458 major difference in 2012-2015 | FerrariChat

458 major difference in 2012-2015

Discussion in '458 Italia/488/F8' started by RADONCulous, Apr 25, 2020.

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

  1. RADONCulous

    RADONCulous Rookie

    Jul 25, 2017
    46
    Miami
    I am looking at a 2012 458 Spider. Are there any major motor or top mechanism differences for 2012 vs the latter models? Anything specifically that was a concern in 2012? Thank you.
     
  2. rmk40

    rmk40 Karting
    Silver Subscribed

    Feb 3, 2017
    72
    Los Angeles, CA
    Full Name:
    Rafi
    The 10-11 cars had some issues with the gearbox which were fixed 12 and beyond. I believe 13 and beyond received a more aggressive shifting tune in “race” mode, as it was previously considered too tame by many. And while not a change to the car, 13 and beyond came with 7 years of annual service included.

    There may be other minor differences but those are the only ones I know about.
     
  3. Rory breaker

    Rory breaker Formula Junior

    Apr 17, 2017
    269
    12+ was free 7yr annual maintenance not 13.
     
    docf likes this.
  4. ShadowLAP

    ShadowLAP Formula Junior

    May 15, 2017
    544
    SW Suburbs of Chicago, IL
    Full Name:
    Lawrence P.
    While not a performance or reliability item my 2015 Spider has red LED rear turn signals and others have yellow LED's. Not an issue until you need to obtain a replacement. I do not know when the switch over took place.
     
  5. Jason B

    Jason B Formula Junior

    Apr 7, 2006
    397
    Hbg, PA
    You're right on the Race mode. 14 here and it's way more aggressive that older models and glad it there.

    I wonder what else changed in the later years. Even though Ferrari may say nothing changed there are also things that change, maybe minor that are a big deal to us. I'd love to know the things people have found that are different,.
     
  6. tekaefixe

    tekaefixe Formula 3

    May 10, 2012
    1,201
    CH
    Full Name:
    Paulo
    This is software or hardware in the gearbox?
    Thank you
     
  7. PTG1

    PTG1 Formula Junior

    Oct 7, 2017
    783
    UK
    Full Name:
    Pete
    Bluetooth connection works on 15 on my old 14 it didn't work properly
     
  8. ttforcefed

    ttforcefed F1 World Champ
    Rossa Subscribed

    Aug 22, 2002
    18,753
    if you guys are referring to the DCT issue i dont think its been fixed as later model cars have had the issue as well.
     
  9. Gh21631

    Gh21631 F1 Veteran
    Silver Subscribed

    Feb 24, 2011
    8,325
    East
    Didnt the earlier years have a more aggrieve exhaust note?
     
    Avia11 likes this.
  10. ttforcefed

    ttforcefed F1 World Champ
    Rossa Subscribed

    Aug 22, 2002
    18,753
    Yes the 10s and 11s but then the dealers were updating the fuel maps and it got rid of the burbles and backfires. Rare to find a car that hasnt had the update


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
    Avia11, PTG1 and AlfistaPortoghese like this.
  11. AlfistaPortoghese

    AlfistaPortoghese Moderator
    Lifetime Rossa

    Mar 18, 2014
    3,778
    Europe, but not by much.
    Full Name:
    Nuno
  12. Ash Patel

    Ash Patel Formula Junior

    Dec 12, 2015
    536
    Stockholm, Sweden
    pre 12 has better exhaust note with pops and cracks, post 12 a lot better gearbox = not as fuzzy when driving slow and more aggressive when on it, also the dampers are more firm in race-mode and up on the post 12 models
     
  13. Jo Sta7

    Jo Sta7 F1 Rookie
    Rossa Subscribed

    Oct 13, 2015
    4,896
    Scottsdale/Pittsburgh
    Full Name:
    Jon
    Typically cars get better each year of manufacturing. I'm sure you'd have to drive the cars back to back to realize. You'll see little things improve like panel gaps, etc. get tighter.
     
    PTG1 likes this.
  14. RADONCulous

    RADONCulous Rookie

    Jul 25, 2017
    46
    Miami
    Thanks to all for the insight!
     
  15. tekaefixe

    tekaefixe Formula 3

    May 10, 2012
    1,201
    CH
    Full Name:
    Paulo
    The more aggressive gearbox after 2012 is software right? Can older models be updated?
     
    AlfistaPortoghese likes this.
  16. AlfistaPortoghese

    AlfistaPortoghese Moderator
    Lifetime Rossa

    Mar 18, 2014
    3,778
    Europe, but not by much.
    Full Name:
    Nuno
    Paulo,

    As far as I know, they can. In fact, some dealers update your software on their own, unless you clearly state you don’t want them to. Pre 2012 cars will lose backfiring ability though.

    Kind regards,

    Nuno.
     
  17. tekaefixe

    tekaefixe Formula 3

    May 10, 2012
    1,201
    CH
    Full Name:
    Paulo
    Mine is from 05/2012 I dont know if it has the backfiring software or not. Besides They can just update the gearbox software and leave the engine alone no?
     
  18. Live2win

    Live2win Karting

    Sep 27, 2019
    177
    Pasadena MD
    Full Name:
    David perkins
    I own a 2010 Italia, and a 2012 spider. I have not noticed any difference in exhaust tone in race mode both totally bad ass.

    once you get comfortable with the car run in race mode IMO. So much more responsive and exhaust note is fantastic.

    so I see no difference in model years my Italia has over 20,000 miles no issues.

    I drive both cars hard and as much as possible
     
  19. Tarek307

    Tarek307 Formula 3
    Silver Subscribed

    Sep 26, 2018
    1,294
    Long Beach, CA & Alexandria,Egypt.
    Full Name:
    Tarek Salah
    exactly, absolute rubbish, years 2010-2015 suffered DCT issues (some of them) ...I'm glad i bought a 2010 with the burbbles and non updated software, i love the way mine sounds.
     
  20. AlfistaPortoghese

    AlfistaPortoghese Moderator
    Lifetime Rossa

    Mar 18, 2014
    3,778
    Europe, but not by much.
    Full Name:
    Nuno
    Paulo,

    If I’m not mistaken, the Spiders got a less aggressive Race mode and never got the pops and crackles upon deceleration, both of which according to Ferrari were meant to make open top driving more enjoyable. In fact, the software update in the Italia that eliminated backfire was supposed to protect the exhaust system, or so I’ve heard through the grapevine. Nevertheless, I’m sure more knowledgeable owners will check in with more information on the matter.

    Kindest regards,

    Nuno.
     
  21. tekaefixe

    tekaefixe Formula 3

    May 10, 2012
    1,201
    CH
    Full Name:
    Paulo
    OK Nuno thank you ;)
     
    AlfistaPortoghese likes this.
  22. Live2win

    Live2win Karting

    Sep 27, 2019
    177
    Pasadena MD
    Full Name:
    David perkins
    The sound is so outrageous on both of my cars , especially in race mode, I can’t imagine they could get any better, or could have sounded better before any software updates.

    just downshift around 4500 RPMs , all the sound you need , down shift at 3000 , purrs .
     
  23. Jo Sta7

    Jo Sta7 F1 Rookie
    Rossa Subscribed

    Oct 13, 2015
    4,896
    Scottsdale/Pittsburgh
    Full Name:
    Jon
    I love how aggressive this car downshifts in race mode.
     
    AlfistaPortoghese likes this.
  24. Carnut

    Carnut F1 Rookie
    Rossa Subscribed

    Nov 3, 2003
    3,797
    Gladwyne PA
    Full Name:
    Morrie
    Open Flash tuner can put back the snaps and pops if you want.
     

Share This Page