; A blazingly fast yet refined 2 + 2; A front-engined V-12 that promises extremely high performance limits; and a halo supercar that offers an experience as close to a Formula 1 ride as possible while meeting the demands of a street car. The only thing I'm looking for is a return to more sensuous styling (instead of the semi-agro, Lambo-like sharp lines of the current lineup) and a V-6 entry-level Dino and Mondial.
 
One more note about the styling of the 600, it needs to be more aggressive than the 612. The 612 is elegant and relatively sporty compared to, say, a Bentley GT or CL Mercedes. It is handsome but the long, bulbous nose and plump rump keep it from being sexy, like, say, an Aston Martin. Same thing could have been said about the 456, although the nose was far less offensive. The current Maranellos look like a Mako Shark and the 600 needs to have that same kind of visceral appeal to the senses to win my heart.

#8 of 46 Re: [wrinklemash] by andys120

Sep 24, 2005 (6:20 am)

Replying to: wrinklemash (Sep 20, 2005 12:19 am)
As far as I am concerned, the Testarossa and evolutionary 512's were the height of Ferrari's design esthetic balancing passion, sport, and elegance.
 
I think the previous poster did a good job of explaining how the Enzo fills that niche in the current lineup. I'll just point out that yours is a minority opinion, most Ferrari buffs prefer the classic front-engined V-12s although there's always a lively debate between proponents of the Daytona, the 275 GTB/4 and the 250GT.
 
Testarossas, 512TRs and even Boxer Berlinettas have fared poorly in the marketplace compared to the values of the aforementioned.

#9 of 46 I love most Ferrari's by clarencehollow

Sep 27, 2005 (11:08 am)

I have loved Ferrari's since the days in the early 70's when my father bought and still owns a Pantera GTS 74 and a few of his friends brought theirs over - there are many I love, the title of this thread was just to invoke comments.

#10 of 46 Re: I love most Ferrari's [clarencehollow] by andys120

Sep 28, 2005 (6:32 am)

Replying to: clarencehollow (Sep 27, 2005 11:08 am)
the title of this thread was just to invoke comments.
 
That worked out well didn't it?

#11 of 46 Re: I love most Ferrari's [andys120] by clarencehollow

Sep 29, 2005 (11:27 am)

Replying to: andys120 (Sep 28, 2005 6:32 am)
It actually worked out well. Limited posts are ok to me, as is the ownership number of actual Ferrari owners. Exclusivity is alright in my books!

#12 of 46 Re: I love most Ferrari's [clarencehollow] by andys120

Sep 29, 2005 (2:26 pm)

Replying to: clarencehollow (Sep 29, 2005 11:27 am)
Exclusivity is alright in my books!
 
That leads us to the question of whether Ferrari should make a new Dino,a less exclusive and more affordable Ferrari. Personally I'm in favor, though I doubt they could recapture the voluptuous curves and sporty demeanor of the 246GT/GTS.

#13 of 46 Re: I love most Ferrari's [clarencehollow] by andys120

Sep 29, 2005 (2:27 pm)

Replying to: clarencehollow (Sep 29, 2005 11:27 am)
Exclusivity is alright in my books!
 
That leads us to the question of whether Ferrari should make a new Dino,a less exclusive and more affordable Ferrari. Personally I'm in favor, though I doubt they could recapture the voluptuous curves and sporty demeanor of the 246GT/GTS.

#14 of 46 Re: [andys120] by wrinklemash

Sep 30, 2005 (1:15 am)

Replying to: andys120 (Sep 24, 2005 6:20 am)
Actually, the Enzo doesn't fill that niche in the current lineup. It hasn't been produced since the 2003 model year for the U.S.A. I do see the point that the new 600 fills the lineup slot that was held by the Testarossa series and subsequent 575. I also agree that the front engine layout does solve several practical problems but I think the exterior packaging Ferrari has used for these recent designs has been less than appealling.
 
The 575 is an attractive car that has the styling cues I personally associate with a Ferrari. The 456 less so, and I think the 612 is just - well its ugly. The 430 looks like a Ferrari. This is not to say that a front engine Ferrari cannot be beautiful - the 275 GTB/4 and Daytona are fantastic designs. I personally like the 365 too. However, of all Ferrari's designs, I think the straked sides and rear engine layout of the Testarossa series is simply more pronounced and recognizable as a model than some of the other designs. The F40, F50, and Enzo are also pronounced but over the top as well. "Halo cars."
 
My opinion might also be a factor of my age. I'm 33 and Testarossa posters decorated my bedroom walls in 1987. It was the "if money was no object" dream car of the mid to late 1980s. As far as how they have faired in terms of value in the marketplace, a 512TR might just be one hell of a deal right now. As my generation continues to mature and grows in economic stature it will demand collectibles associated with its adolescence. This is a common and cyclical phenomenon in the collectibles market. Of course, Ferrari's can be highly collectible - especially the best ones of an era. The Testarossa series was by far and away the best of its era.
 
Back to the discussion of the 600. When I look at those spy shots, they must have tried to camouflage it as a Corvette. The proportions are just so close. For Ferrari's sake, I sure hope it is a good optical illusion.

#15 of 46 Heaven for TR Fans by andys120

Sep 30, 2005 (9:56 am)

While I don't share your enthusiasm for the TRs, I do understand it. Here's a nice shot from this year's Concorso Italiano in Monterey CA=>
 
http://www.barchetta.cc/All.Ferraris/images/1809/05monterey-j-1125.jpg

#16 of 46 What to buy ... hmmm ... decisions by clarencehollow

Sep 30, 2005 (10:33 am)

You know wrinklemash has a good point. It ultimately comes down to personal taste and your budget could dictate many things, however to illucidate the point he made, there are some pretty good buys on the Testarossa. I have seen them in the $50K range, but it would be a hard decision since I have spotted some equally good buys on the Countach ...
 
A new Dino? Nice thought, but price point would never be under $100,000 I think. It's still a high ticket car price whether it's a Shelby, Viper or NSX, a 100 G's is a lot to spend on a set of wheels. But I don't know if I want Ferrari's mass produced. Last time I checked, I think there were like 55,000 Ferrari's in the world.
 
600 still looks rather mean and potent to me. I forgot to add that I think the absolute coolest Ferrari ever is definately the F-50.

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