When the new Portofino was introduced it was said to be the new platform and that it could also be configured to accept the new replacement for the 488 as well.
Well, the Portofino would well fit in the front-mid layout combined with aluminium platform scenario. IMO nothing speaks against the assumption that the Portofino’s chassis is part of the new modular platform. Even though, I can’t remember if this is confirmed from official side.
When Ferrari launched the PF they said it features an all new aluminum platform. I'm pretty sure this is what they are talking about. As to the engine being ahead of the front suspension, I think this is purely for illustration purposes and not accurate in this regard. The pattern has been revolution after the "M" model (488). So I think its reasonable to think the 488 successor will be a whole new platform. I can't speak to the technical requirements of the new car, but I would imagine they will want a platform that is stiffer and allows for even more faster and more precise suspension reaction. I would also imagine they would want to have a clean sheet architecture for the interior. But maybe this time they've decided they don't need to do that. I would be a little surprised if they did this though.
The drawing must be for very basic illustration purposes only. It shows a front engine with the engine in backwards and no way for a mid-front configuration. This new modular concept must be focused on hybrids and production profitability moving forward because I would think a car that is more custom to its function is best for looks and performance then trying to make blocks fit together with compromises. Also too much commonality in components stymie's advancements aimed at a specific application. We'll see. Ferrari knows how to make performance cars that look great and drive awesome.
This car really marks the start of a new era for Ferrari. They have to nail it and my guess is they will !
new mule seen in Bologna by @motorvalleyinsider.. It seems the new exhaust will be higher than 488... it resembles me a lot like McLaren 720s. https://www.instagram.com/p/Bnhs0C5n9WM/?taken-by=motorvalleyinsider Image Unavailable, Please Login
They have too or the competition will really crack them, specially Mclaren. Newer generations of customers don’t care much about history. They care about specs, weight, hp, drag/laptimes. Lately Ferrari hasn’t much to brag about...
True but just like the iPhone that sells automatically, it doesn’t mean that’s the best product around or that they can relax. Competition is fierce. Name alone isn’t enough anymore.
I’m not sure I really agree. I think McLaren is not really providing the competition it could, or Lamborghini, or Porsche. Here’s why; McLaren are starting to struggle in my opinion - poor F1 performance, upheaval at board level, increasingly difficult financial situation, same basic architecture for many models and now many years, serious reliability issues, serious depreciation issues, too few dealers and an over-reliance on performance to compensate for other product demerits. When they started they had a lot of promise - another F1 derived car producer, with arguably as strong a claim to being an F1 powerhouse as Ferrari - they had won the highest percentage of Grand Prix they had competed in. A more engineering-focused approach compared with the more emotional side of Ferrari gave a genuine choice. That all seems a bit hollow to me now. Lamborghini are an old brand with a good heritage and some stellar products in the back catalogue - Miura was the first truly super supercar, Countach was the first truly outlandish poster pin-up supercar etc. Being backed by the mighty VW group who can provide finance to take away money worries which had plagued the brand (and all small volume brands) could have given them such an advantage, yet the products are not universally praised, are often used to donate to lesser brands around the group, depreciate heavily and mostly do not get the critical acclaim of Ferrari. Perhaps the most curious is Porsche, now also with the VW group. They do have critical acclaim, imperious racing heritage, sophisticated mechanical and emotional engineering and the only other brand that has many of its performance cars doing well in terms of depreciation. Yet they have not launched a mid-engined competitor to the 488, nor do they have a car to compete with the 812 (or the Lusso for that matter). Ferrari and probably anyone else will never do a 911, they have such a strong heritage and reputation, they must still be the biggest threat to Ferrari. Compare the relative position of Ferrari to all these brands around 10 or so years ago. Is it worse off against Lamborghini? I see Lamborghini in exactly the same relative position. Worse off against Porsche (although Porsche’s GT programme has been outstanding and ensures very high loyalty)?And McLaren has just not made the dent in Ferrari they would have hoped for (Ferrari’s production has been increasing, demand and residuals are strong and critical acclaim is outstanding). McLaren have helped more than hindered Ferrari - they have shown how good Ferrari are, not just in terms of speed performance where McLaren are ahead, but in terms of the whole package. Ferrari’s reputation is as strong as it’s ever been, the demand for its products is off the charts (the super-expensive Pista being so heavily oversubscribed is just one example), it has two basic engine architectures - both award winning and receiving huge technical and critical acclaim, it has three (maybe four if you count Lusso) very distinct model lines which are not overlapped and not derivatives of each other, it has much improved reliability, the best residuals and might even win the F1 constructors title again. It is in rude health, or so it seems... Because all of this is caveated by that famous quote from Warren Buffett - “when the tide goes out you get to see who is swimming with their pants down!” When the tide eventually goes out, this industry could become a very different place indeed. I still suspect the two most successful brands - Ferrari and Porsche to do the best though. But that is just conjecture - if you wait you will see.
I'm not talking about reputation, I'm talking about specs that the new and future customers are/will be looking for. Yes Ferrari is usually the one with the most sexy cars, sell like hot cakes and great racing heritage but to a 25 - 35 year old (and they are the future customers) they don't care much a bout that. They want to own every car they find in the street/drag race (stock cars) and even when driving slow they want the feeling: I could own you right now and you and everyone here knows it. Its an ego thing the numbers. When I bought my Ferrari, I wanted that specific model for the sound, heritage, last NA V8/Pininfarina and all that, but that's me. People my age that can afford these toys don't care. They are not even good drivers anyway so a car that is super fast in a straight line and full of aids to help them not to screw up is the way to go. And i'm a sucker for numbers too, in the future I will also buy a 1000+ HP car. I'm curious to see if the 2019 Tesla Roadster will really own everyone and everything. If it does the combustion cars are really done and I will buy some hybrid/electric toy from Ferrari/Mac when they launch a lot of cars a get all the bugs out.
Ron Dennis claimed that at the time, but he was lying through his teeth!!! Ferrari had a highest percentage, of all the manufacturers who had completed in multiple seasons.
yup...a bit sad but again its not about driver engagement,its about speed and track times. Many owners prefer to drive their GT3 RS than the GT2 RS but the later is much faster... And Lambo will go hybrid/turbo hybrid too otherwise they will be the slow brand. The next 488 should have 850+ HP and they want to keep up (I think...).
Regarding Porsche, I don't see them as true Ferrari ccompetitors; their products are usually one rung below, except for the ultra exclusive (918, Gt2 RS) and even those don't have that special something. Lamborghini and McLaren are true competitors, but much smaller in history, size and following.
Agree with this. Most interesting development in UK market to me is the new generation of Aston Martins,potential flotation of that company.and pretty informed speculation they will launch a mid engined production model.Could go one of two ways !
I don't know about the States but here my age group and lower (under 35) all want McLarens and Lambos. I've got a 458 because I'm a car nerd, love Ferrari and always have prized the rev limit but most people don't. This age group would think one was insane to buy a 488 over a 720s or a Huracan. Nobody is really interested in Ferrari...this is a problem I think for the company.
The thing about age groups is that there's more than one and everyone that lives long enough moves from one to the other. That's why we will always have the beautiful mid-front monster HP beauties and then the other stuff for the folks that don't know any better yet
