the new kid on the block continues to excite my local community, i had to chase it all over town to get a ride.
this is the 2nd one in the country, volcano orange is an equally impressive color as the last orange/yellow.

during the short ride i conclude that it needs the sport exhaust option, because stock is silent, and "no feel". Wide open throttle is better with a constant "BA-BA-BA-BA-BA-BA-BA!" going in my right ear, sounds more like an air intake sucking sound more than an exhaust sound. i dont know how to describe it, but its like a toned down 63 AMG.
458 definitely killed it in the sound competition.

In all out active plus track and aero modes, the car is more bouncy than my 458 in CT off mode. i didnt drive but it feels lively and twichty which is a good thing, cornerning is flat with no roll, not tail happy like the lively 458 rears, although the professional race driver owner said it might need a better alignment for all out driving.
Didnt feel much of a difference in acceleration from the 458 due to the lack of noise. Definitely no high pitch 8k rpm scream, just a humble excess amount of torque that pushes ur back constantly and effortlessly. Owner mentioned the main difference is being N.A vs. turbo power delivery, .... duh.

Car cabin is very intimate, i already can imagine its an awesome date car, i can put my elbows between any hos legs without trying, 458 definitely feel more spacious inside. and dont know why the AC controls are on the passenger side, i dont know if i can turn it on if i were driving, or they have dual zones for on and off??! in a car smaller than a smart??
the control ergos seem worse than a ferrari's, but maybe we can get use to it.
the stupid paddle shifter, although can be pushed up or down a gear is much harder to use than a 458, not saying its worse but why pull twice and with more effort???! I heard they will correct this in the future, hopefully to like a 458's.

Overall, in a short ride, the most impressive thing was the non-existance body roll or lean. and im not even talking about the doors, its just second nature now, no biggy.
Now i just have to buy one to find out more.....

 

Definition of a good date car: I can put my elbows between any hos legs without trying.

 

I caught that too.
Johnsgt's post are too entertaining.

 

lmao on the elbow thing

great review though,..I guess you also feel that the 12C creates less emotion than the 458 but is a cold blooded killer in terms of performance

now find a poor guys spec 12C and buy it !!

 

John, how do the controls feel compared to the 458? Do they feel rich, expensive, with positive clicks? Fit and finish inside?

lastly- what color would you order?

 

From the stupid iPhone slide to unlock doors to the stereo like bottons and knobs and displays, the whole thing is perfectly designed and executed. It feels more solid and more expensive than even my carbon intensive 458. Fit and finish is superb or even slightly better than the 458.

However the controls are un-intuitive and hard to read at speed, it may take a long while getting used to which also makes it more fun. The switchgear definitely is unique which also makes it more interesting than conventional sports cars like the 458.

As for color, I like this bright orange :



I'll also go see a white one, the 3rd!! next week, and for sure I'll know more about this new kid when i take it on my banzai runs.

 

great review...john good luck choosing a poor man's spec for the McLaren..can't wait to see u end up with.

 

Since u know I'm poor, I might not afford one. Life sucks when u can't get what u want, luckily I don't really WANT one, it wouldn't hurt, but I just don't crack addict NEED it like a new Ferrari everytime

 

holy crap that Orange is EPIC!! Love it!!

 

great post