Cavallino Rampante part two.

[PHC1]

After many months, she is finally here! :banana:

Che bella macchina! :thumbsup:

Rather heavily optioned out with all the necessary goodies (at least to me) Carbon Package and carbon steering wheel, Forged sport wheels, Racing seats, Nav, Rear parking camera, contrasting silver stitching, Alcantera roof, armrest and upper area above the dash, red seatbelts, red calipers, Nose Lift, AFS lighting and a few others.

Having already driven the 458 on the street a few times as well as the track, I know what to expect! :burnin:

Picking her up on Monday, can't wait. :banana:

[metaphacts]

After many months, she is finally here! :banana:

Che bella macchina! :thumbsup:

Rather heavily optioned out with all the necessary goodies (at least to me) Carbon Package and carbon steering wheel, Forged sport wheels, Racing seats, Nav, Rear parking camera, silver stitching, Alcantera roof, armrest and upper area above the dash, red seatbelts, red calipers, Nose Lift, AFS lighting and a few others.

Having already driven this car on the street a few times as well as the track, I know what to expect! :burnin:

Picking her up on Monday, can't wait. :banana:

Congrats!! :pg2:

[Masterlu]

Simply Beautiful, an extreme accomplishment!

Much happiness to you; Congrads Serge! :thumbsup:

[Taylode]

A thing of beauty for shure! Enjoy!!

[BlueChiaro]

I guess the Italian boat picked up speed when challenged! :D Enjoy yourself and congratulations, Serge...beautiful.

[jwhite613]

Absolutely Beautiful

[JohnK]

Congrats, Serge.

[jdandy]

Life is good in Sergeville, for sure. Congratulations on an exhilarating and beautiful machine.

[gtubes]

Stunning, stunning, stunning. BEAUTIFUL!

[Alberto]

Bellissima Serge!

Alberto

[jwhite613]

Man, I wish I did better in school!!!!

[JFR0317]

Beautiful car, Serge! Congratulations! Can't wait for more pics and your first driving impressions!

The McLaren is going to have a tough job beating this out!

[two dot]

I hate being a carpenter....

[cmalak]

Serge...just stunning! Enjoy it in good health.

[howiebrou]

Hello Ferrari!

Bye-bye Licence!

Congrats :yes:

['cisco]

WOW Serge.....very impressive :drool:

http://audioaficionado.org/attachments/automobiles/10281d1302904452-cavallino-rampante-part-two-dsc_0096-1-s.jpg

[metaphacts]

WOW Serge.....very impressive :drool:

http://audioaficionado.org/attachments/automobiles/10281d1302904452-cavallino-rampante-part-two-dsc_0096-1-s.jpg

Serge with all due respect to Alberto, he hasn't a clue as to what DELICIOUS is.

You however have hit DELICIOUS out of the park!! :speechless: :thumbsup:

[Masterlu]

Delicioso, I think... :o

[Haurock]

:thumbsup: that is one very stunning set of wheels.....

[PHC1]

Thank you for the compliments! :shades: It really is a dream come true! :banana:

The pics are from my dealer and the color of the car is quite a bit off from the artificial lighting. "Grigio Titanio" is a really difficult color to photograph properly but here are the closest to real life pics I have seen so far. This particular car served as the inspiration for my build out. :thumbsup: When I first saw these, I nearly.... :faint:

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd18/PHC1_2007/458%20Italia/ippeuf.jpg

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd18/PHC1_2007/458%20Italia/ih5ly1.jpg

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd18/PHC1_2007/458%20Italia/n6qs1f.jpg

[JFR0317]

Serge, you should have been in the Texas Hill Country north of San Antonio today. We were driving down US 281 on our way to San Antonio this afternoon and saw 14 Ferraris on their way north for some sort of group outing. If I am not mistaken, one of the F430's I saw was Grigio Titanio, and it was gorgeous!

[Masterlu]

Is today the day Serge?

[PHC1]

Is today the day Serge?

Yes, it was Ivan. :thumbsup:

Picked her up and spent a few magical hours on the roads with her. I have to say, while I did drive a 458 a few times before, it doesn't really sink in until you spend a bit more time behind the steering wheel.

