[Chris Vais]

Not sure that this is proper location for this post, so perhaps we should have a section for sightings of interesting cars that are not Porsches. Top Gear posted a drivers report and a brief video clip of the the new Ferrari F12 Berlinetta on their Facebook page. IMHO this has got to be just about the best looking Ferrari in a long time. Think of the old 62-64 250 GTOs tasteful updated and you get the picture. Here is the link.



www.TOPGEAR.com/uk/photos/ferrari-f12-berlinetta-first-drive-pics-2012-7-29

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[ds968]

IMO, a beautiful car, except those friggin' headlights, a style which seems every other mfg is embracing lately, and I think they're butt-ugly ( I don't mean the little marquis bulbs trim , actually I like those in the Audis, but just the whole looong light assembly encasing going up nearly half way to the windshield <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/glare.gif" class="smilie" alt="" /> ) however I do realize this is all subjective, others may see them as a piece of art .

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[Rap]

Hedging an opinion. What happened to the man I used to know? Lol your not turning into a politically correct animal I hope?

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[ds968]

[quote name='Rap' timestamp='1343683067' post='130267']

Hedging an opinion. What happened to the man I used to know? Lol your not turning into a politically correct animal I hope?

[/quote]



Oh hell, no..far from PC, I'm just being nice to my bretheren Forum members ( a.k.a. " extended family " ) in case one or two may like those tacky lights <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/sleep.png" class="smilie" alt="" /> . That, in spite of the fact that everyone knows I'm THE authority on good taste and aesthetics . <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/wink.png" class="smilie" alt="" />

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[craigawoodman]

Actually they dont look too bad. Given the need to make it look like a Ferrari (i.e. 458, FF similar) it has picked up the same light details. Same as those that commented that the first Cayenne's were ugly because they had to have Porsche styling cues which included the Egg headlights. I think the side intakes at the rear of the bonnet looks good.



Not sure how it will age. It does not look as good as the 458 though. The 458 is just car porn.

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[ds968]

   



this one ? come on, why did they even bother to stop where they did with the headlights, just continue the theme all around the sides of the car until they connect with the tail lights ! <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/glare.gif" class="smilie" alt="" />

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[Rap]

Thank god I was worried for a sec. Good taste - wine watches clothes and shoes. I think that car looks hot. What's it look like straight on?

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[ds968]

Not that I would turn down driving either of those two Ferraris, if given the choice, LOL.. Probably the ONLY Ferrari which I would absolutely refuse to drive or be seen in , is the Testarossa. I don't like the Mondial either, but even that one is tolerable, not sure what they were thinking when they built the TR.

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[White968]

Super Cars don't grab me these days the way they did for me In the eighties like the Countach, 308 or 959. They look great but not iconic.

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[craigawoodman]

Unfortunately like most of us - I have not driven (or most like even afford a service) on one of these cars, but when you see the difference between the 458 and 430 - it is like daylight. It is just such a quantum step forward, I think the 458 will be an icon for some time. As manufacturers are forced to chase CAFE numbers and lower and lower emissions, will they be able to get more and more power out of engines - or are we at the tipping point (like the 918) where high performance will require multiple motors (petrol or combustion of some sort and electric)?

It will be interesting to see what the new 911 Turbo and GT3 can achieve. Will they move the game on as much as the 458 did over the 430?



As for the lights - don't judge one from the photo's - see one in real life and see if you don't lust after one. I saw a yellow 458 getting a wheel alignment and mostly from the back when driving by - it would easily be worth a testicle. It screams performance and purpose - moreso than a Lambo Gallardo or R8, etc.

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[AJG]

The F12 looks like a mazda RX8, sorry. It's crap. Don't care if it is a rocketship to the moon.

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[Lear35A]

[quote name='ds968' timestamp='1343709497' post='130307']

Not that I would turn down driving either of those two Ferraris, if given the choice, LOL.. Probably the ONLY Ferrari which I would absolutely refuse to drive or be seen in , is the Testarossa. I don't like the Mondial either, but even that one is tolerable, not sure what they were thinking when they built the TR.

[/quote]

Not mine, but a friends. Frankly I had a blast driving it. Nothing like the sound of a V12 at redline in an open car.

That being said, the water on the driveway behind the car is from where we put out the fire...........

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[Rap]

AJG, tell us how you really feel. If I gave you one would you turn it down?

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[ds968]

I drove my friend' s Testarossa as well, many many years ago. It was in Palm Srings and plenty of road to open it up, which I did, but I was not at all impressed with its performance. I'd have to look up the stats, but I get the feeling our 968s would give it a run for it's money, It FELT slower than the 968 feels, but I realize seat of the pants / butt-o-meter can be deceiving..

I do know that we're pretty damn close to the Lamborghini Countach ( cca 1974 -75 ) both 0-60 and the q-mile, so the 12 cylinders of yesteryear ( did I just say " yesteryear " ?! ..sheesh I' m old.. ) as menacing as they may sound, and as intimidating as they may look ( the Countach ) are not all that ..

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[White968]

Yeah, The Countach is not that impressive on paper but in the 80's it was iconic.

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[rxter]

Finally a raging debate with meaning. I am so tired of hearing about contraception and rain-outs <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/wink.png" class="smilie" alt="" />



I'm with craig. The F12 looks like the Italia they let Barry Bonds drive for a year.



It will be decades before they, or anyone, will top the 458 design.

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[Cloud9...68]

Funny, but I don't find the 458 particularly attractive. I think Ferrari hit the peak with this series with the 360, and it's been downhill ever since. I've finally figured out what I don't like about the 458, and it's the same thing that bugs me about the Lotus Evora - I don't like the way they both "cinch" down just forward of the rear well. I don't know why, but that just bugs me. Not wild about the headlight treatment, either, or the rear end. I just think Ferrari missed with this one. But obviously others feel it's one of the most beautiful cars ever made, so obviously there's no right or wrong opinion here.

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[White968]

I'm sure the 458 is an amazing Ferrari but it is no F40.

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[Rap]

Oh rxter you must not be a good democrat if you don't want to hear and talk about contraception! Lol

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[AJG]

[quote name='Rap' timestamp='1343788302' post='130354']

AJG, tell us how you really feel. If I gave you one would you turn it down?

[/quote]

Eh! What are you saying Rap man. You want to give me one! You'll be wanting me bra next!

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