I would really love to get a complete story. Did Harris just get denied big time from the factory over something? Or is he really tired of the BS? Because this could really affect his job in a negative way.

Still I will take a review from him any day of the week over anyone else.

 

Feb 15, 2011 03:00 PM

 

Interesting read, makes me think of the FF, about 90% of the car forums I've visited, thinks it's fugly, but I have not heard a bad thing about the looks in any of the car magazines that I have read, except how well it performs.

 

I hate it when manufacturers do this kind of thing. I never really like Ferrari too much anyway.

When the Nissan GT-R came out, there was a similar situation. An owner dynoed his car and found it had about 450hp at the flywheel. A journalist dynoed a press car, and he got a reading of 530hp at the flywheel. Obviously Nissan tunes their cars as well. Nissan's response to this was that since the GT-R engines are hand built, power output varies.

Complete BS.

 

Well, not coming from a Ferrari owner but knowing a few, and actually speaking more towards Chris Harris and his attitudes I am sure he has a point to where he is coming from with all of his press cars. Considering all cars that are sent to any sort of automotive publication for testing are sent with manufacturer's clearance, and if not, supplied by some generous private owner. But in the case of the latter any privately owned car will not be kept as press/publication car is maintained. Especially not one from Ferrari; one of the most regaled brands in automotive history. They have a reputation to try and protect, so let them do it. It's a part of their game, and I feel Chris Harris should be lucky enough to have the opportunity to drive each and every new model. They are pieces of art. He should realize he is lucky enough to drive and own such individually different automobiles.

Chris Harris is an awesome automotive journalist and I hope to continue to be able to enjoy his reviews. I guess this is his way of calling out Ferrari?

 

man that was a good read...mucho thanks for posting!

 

Not surprised, same behaviour Ferrari has always had in the last decade in F1...

 

I can tell you it is a fact that this type of thing goes on all the time behind the scenes with every manufacture's press cars.

Ferrari has always been like this, and I respect Chris for coming forward with this information. He wasn't the first. Hell, it won't change a thing.

I bet the boys in Maranello are calling for his head on a silver platter right about now. Let's hope his boss at EVO doesn't cave in and let him go...I just got a subscription more/less based on some of Chris' words lately.

Rep to you, Harris.

 

Excellent.. i don't think it's the best article i've ever seen from Chris Harris but is very interesting and i'm facinated to see what happens now, Ferrari must be very upset!!

I've known they are like this from countless EVO roadtests and car of the year articles, i think EVO have been quite honest about how Ferrari behave, the threats never to lend them another car etc after Porsche wins car of the year... again! I've also seen the 'team' Ferrari send out when journo's test the 458, i believe this was pictured in Autocar when Steve Sutcliffe drove the car.

What's the betting this'll blow up in every car magazine and newspaper motoring section over the next few weeks? Unless Ferrari can prevent it that is...

 

Chris Harris rocks. Ferrari should be ashamed of themselves. And so should any automaker who pulls this crap.