I have to admit, I was a bit skeptical when I placed the order last fall that I would ultimately fall in love with this car. Sure it is fast, sure the dual clutch tranny is light years ahead of the older F1, sure the styling is a more modern interpretation of what a supercar should look like but I was already very happy with the F430 and I was a bit worried the 458 may have lost some of the edge and rawness being quite a bit more refined.... :scratch2:

After driving the 458 for a few hours yesterday, I AM in LOVE! :hug:

Man, what a car!!! The sound of the motor as the RPMs climb with the Manettino set to "Race" is simply intoxicating. I am sure the Ferrari engineers put a lot of effort into exactly which sounds make their way into the cabin and which sounds are filtered out and tuned the exhaust to perfection.

While the F430 exhaust was pretty loud but at times a bit annoying inside the car, the 458 has a deep, muscular, guttural growl down low that grows into a hair raising symphony of sound as the RPMs climb, adding to the sense of urgency as the 570HP Italian masterpice of an engine propels the car forward at sphincter tightening pace.

Stomping on the huge carbon brakes brings about a stupendous rate of deceleration while the dual clutch tranny executes a series of rev-matched downshifts that also unleashes a symphony of exotic and sexy motor pops, burbles and other hard to describe noises that only Italians seem to know how to achieve. :D

Yes, the sounds that this car makes are simply "orgasmic" and the 458 makes its presence known from all the way down the street to long after the car is out of sight. :yes: Yet when you just want to cruise around and have a conversation or listen to the radio, the 458 goes into a very stealthy, very quiet mode, especially when the "auto" tranny mode is used. The engine ticks over at 1k rpm in 7th gear at speeds as low as 45 mph. The moment you lay into the throttle, the beast awakens within and the whole cycle repeats. This car has a dual personality for either aggressive or very laid back driving and thus is a very capable all around car. :thumbsup:

Handling is simply brilliant and this car is extremely capable. While I was able to get the F430's rear to come out and play a bit on some of my favorite roads at ease, intentional or sometimes not :D, the 458 has more mechanical grip for sure. :yes: Very neutral handling with loads of confidence inspiring chassis/suspension/tire combo grip. Plan your line through the turn, crank the very fast ratio steering wheel and the 458 carves a perfect line past the apex and as you get back on the throttle, it rockets you towards the next turn. Less than smooth roads are not a problem in race manettino setting as there is an override suspension button on the steering wheel.

So like I mentioned in the beginning, I was a bit worried that I may regret the sale of the F430 for the 458 but all those doubts and worries are completely erased now. The F430 is now a pleasant but a more distant memory and I am completely in love with the 458. :yes:



The Italian and German playmates seem to be happy together. :D

[Jean-Marc jmajma]

Just one word: fabulous!

Congrats Serge, you're a tasteful guy.

[Masterlu]

Thanks for the update Serge, maybe we should meet later this year at the Factory in Modena? :scratch2:

[PHC1]

Thanks for the update Serge, maybe we should meet later this year at the Factory in Modena? :scratch2:

I'd love to but it may be very difficult to get in. I hear they are working on the 458 Spyders now and are being very secretive as always. :D

[Masterlu]

I'd love to but it may be very difficult to get in. I hear they are working on the 458 Spyders now and are being very secretive as always. :D

It's easy if you have one of these... :D

[PHC1]

It's easy if you have one of these... :D

I don't have one of those. :no:

[jwhite613]

Congratulations Serge - Your new car is incredible. Even my wife who really doesn't much care about cars thought this car was beautiful and was like wow that's really nice and would like to pull into the office parking lot in one of those.

[PHC1]

Congratulations Serge - Your new car is incredible. Even my wife who really doesn't much care about cars thought this car was beautiful and was like wow that's really nice and would like to pull into the office parking lot in one of those.

Thanks. My wife had the same idea. :D

[PHC1]

Dr.Jekyll-Mr.Hyde personality of the 458. Part throttle acceleration. :thumbsup:

YouTube - 458 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZrFnaCxdP3o)

[Masterlu]

Dr.Jekyll-Mr.Hyde personality of the 458. Part throttle acceleration. :thumbsup:

YouTube - 458 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZrFnaCxdP3o)

http://www.joblo.com/posters/images/full/1982-the-beast-within-poster1.jpg

Nice!

[PHC1]

Just one word: fabulous!

Congrats Serge, you're a tasteful guy.

Jean-Marc, thank you. :thumbsup:

[Masterlu]

Serge, I found a few decent deals on some 2010's

Is yours a 2011?

[BlueChiaro]

Hey, Serge, so great to hear the enthusiasm in your, uh, typing. :D I was hoping to swing by the dealer to see your beauty before it went on its merry way, but my schedule didn't permit. I wish you nothing but fun, four wheel drifts, engine music, and smiles from ear to ear.

