458 vs Mclaren 5th gear


Guys, check out the Top Gear comparo test - the MP4 was over 3 secs faster than the Italia and even beat the Veyron Supersport. Word is that the Italia's were all ringers, and in fact Ferrari wanted to provide 'another' 458 to TG, and they delcined, saying "- its already been tested round the track so why do we need another?" Another reason for the weird initial test disappointments was apparently the the pro-active suspension settings weren't correctly used as McLaren hadn't bothered explaining to the drivers how to set it up properly. Clarkson still didn't care for the Mac because it "had no zing". I visited the Mclaren Dealership yesterday during my current visit to UK and my deposit remains- it is an absolutely exquisite car in terms of build quality and looks (despite what the mags say, in the flesh its a great-looking car). Can't wait to get mine!
 
texas mongrel said:
Guys, check out the Top Gear comparo test - the MP4 was over 3 secs faster than the Italia and even beat the Veyron Supersport. Word is that the Italia's were all ringers, and in fact Ferrari wanted to provide 'another' 458 to TG, and they delcined, saying "- its already been tested round the track so why do we need another?"
Click to expand...

I have heard similar stories how every time Ferrari lends out a car to be tested Ferrari needs to know ahead of time what track, so they and their team can test and tune their car specifically for that track. The MP4 is a great car and anyone who has one on order will not be disappointed!
Saying that, my first choice of the $250+ cars would be the gt2rs and my second choice would be the GTO!
 
This is an interesting perspective:

http://jalopnik.com/5760248/how-ferrari-spins
 
texas mongrel said:
Guys, check out the Top Gear comparo test - the MP4 was over 3 secs faster than the Italia and even beat the Veyron Supersport. Word is that the Italia's were all ringers, and in fact Ferrari wanted to provide 'another' 458 to TG, and they delcined, saying "- its already been tested round the track so why do we need another?" Another reason for the weird initial test disappointments was apparently the the pro-active suspension settings weren't correctly used as McLaren hadn't bothered explaining to the drivers how to set it up properly. Clarkson still didn't care for the Mac because it "had no zing". I visited the Mclaren Dealership yesterday during my current visit to UK and my deposit remains- it is an absolutely exquisite car in terms of build quality and looks (despite what the mags say, in the flesh its a great-looking car). Can't wait to get mine!
Click to expand...

If in fact Ferrari did provide ringers for review purposes, certainly the 458 provided to Top Gear was one of their best, and it was still beaten by the McLaren.

Glad you kept your deposit. Looking forward to seeing one in person.
 
there'll be one in Houston on July 28th for an invitation-only cocktail reception and viewing - send me your e-mail address and I'll get an invite to you
 
Seems like Ferrari treats a comparative road test the same as a race weekend. They arrive, setup the car for the track (or test) and run. Just another competition to them.

Knowing this, other manufacturers will either start doing the same - making it truly a race; or, they will opt out of any comparative tests (I know I would).
 
Whenever I went on a sales call I always brought the top guns with me. Not all humans were born equal!
 
Comparison on Top Gear tonight.
 
Also, read the September issue of Car and Driver and see who wins!
 
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