ok yes could be launch control, because normally this is the place where u find it

 

 

Aw geez...I was hoping nobody would ask me that. Well, where to begin. I swapped cars with Paul aka BritBlaster (he rarely posts on here) earlier that morning and basically all he told me was that it's similar to the Scuderia and that the parking brakes were "here" pointing to a button under the dashboard. That was it. I got in wondering what I'd just gotten myself into. I knew about the turn signal buttons being on the steering wheel but I had no idea how to lower the front lift system. I eventually found out that it lowers automatically. I think it's about time Ferrari offered this system in their cars. I'm not sure if it's an option or standard in the 458.

Obviously Paul did a great job putting together his car although I probably would have added a few more CF trim pieces to make it perfect. That is, IF I had ordered one.

And now, my driving impressions. My initial impression is that it's too smooth. I remember the first time I drove a 430 coupe and found it to be refined compared to the 360CS I had driven before. I would say that the 458 is also "refined" in the same sense when compared to the Scuderia. It does a good job soaking up the road imperfections, bumps and such. The power levels is intoxicating for sure. What I found interesting is the exhaust sound. In the Scuderia, it's pretty loud when I have the bypass switch turned on. In the 458, it's relatively quiet until I give it some gas, as if there's a bypass valve that opens up every time some throttle is applied. So in other words, it's loud only when you want it to be. I'm happy to also report that Ferrari has managed to retain the shifting feel even with the dual clutch set up. That was one of the biggest concerns I had prior to driving one. Has Ferrari taken away the "sporting" feel by making it too smooth? I found that the automatic mode did a great job of keeping the 458 in the right gear. Much better than the Scuderia in auto mode I'd admit. And OMG, it shifted from 7th gear to 4th in a blink of a eye when I stepped on it. I especially loved all the sounds the 458 would make when letting off the gas but the engine braking was a bit disconcerting for me because it seemed to give me a bit more forward motion than I'd have liked. The brakes are still every bit as powerful as you'd expect them to be. I however find that the brakes in the Scuderia are a touch better.

The 458 and the Scuderia are two completely different machines. One is raw and one is refined. I found the 458 to be a bit "muted" in road feel compared to the Scuderia. The Scuderia did a great job keeping up with the 458 in the twisties on the way home. I also found that I'm tested moreso as a driver in the Scuderia than the 458. The 458 did most of the work for me as a driver.

Bottom note, for me...which one would I take home? I'd have to say, the Scuderia.

Sorry to threadjack this, guys...but hey..I was asked and this is what you get.

 

Thanks for the feedback. I have not talked to Paul in detail about driving impressions yet, so it's nice to hear what you think about the two cars.

 

AMAZING photos; really highlighted some of the details that i haven't seen on this car before. Esp. like the shot of the rear fog light and diffuser and the red tach.

Also the more and more i see pictures of the car, i really like the rear of the car more.

 

Just wait til you have a chance to look one over in person. It really changed my thoughts on the car. I think I like these angles the best. They really highlight the flow of air into the rear intakes....

 

Thanks for taking the time to write this.

Scud vs 458 is a decision a lot of people are making this days and i m sure your views will help.

Great detail pics Hotshot.