By the way, did you deal with Rick?

[Masterlu]

I could be wrong; but I just don't see Serge drifting in this one...

[BlueChiaro]

I could be wrong; but I just don't see Serge drifting in this one...

Well, at least in spirit! :yes: :thumbsup:

[PHC1]

Serge, I found a few decent deals on some 2010's

Is yours a 2011?

It is an '11 Ivan, fresh off the boat. :D It even came with the "unobtainium" Michelin Super Sport tires. :yes:

[PHC1]

Hey, Serge, so great to hear the enthusiasm in your, uh, typing. :D I was hoping to swing by the dealer to see your beauty before it went on its merry way, but my schedule didn't permit. I wish you nothing but fun, four wheel drifts, engine music, and smiles from ear to ear.

By the way, did you deal with Rick?

Thank you Robert. :thumbsup: Rick is no longer with Algar, I don't know why.

[Masterlu]

It is an '11 Ivan, fresh off the boat. :D It even came with the "unobtainium" Michelin Super Sport tires. :yes:

Yep, I thought so; all the best!

[Masterlu]

$20K over on a 10' :scratch2:

Found one loaded to the gills; $297 MSRP

[Masterlu]

Are you also on F-Chat?

I'm Masterlu there; I know; what a shocker! :laughin:

[PHC1]

I could be wrong; but I just don't see Serge drifting in this one...

The Cayman R will take the burden of that kind of abuse. :D The 458 will stay off the track, at least for now. It is not an inexpensive endeavor to track a Ferrari, especially with carbon-ceramic brakes. Two sets of pads and the rotors have to be changed to the tune of over $20k. :icon_thumbsdown: Not to mention all other possible negative outcomes. :no: This 458 is just too precious to put her out on the track. :nono:

[PHC1]

$20K over on a 10' :scratch2:

Found one loaded to the gills; $297 MSRP

That is in line for the current market. If it is the right color and options, go for it! Good luck! :thumbsup:

[Masterlu]

The Cayman R will take the burden of that kind of abuse. :D The 458 will stay off the track, at least for now. It is not an inexpensive endeavor to track a Ferrari, especially with carbon-ceramic brakes. Two sets of pads and the rotors have to be changed to the tune of over $20k. :icon_thumbsdown: Not to mention all other possible negative outcomes. :no: This 458 is just too precious to put her out on the track. :nono:

I just did a complete fluid, filters, flush, blah blah on my 430. Maybe I should drive it more. :yes:

[PHC1]

Are you also on F-Chat?

I'm Masterlu there; I know; what a shocker! :laughin:

Yes, I am. PHC1 there as well, I guess that's no surprise either. :D

[PHC1]

I just did a complete fluid, filters, flush, blah blah on my 430. Maybe I should drive it more. :yes:

Ivan, you'll find yourself driving the 458 much more. Most guys do. :yes: It feels like a much tighter, solid built Ferrari unlike even the F430 which was much better than generations before it. :yes: If you get the 458, drive it!!! :thumbsup:

[Masterlu]

If it happens; it will be red.

http://cthst.com/drivingemotion/A0175145-42sm.jpg

[Masterlu]

LED wheel is a must, at least for me.

http://cthst.com/drivingemotion/A0175145-63sm.jpg

[PHC1]

If it happens; it will be red.

http://cthst.com/drivingemotion/A0175145-42sm.jpg

Awesome, I know you wanted Rosso. Do you know exactly which options it has?

[Masterlu]

The one I'm looking at isn't missing anything that I know of.

[Masterlu]

2010 Ferrari 458 Italia finished in Rosso Corsa Red over a Black and Beige 2-Toned Italian Leather interior that has been strategically spec'd with a Black Dash, Black Carpets and contrast Red Stitching throughout the cabin.


Factory Options and Features Include:


AFS System


Brake Calipers in Yellow


Anti Stone Chipping


Carbon Fiber Driver Zone+LEDS


Carbon Fiber Central Bridge


Central Tunnel in Leather


Carbon Fiber Dashboard Inserts


Dual Color Leather Int. Trim


Electrically Operated Seats


Front Suspension Lift


Rear View Camera System


Interior Grids in Leather Color


Other Options: $26,323.00


Original MSRP $297,658

[PHC1]

LED wheel is a must, at least for me.

http://cthst.com/drivingemotion/A0175145-63sm.jpg

Yes, the carbon LED wheel is very nice, especially if you like to paddle shift yourself You'll always know when to upshift with those LED's. I have it too.

