Nunco, we are clearly talking about the Challenge specifically.


Rockville, there is just something about a production car tuned racer car that is more appealing to me than a formula car.

Sure, I could get a shifter kart for 10k that would out handle my Miata in every way, but it;s just not the same.

Your argument is technically right but is just missing the point. No disrespect intended.

 

This isn't open for debate, is it? The Challenge is a track car just like a 911 GT3 Cup. It is not a road car.

 

I can see how some might prefer the road car modified for track use but I would suggest you try driving a true formula car some time. It's much different and more intense than a road car, even a good road car. Of course it better be since the thing was designed only for track use.

Also, just as something like a Ferrari is cooler than say a Mustang because the Ferrari has more interesting go fast bits, I find most formula cars more interesting for the same reasons. You have suspension that's at a level above what you see in a road car (bell cranks, fancy anti-roll systems, etc. You have dampers that are more sophisticated and a chassis that is tighter and more responsive. I've heard many former tin top racers finally drive a formula car and say just how much different and better it was than what they had done in the past.

Of course, I don't think Ferrari is really aiming this car at those people. Ferrari, for the most part isn't interested in competing in any open racing series aside from F1. This car is definitely targeted at rich Ferrari enthusiast. But, if you want a true driving scalpel I would suggest looking at a formula car vs a road car. Of course, road cars can be fun too!

 

I've tried to highlight/italicize/underline the keyword there.

What's more interesting & appealing to you is not necessarily more interesting & appealing to others. To each their own.

 

[QUOTE=mxt_77,Jul 15 2010, 11:31 AM] I've tried to highlight/italicize/underline the keyword there.

What's more interesting & appealing to you is not necessarily more interesting & appealing to others.

 

I've acknowledged that. I've also said why I feel the way I do. I think many people simply overlook things like true amateur racecars when they start talking about things like this Ferrari. Since this is a car forum I think it's OK to say, "hey, did you consider this alternative which provides more X,Y, and Z?" I can understand getting excited about the looks and the sounds of a car like the 458-C, I just think there are great alternatives. Formula cars are in general a great alternative that I think many people overlook. After all, we're all car people and I think the FB is one hell of a track car. The lap times around Road America and the cornering loads sure to prove it. To put things in perspective, the Ferrari 360 Challenge lap record for that track is 2:19.7 and the ALMS Porsche 911 GT3 RSR was 2:07.577 ('04 911 GT3 RSR). That car did a 2:08.3.

 

I love it. It's going to go down as a rare classic like the GTOs, Stradales, Scuderias, and Enzos.

Shame they weren't able to fabricate a DSG gearbox and had to resort to the old F1 tranny.

Still, it's going to be epic. And exorbitantly priced.

 

It's a DSG, as is the regular 458. Says so right in the article.

 

It's cool but there are better race cars.