Affordable Ferrari California

  • Thread starter Thread starter exigeracer
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I got the latest Automobile Magazine. You know, the magazine that may sometimes give a cheap shot to certain cars or make witty (I guess you'd call it) comments on cars? Well, the Ferrari F149 was mentioned. But what was in the pages was simply a 599 as a test mule. The article even talks about how the F430 will remain the cheapest of the Ferraris, only that the F149 will be more expensive than the $173K F430. Maybe the "149" in "F149" will be an estimate of the car's price when it's made official. Here's the final portion of the article on the F149:

"VERY CLEVER, THOSE ITALIANS: The front-engine F149 will likely be priced higher than the current mid-engine F430, which for now will be the entry-level Ferrari. However, due to the use of more costly lightweight materials, the F430's replacement will be significantly more expensive than the current car. This leaves the F149 to take over the entry-level role. That's a neat slieight of hand- by making the price of entry into the Ferrari club even higher and keeping sales numbers suitably low, the cars from Maranello become even more desireable."

-source: June 2008 edition of Automobile Magazine, page 72



People... your thoughts according to this?
 
It was quite a surprise when Mr. Montezemolo made that announcement. Of course, it shouldn't matter too much if it'll cost more than the F430. For one, people who can afford the F430 can afford this most likely. Second off, this will be their only choice since Automobile seem to be forgetting the F430 is pretty much done besides the 430 Scuderia. In fact, 1 of the reasons we're probably seeing the F149 being built is to keep an entry-level Ferrari in the market while Ferrari prepares the F430 successor.

However, the full details of the F149 are still be seen, and Ferrari is keeping their mouth shut. Dealers are letting small details out to customers, and Ferrari SpA have already let us at FChat know that that information is not to be talked about on the forums. As far as we know, we're in for a treat from this car, and should expect it to be unveiled at Paris this year.

And speaking of new Ferraris, I'm surprised there's been no talk on here of the upcoming 599 Spider.
 
I loved the 360 Modena. I loved the F430 even more. More power to Ferrari to keep up the good work making exceptional entry level(?) sports cars. It began with the 360 Modena for me since I wasn't really feeling the 355 F1 all that much. Companies do have to move on and create new sports cars. While I love the F430, I'll miss it (as if I haven't missed the 360 Modena already). I'm sure Ferrari will keep up the good work and keep their loyal fans jacked for years to come.
 
Damn, there goes my hopes to buy a Ferrari at a relatively affordable price (but then I don't live in the U.S so most decent cars here are relatively unaffordable).
 
GT Pro
Damn, there goes my hopes to buy a Ferrari at a relatively affordable price (but then I don't live in the U.S so most decent cars here are relatively unaffordable).
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And the extra 8% luxury car tax won't help either.
 
Turbo Lag
And the extra 8% luxury car tax won't help either.
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I know. Our country doesn't support the people who work hard, it supports the people who refuse to work. You're worth what you're paid. The poorer people need to realise that, and stop complaining about those that have worked their asses off in order to afford a 'luxury' car.
 
It's not bad, but it just looks as if Pininfarina spent absolutely zero effort in the design. I feel like I'm seeing Gran Turismo-esque styling in that front with the narrow headlights, the round grill, and that long nose. The back looks a bit, and looks like a mix of 599 taillights, a LP560-4 uninterrupted grill, and a IS-F-like exhaust setup. That is probably coincidence, but it doesn't grab me.

The side profile though, is quite stunning, and worthy of the California name.

BTW, to try and show the Gran Turismo-like styling, look from the beginning of the front wheel arches towards the front bumper.
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ferrarigt128003hw5.jpg
 
:yuck: Looks like one of those MX-5/Miata/Eunos based replicas of a 599 'vert.
 
Marketing Ploy!!!!

granted, a very fast Marketing Ploy, and the first "Entry Level" Ferrari to be FR since...Forever, I think, but a Marketing Ploy nonetheless.

It looks a LOT smaller than the Maser, too.
 
Ugh. The side profile is nice, especially the old Cali's upswept character line, which I think was put to good use here. The front end though... Opel should be pissed people have been stealing the now-dead Speedster's headlights. The backend looks odd, and I really didn't expect them to take a page from Lexus. And the rims look utterly boring, like an afterthought.

I like it for the tech, but its continuing Ferrari down the same ugly path. The 8C is infinitely better looking, as is the GT. And while the latter is far larger... I wouldn't complain.
 
I like the taillamps. And… no, that’s about it.
 
Well, (poor) imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

I point to the Aston Martin Vantage.

But this car (amazingly) is inexpertly detailed, less well proportioned and judging by the shape and size of it, I would be surprised if it is much lighter.

Yes, nice engine, nice new box - a tour-de-force indeed... but if this car costs more than the incredible F430, I'd be stunned.

And the arse-end is bloody hideous. What's up with those tailpipes? Have Ferrari forgotten the word subtle? I baulked a bit at the DBS but this is just silly.
 
Omnis
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I WAS CLOSE! :dopey: Seriously, though, my original drawing was pretty similar until I decided to erase all the extra bodywork in front of and behind the wheels.