[PHC1]

2010 Ferrari 458 Italia finished in Rosso Corsa Red over a Black and Beige 2-Toned Italian Leather interior that has been strategically spec'd with a Black Dash, Black Carpets and contrast Red Stitching throughout the cabin.


Factory Options and Features Include:


AFS System


Brake Calipers in Yellow


Anti Stone Chipping


Carbon Fiber Driver Zone+LEDS


Carbon Fiber Central Bridge


Central Tunnel in Leather


Carbon Fiber Dashboard Inserts


Dual Color Leather Int. Trim


Electrically Operated Seats


Front Suspension Lift


Rear View Camera System


Interior Grids in Leather Color


Other Options: $26,323.00


Original MSRP $297,658

Carbon package, nose lift, rear camera, 20" sport wheels are what I would consider essential. The rest is just icing on the cake and personal preference. I prefer the racing seats though for us taller guys. The one you found sounds well equipped.

[Masterlu]

We may need our own Ferrari forum here! :lmao:

[PHC1]

We may need our own Ferrari forum here! :lmao:

:thumbsup:

The contrast red stitching on the dash is very nice on that car. I love contrast stitching and ordered mine with the "special contrast" stitching in silver. The factory uses a tighter spaced stitching for a very nice effect.

[Masterlu]

:thumbsup:

The contrast red stitching on the dash is very nice on that car. I love contrast stitching and ordered mine with the "special contrast" stitching in silver. The factory uses a tighter spaced stitching for a very nice effect.

I saw the women who stitch the interiors of these cars on sewing machines autographed by "Shumi" himself.

You can see the pride on each of their faces. One of the most memorable trips I ever had!

[PHC1]

I saw the women who stitch the interiors of these cars on sewing machines autographed by "Shumi" himself.

You can see the pride on each of their faces. One of the most memorable trips I ever had!

I bet. You can see Ferrari in "Ultimate Factories" by the way. I believe they have it on iTunes. :yes:

Ivan, this was my build out by the way. The MSRP came out to $280k.

Grigio Titanio
Nero interior
Racing seats
Grigio Chiaro "special contrast" stitching
Rosso calipers
Rosso seatbelts
Black Tach
Nero Alcantara headliner
Nero Alcantara upper zone (not the dashboard)
Nero Alcantara arm-rest
Carbon package CRPK
20" Painted wheels
Scuderia Shields
Sport Sill
Nav
Camera
iPod
Electrochromatic rearview mirror+homelink
Lift+AFS lighting

[Masterlu]

Awesome, you did real good!

Thanks :o

[PHC1]

Awesome, you did real good!

Thanks :o

Thanks and good luck if you decide to pull the trigger!

[PHC1]

My friend's 599GTO getting the front end wrapped. What a beast that GTO is! :drool:

I'm getting my 458 wrapped too. :yes:

[Masterlu]

I wrap all of mine too!

[BuffaloBill]

I wrap all of mine too!

What do you mean by wrapped? Which areas are covered? What material is used?

[Masterlu]

What do you mean by wrapped? Which areas are covered? What material is used?

These are who I use, they "wrap" the entire front end including the whole hood.

Done right, it is invaluable!

3m Paint Protection | 3m Window Tint | Car Paint Protection | Car Bra (http://www.autosupershield.com/)

[PHC1]

What do you mean by wrapped? Which areas are covered? What material is used?

Different ways of doing it. In my case, front bumper, hood, fenders, rocker panels, mirrors. Basically anything that is prone to stone chips. My installer is using 3M VentureShield, he's tried them all. :D Very important to have a reputable and experienced installer. :yes: My guy is from Boston and comes to do the cars at the Philly Ferrari dealer.

[BuffaloBill]

Thanks to both for your replies. Very helpful to know.

[Masterlu]

Different ways of doing it. In my case, front bumper, hood, fenders, rocker panels, mirrors. Basically anything that is prone to stone chips. My installer is using 3M VentureShield, he's tried them all. :D Very important to have a reputable and experienced installer. :yes: My guy is from Boston and comes to do the cars at the Philly Ferrari dealer.

+1

It is an art form to watch being installed.

[PHC1]

I have just about 1000 miles on the 458 now and it is one month young. The car absolutely thrills me each and every time I drive it. :yes: Superb exotic sports car. :thumbsup:

What I enjoy even more is meeting other Ferrari and other brand enthusiasts and making new friends each and every time I go out in it to Cars and Coffee and other Rally events. :thumbsup: So much more fun to drive in a group, especially when every one is in tune and love to go fast! :D I am blessed to have a great group of car enthusiast guys and gals locally to enjoy conversations, have lunch, participate in rallies and many other great times! So much more fun than driving solo. :yes:

[Still-One]

Serge
Your car is stunning. Glad you are so happy with your decision to go with the 458.

