Better than Ferrari?

6520 Views 20 Replies 12 Participants Last post by widowmaker911, Mar 24, 2011

Torbin

Discussion Starter · Jun 16, 2010

McLaren obviously has Ferrari in its sites as it prepares to launch. Likely Ferrari more so than any other automaker.

But can they do it? Can they surpass Ferrari's unique market position? Can McLaren create a car that people line up to get and who are willing to pay $30,000+ above sticker price to get one sooner than the 2-3 year wait list?

This is the hallowed ground of marketing magic and miraculous product development with a pinch of styling design genius.

Can there be two companies that share this evangelical automotive nirvana?

1 - 20 of 21 Posts

RWD

· #2 · Jun 16, 2010

I don't think they are trying to "surpass" Ferrari, just compete.

The MP4-12C is certainly a good first contender. It will be interesting to see what follows. Hopefully the come up with catchier model names than "MP4-12C"

BringBackKimi

· #3 · Jun 18, 2010

Model name does leave something to be desired. Using a carbon fiber tub does set a new benchmark. Lets see how Ferrari responds.

RoadTripper

· #4 · Jul 1, 2010

That's the thing BringBackKimi, Ferrari won't be able to do anything about the MP4-12C for four years, right, since they just launched the 458 Italia. I assume Ferrari will take a jab with its Scuderia/Stadale version, but it won't be until the 458 re-iteration before Ferrari really can do much.

Hey, competition is good for everyone, especially car nuts! Let's sit back and enjoy.

RWD

· #5 · Jul 1, 2010

It is a soft market right now in the sportscar world, McLaren is entering at a fragile time and Ferrari doesn't have the wait list it did for F430.

F.C.

· #6 · Aug 17, 2010

RWD said:
It is a soft market right now in the sportscar world, McLaren is entering at a fragile time and Ferrari doesn't have the wait list it did for F430.

Yeah right! I have been quoted two years for a factory order 458

PS if you know where I can get a factory order sooner spill the beans

TheOtherBruce

· #7 · Aug 19, 2010

The MP4-12C will have to be really good in order for me to get it over the 458, but I'm keeping an open mind for the time being. Can't wait for Saturday to look at the car in person in Beverly Hills.

SSO

· #8 · Aug 22, 2010

Really need to drive both to make a final decision. However by the time the MP4-12C finally is ready, the 458 Spider will be out. That we add a whole new degree of complexity to the equation.

roundincircles

· #9 · Sep 17, 2010

I had a test drive of the 458 and it is sensational, probably the best car the Big F has built with great dynamics and buid integrity.

When it arrived in White it was pure DRAMA. The noise turns peoples heads way up the road even at 30mph in urban enviroments.

But there is a but. It is wide as you sit very low in the car and it does hinder progress on B roads and urban traffic. I think it is 40mm or so wider than the McLaren Postcode but you sit lower. The trade off is lots of cabin shoulder room.

Secondly in full auto mode the gearbox does not change down into the correct gear when turning off a main road or approaching tight bends. The saleman had to instruct me to knock it down 2/3 gears manually. No explanation from the salesman but a guy at McLaren said it is because the control panel uses 'binary code'. Guess there will be a software upgrade then!

Thirdly it is now a 2/3 year delivery whereas I can get a MP Postcode next year, which I am betting will be dynamically superior.

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Torbin

Discussion Starter · #10 · Mar 12, 2011

Very cool feedback in this thread. Awesome comments. I am familiar with the 458, so the McLaren will be interesting to drive as a comparo to really pit the two vehicles' dynamics.

Having owned a number of recent Ferraris, I have to admit that having a new option is a good thing. Through an FNA botchup, I was offered one of the first 458s last fall which ended up going to a friend (luckily, since I wasn't able to take delivery). Let's see how McLaren handles its "wait list" and demand. The economy is getting back on its feet just in time!

Erik @ McLarenPhilly

· #11 · Mar 12, 2011

I have taken several orders from customers that were ready to pull the trigger on a 458, but after reading about the McLaren they decided to go for the MP4-12C. Also some customers complained about how they have been treated by Ferrari dealers in the past 10 years. Ferrari has almost had a monopoly on these kind of cars. Some dealers might have become a little complacent.

With the arrival of McLaren in the market that has now changed.....
They are going to have to "sell" their product, not just take orders.