Anyway, WOW, this thing looks great! Makes the California name proud, I think.
 
Omnis
I WAS CLOSE! :dopey: Seriously, though, my original drawing was pretty similar until I decided to erase all the extra bodywork in front of and behind the wheels.
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The wheels, finish aside, were spot on 👍 ;)
 
I think it looks great. My complaints: The taillights don't really fit with the car, everything aft of the windshield in the profile shot wouldn't surprise me if it was the LF-A and that line from the vents over the fenders is just a tad questionable.

Other than that, I think everything looks great.

Bubble Bunny
I want to see a pic with the hardtop up.
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Me too. I'm wondering if it will turn into a swoopy Italian coupe like it should be able to.
 
The thing that's really confusing me is this was the supposed "entry-level" car, but at the rumoured 160K pounds, it's not any cheaper than the 430 at all, and despite the DI the engine is lower-powered than the mid-engine application (though I'll accept that as it's supposed to be a more "relaxed" car). Hell, a quick flip through Evo shows that the 599 is only 20K pounds cheaper... what's the point?

The more I look at it in profile, the more 550 M I see, which is good. No idea why it's also pretty heavy, too...
 
I actually never really liked the 550 Maranello and 575 in terms of style. Just didn't really attract to me. If these newer pictures is how the F149 will be, then I don't think it's a bad design. The front (for some reason) reminds me of a Toyota MR-S with 1999 Toyota Celica headlights. The rear looks very nice. I LOVE the side profile. I'm usually not excited about a Maserati as far as style, but I really dig this car. Not F430 beautiful, but still better than nothing. It's the first front-engined Ferrari I loved in style since the 599.
 
I really like most of the details and design, especially up front. The one thing that ruins most of it is that confusing crease running from the fender grille back over the shoulders. It creates too much meat around the back wheel, making it look tiny and loses the strong stance it would otherwise have. The line going over the back hips just doesn't end well and makes for more chunk in the back half of the car, which is only added to by the massive rear deck, very 911 Cabrio-esque. The details on the back are great though. The tailpipes may be a little unconventional, but I like how they flank the main rear valence, which looks pro.

Figuring out how to lower that rear line and get rid of the awkward ripple would be the only step to make this car totally stunning. I'm impressed!
 
Is it me or does it look like its trying too hard... it looks all out of proportion, its bug eyed and looks like its been riced by some tacky aftermarket turner! Whats with all the vents and fins! The rear is a TVR Tamora rip off..

Looks truly Horrid.... its not beautiful at all.... looks more like a cheap sportcar thats tried to take styles from more expensive cars and stick them here and there.... Ferraris should look more simple like the F430.

Robin
 
when a Ferrari starts to look like a toyota, you know somethings wrong. :lol:

buying this over a Gran Turismo S? not in a million years (not that i could afford that either)

Robin.
Is it me or does it look like its trying too hard... it looks all out of proportion, its bug eyed and looks like its been riced by some tacky aftermarket turner! Whats with all the vents and fins! The rear is a TVR Tamora rip off..

Looks truly Horrid.... its not beautiful at all.... looks more like a cheap sportcar thats tried to take styles from more expensive cars and stick them here and there.... Ferraris should look more simple like the F430.

Robin
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agreed. most ferrari guys even think the F430 is alittle too over the top with its styling (me included)

why cant it go back to the days of the modena. simplicity&beauty is too much to ask for?
 
I like it, a lot. I'm personally a bigger fan of front-engined Ferraris than most folks, the 550/575 being my absolute-favorite Ferrari of modern memory. There is just something about the layout with the Italian curves that just make it "right," and this continues it.

I guess my issue is still over the pricing game. If this is supposed to slot in just above the F430, it just seems like a "waste" to me. I dunno. When I think "affordable" Ferrari I'm thinking in the $130-150K range... Which is over-shot by the Alfa 8C. Hmmm.

I'd still have one, preferably in blue, with a black top. It would be perfect.
 
YSSMAN
I like it, a lot. I'm personally a bigger fan of front-engined Ferraris than most folks, the 550/575 being my absolute-favorite Ferrari of modern memory. There is just something about the layout with the Italian curves that just make it "right," and this continues it.

I guess my issue is still over the pricing game. If this is supposed to slot in just above the F430, it just seems like a "waste" to me. I dunno. When I think "affordable" Ferrari I'm thinking in the $130-150K range... Which is over-shot by the Alfa 8C. Hmmm.

I'd still have one, preferably in blue, with a black top. It would be perfect.
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What exactly do you mean by over-shot? As in the Alfa being a lot more expensive? I may be reading your paragraph in the wrong way.
 
was at the Ferrari dealer last night, looking at the different models. (dont ask )

This new Ferrari will probably adopt the F149 name plate and will look just fine amongst its stable mates.

You see alot of people have been calling it the "entry level or affordable" model but its looking to be priced more than the F430.

Well for starters, this car better resembles the flagship 599 and is a front-mid engined layout. It will also have a retractable hardtop, direct injection V8 and a DSG transmission.

Where in that last sentence did "entry level" or "affordable" pop up?

Again, quality car comes with a quality price. I approve.
 

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