I am sure you wake up every day hoping for sunshine. Ahh, life can be so good.

Jim

[PHC1]

Serge
Your car is stunning. Glad you are so happy with your decision to go with the 458.

I am sure you wake up every day hoping for sunshine. Ahh, life can be so good.

Jim

Thanks Jim. Yes, the weather hasn't exactly been cooperative lately.

Of course the Cayman R has not been neglected and has seen a fair share of driving time with 1100 miles on the clock now. :thumbsup:

[Masterlu]

Looking good Serge, just about ready for your 1st oil change; and let the revs fly! ;)

[JFR0317]

Looking good Serge, just about ready for your 1st oil change; and let the revs fly! ;)
Aren't you about to get close to the 1,000 mile mark on your 430, Ivan?:D

[Masterlu]

Aren't you about to get close to the 1,000 mile mark on your 430, Ivan?:D

Oh, that hurt John... :laughin:

http://www.gotterdammerung.org/film/reviews/s/soul-of-the-sword/soul-of-the-sword-16.jpg

[tigerhonaker]

After many months, she is finally here! :banana:

Che bella macchina! :thumbsup:

Rather heavily optioned out with all the necessary goodies (at least to me) Carbon Package and carbon steering wheel, Forged sport wheels, Racing seats, Nav, Rear parking camera, contrasting silver stitching, Alcantera roof, armrest and upper area above the dash, red seatbelts, red calipers, Nose Lift, AFS lighting and a few others.

Having already driven the 458 on the street a few times as well as the track, I know what to expect! :burnin:

Picking her up on Monday, can't wait. :banana:

Serge,

Man you go through Ferraris like I have Hondas. http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh279/tigerhonaker/roflmao.gif

Seriously you have had so many Awesome rides Buddy. :thumbsup:

It does my heart good to just be here on AA Seeing & Reading about your toys.

And I have not gotten through the Links yet on just the Ferraris yet.

I don't know if your neighbors are the same as you but if they are not then I would luv to see their facial expression as you back or pull out of the garage.

Terry

[PHC1]

Looks who's back at the dealer... My EX-458 in Grigio Titanio.. :drool: She looks as good as she did two years ago but now has extra 6k miles. :D Brings back memories. I've custom built her with all my specs.

http://algarferrari.com/showroom/pre-owned-details/458%20Italia-vin-ZFF67NFA1B0179723#.UjdvcxbfAZZ


http://content.homenetiol.com/1440x630/b5191192fb054a84a6e5adfdb4eb548c.jpg

[Masterlu]

It's an Omen. :stirthepot:

[PHC1]

It's an Omen. :stirthepot:

:D

[PHC1]

It gets better. Here is my 458 Spider along with the 458 Coupe. :lmao:


http://algarferrari.com/showroom/pre-owned-details/458%20SPIDER-vin-ZFF68NHA9C0188780#.UkCJSRbfAZZ

[Still-One]

It gets better. Here is my 458 Spider along with the 458 Coupe. :lmao:


http://algarferrari.com/showroom/pre-owned-details/458%20SPIDER-vin-ZFF68NHA9C0188780#.UkCJSRbfAZZ
Serge
I know I retired too early when I cannot even consider your leftovers. :lmao:

[PHC1]

Serge
I know I retired too early when I cannot even consider your leftovers. :lmao:

Jim, they are still charging more than sticker for the Spider. :smoking: Speaking of retirement, I am slowing down with these expensive toys because I'd also like to retire some day! :D

[Masterlu]

Jim, they are still charging more than sticker for the Spider. :smoking: Speaking of retirement, I am slowing down with these expensive toys because I'd also like to retire some day! :D

Remember my Slogan;

"If you feel burnt out, break off the crust and get back in the oven" ;)

[PHC1]

Remember my Slogan;

"If you feel burnt out, break off the crust and get back in the oven" ;)

Good one. :thumbsup:

[two dot]

What are you driving these days Serge???


A Porsche, I'm guessing.

[PHC1]

What are you driving these days Serge???


A Porsche, I'm guessing.

I have a few different cars but you guessed right! My son left me the '01 Turbo to play with as he went away to college and in return I got him something fun to drive but with a warranty and new car smell. :D '14 Lancer EVO