Competition is a good thing. In racing, but also in car sales

andy c

· #12 · Mar 12, 2011

thedutchguy said:
I have taken several orders from customers that were ready to pull the trigger on a 458, but after reading about the McLaren they decided to go for the MP4-12C. Also some customers complained about how they have been treated by Ferrari dealers in the past 10 years. Ferrari has almost had a monopoly on these kind of cars. Some dealers might have become a little complacent.

With the arrival of McLaren in the market that has now changed.....
They are going to have to "sell" their product, not just take orders.

Competition is a good thing. In racing, but also in car sales

Maybe you can contact your American dealers,they seem to be struggling with keepnig 12 c customers! alot of complaints about lack of info, look at the ferrarichat blog under britishcars,most of them with deposits seem disilusioned with the service,No such problems here in the UK,but the americans seem very hard to please.

Torbin

Discussion Starter · #13 · Mar 12, 2011

The fact that McLaren is building an entire road car operation from scratch says a lot. Everything is in motion with so much to accomplish. Ferrari is probably hoping there are a few bumps along the way and hick-ups. I think everything will sort out quickly, especially if the economy stays pointed up and sales are made to fuel the road car program.

I know Americans are more likely to buy a new exotic and not drive it much to "keep the miles low for resale." That is ridiculous to me, as the cars are meant to be driven and enjoyed. But yes, Americans might be more picky but more so, more vocal about it. I can't fairly compare our behavior to owners elsewhere in the world...

SSO

· #14 · Mar 13, 2011

gearhead said:
The fact that McLaren is building an entire road car operation from scratch says a lot. Everything is in motion with so much to accomplish. Ferrari is probably hoping there are a few bumps along the way and hick-ups. I think everything will sort out quickly, especially if the economy stays pointed up and sales are made to fuel the road car program....

The economy in McLaren's home market right now is anything but booming. Consumer confidence has taken another hit and then next 2 years look very rocky.

andy c

· #15 · Mar 13, 2011

Boxer said:
The economy in McLaren's home market right now is anything but booming. Consumer confidence has taken another hit and then next 2 years look very rocky.

yes, and now im a bit nervous of using my car everyday(volcano orange) lets hope the British public see the car (thumbs up) like my Aston,and not (fingers up)like my porsche. Im hoping for a positive reaction but its not America!!!

SSO

· #16 · Mar 13, 2011

andy c said:
yes, and now im a bit nervous of using my car everyday(volcano orange) lets hope the British public see the car (thumbs up) like my Aston,and not (fingers up)like my porsche. Im hoping for a positive reaction but its not America!!!

I have always gotten positive reactions to my Ferraris and Moslers in the UK. I am sure the McLaren will be fine.

andy c

· #17 · Mar 13, 2011

Boxer said:
I have always gotten positive reactions to my Ferraris and Moslers in the UK. I am sure the McLaren will be fine.

Boxer,im not surprised about the moslers,must be in single fiqures in the uk,do you just track them as it must be hard to use the power on the road ,as i assume they must be left hookers?

SSO

· #18 · Mar 13, 2011

andy c said:
Boxer,im not surprised about the moslers,must be in single fiqures in the uk,do you just track them as it must be hard to use the power on the road ,as i assume they must be left hookers?

Think there are 3-4 in the UK. All are LHD. I use it both on road & track. Other than width, they are much easier to drive on the road than you would expect.

Krzys

· #19 · Mar 15, 2011

andy c said:
Maybe you can contact your American dealers,they seem to be struggling with keepnig 12 c customers! alot of complaints about lack of info, look at the ferrarichat blog under britishcars,most of them with deposits seem disilusioned with the service,No such problems here in the UK,but the americans seem very hard to please.

Hey andy, we are not hard to please, but total information blackout coupled with lack of responsiveness just wears on you. We are not asking detailed technology questions, some basic info. I know you Brits are used to bad attitude from some makes, but we are spoiled rotten here.

widowmaker911

· #20 · Mar 17, 2011

thedutchguy said:
I have taken several orders from customers that were ready to pull the trigger on a 458, but after reading about the McLaren they decided to go for the MP4-12C. Also some customers complained about how they have been treated by Ferrari dealers in the past 10 years. Ferrari has almost had a monopoly on these kind of cars. Some dealers might have become a little complacent.

With the arrival of McLaren in the market that has now changed.....
They are going to have to "sell" their product, not just take orders.

Competition is a good thing. In racing, but also in car sales

check out Autocar vid on 12C ultimate drive; Steve Sutcliffe has the answer

could explain reason for the defection from the 458

1 - 20 of 21 Posts

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