I’m not a fan of contemporary Ferrari design. I think it’s too modern, too Chris Bangle-esque. They don’t really make sense, not like their cars that were designed in the 90s.
**Disclaimer: This article refers to Ferrari, and accuses Ferrari of poor design. I understand that Pininfarina does the actual designs. However during the time span discussed, Pininfarina also produced some very good looking cars. Therefore, even though not penned by Ferrari the designs were ultimately under Ferrari’s direction and thus Ferrari is being held responsible.
All images sourced from seriouswheels.com unless otherwise noted.**
I know I’m a product of the 90s (was there ever a better decade for movies? I don’t think so!), but I can appreciate a good shape from any time period, really I can. But looking back at the F50, 550, and 355, I can’t help but to feel bummed out when I look at Ferrari’s [now former] offerings.
For me, the F355 is the F-car I dream to have. Okay okay, I really want a F50 with straight exhaust, but in my lifetime I have an honest chance at obtaining a F355, so that’s where I’m putting my goals. During the 90s, Ferrari had a clear design philosophy – the 348 was a smaller version of the Testarossa, carrying over the TR’s long side strakes. The next generations of cars, the philosophy was the same. The 355 had the same swooping intakes as the F50, and was more rounded just as the F50 was [compared to the F40, Testarossa]. Ferrari was putting the same sense of theater and style that their flagship cars got, into its entry level models. And all was well in the universe.
In 1999, Ferrari released the successor to the 355, the 360. This car was the transitional vehicle from greatness to sack licking. The 360 looked great from the side and rear, but the front end was a massive let down. The radiator intake vents mounted so far out on the car made it look guppy, especially without any design element in the center to even it out. They look like baggy sacks hanging off the front fenders. Like some stretched testicles drooped over the front. I know all the engineering and aero behind designing a front end that way, but that doesn’t excuse Ferrari from failing to design an appealing face. Four years later in 2003, over half way through the model’s life cycle, Ferrari released a hardcore version called the Challenge Stradale (CS).
The 430 was released in the mid 2000s as the successor to the 360. Ferrari called it an “evolution” rather than a whole new model, stating that all their cars are just further evolutions of the previous model. I called it an excuse. Ferrari took a cue from Porsche and got lazy. The 430 had the same problem as the 360, and then some more! The front air intakes… wtf? They didn’t match anything on the car! They had taken the 360’s overall design and made it sharper, but then made the front intakes MORE round! No no no no no. If you’re going to make something look sharp, you make it all look sharp. Any two year old kid can spot the circle toy in a box full of bricks. Another problem with the front are the headlights and surrounding body work. Does that front shape look familiar? It should, it is the exact same as the the 360 just with narrower headlights. They did a great job of updating the rear end, but apparently I guess they just got lazy with the front.
And then, again, just as the CS did for the 360, the Scuderia’s front end fixed the disgusting vulgarity of the standard 430’s nose. They made it look like it should have from the start! Why didn’t they just do that years earlier?
Who can compare the 360/430 to the 355 and say that Ferrari’s design improved? The entry level range of Ferraris have always been New Money cars, but it became an obnoxious problem with the 360 and 430. They became cars douches bought so everyone could know how flash they were. There was no class or sophistication to them, and as a result, only turds were left in the market.
The larger GT cars however, have always been full of class and refinement. The 550/575 Maranello is such a timeless car I can’t help but forever lust for one. Much like the E39 BMW M5, they weren’t flashy… but not quite understated. Just great to look at, and stupendous to drive. They are cars for people who don’t have anything to prove, and to be known by those who appreciate them for their mechanical greatness.
And then… come the late 2000s, Ferrari releases the successor to the Maranello.. the 599 GTB Fiorano. Mmmmkay. Recapping the cars Ferrari released during the 2000s- 430, Enzo, 612, 599, California. There is one thing all of these cars have in common. They’re confusing. Every time Ferrari released new press photos I farted. The entire generation of cars look terrible in pictures! Only when seen in person do the designs make sense and begin to be likable. Maybe Ferrari needs to find a better photographer. Maybe they just need a change of direction. Either way, with all these cars, they have to be explained.
John: “Dude! New pictures of the new _____! Looks like someone hit it with the ugly stick.”
Fred: “Man, it does look like Ephialtes!”
Benny: “I saw one at the dealership, it’s really not that bad. You have to see it in person to understand.”
John and Fred: “Whatever fanboy, go put on your Ferrari shoes.”
Having to explain a car makes you look like a fool and the car a half assed piece of oops.
Supercars should be love or hate. Either you love it, and it totally tickles your fancy you want nothing else… or you should despise it so much you’ll argue it to the grave. Supercars can afford to be emotional in their design, and that emotion carries over into the public’s perception. Having to explain a car takes all emotion out of it and leaves… doodoo.
Ten years have passed since Ferrari went blind, and the 430 is finally getting its replacement. It’s not an “evolution” or some other lame excuse, it’s an honest to goodness bitchin car. The 458 Italia has just begun to be delivered to customers and reviewers. It seems someone turned on the lights at Ferrari, because DAMN I want one! Front to back, the 458 looks as every Ferrari should.
Evocative.
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