[Calitalia]

This is gonna be a major decision for me to buy or not buy the car. I need to let the looks grow on me but if the doors are real hindrance, it can't be everyday enough for me. I do plan to drive it to places with carparks which I will have to park with cars beside me.

I have not had any chance to test, demo, let alone be with the car for more than 3 min during a tour of it in Asia.

I plunged but now am still 1/2 1/2 about it and less than 50% now after all the reviews. It does affect decision.

Hence, the doors will be the make it or break it too...

Can someone enlighten me. I know you need 0.7 m sideway length to open the door comfortably and upward of around 1.9 m swing.

Anyone can help?

 

[AugustWest]

When the door is fully open, it extends from the side of the car far less than the doors of "ordinary" cars do when they're fully open. Height-wise, it's still several inches below my head (i'm 6"0') when the door is open all the way. Basically, if you can stand next to the car, there's room to open the door all the way.

I'm pretty sure that unless you can get the door nearly all the way open that it's going to be difficult to get in/out without some major contortion (because partially open the door is "over" the opening). Not sure if that makes sense.

The upshot, though - is that I think you'll be able to get the door all the way open in pretty much any place you park it!

 

[F355GTS]

Apparently a fully open door extends sideways to the same amount as a BMW 3 series on it's 2nd stop (the BMW has 3 postions I was told)

 

[Calitalia]

When the door is fully open, it extends from the side of the car far less than the doors of "ordinary" cars do when they're fully open. Height-wise, it's still several inches below my head (i'm 6"0') when the door is open all the way. Basically, if you can stand next to the car, there's room to open the door all the way.

I'm pretty sure that unless you can get the door nearly all the way open that it's going to be difficult to get in/out without some major contortion (because partially open the door is "over" the opening). Not sure if that makes sense.

The upshot, though - is that I think you'll be able to get the door all the way open in pretty much any place you park it!

I find the SLS to be very practical. No problem at all and better than my California. If what you said that the extension is far less than doors of "ordinary" cars, then it is just as SLS practical. I like it. I will still have to test drive.

After all the recent negative press, I want to rest my mind and let it all slide for another 2 weeks and see how I feel. It is not good so far but I still love the doors. It has character and personality much like the SLS. It may not be as garish in an Italian way but the doors are very cool supercar like with an engineering level unmatched by others.

There are still many pluses for this car. Way more bang for the buck engineering wise than the 458 which is definitely with more a profit margin (educated guess) as it is build upon an old blueprint. Development costs wise the MP4 is a bargain.

 

[Calitalia]

Apparently a fully open door extends sideways to the same amount as a BMW 3 series on it's 2nd stop (the BMW has 3 postions I was told)

It certainly looks like a lot of space is needed but now after your additional comment, I think it is not bad at all. Yet, the 3 series will be a bit better in tighter situation as you can scoot out on first stop while you can't on a Mp4 (I am very lanky but tall 6"4 +). I also worry a bit about the interior of the MP4. The 458 is ok and California spacious but not exactly sure about the MP4-12C.

 

[douglasng]

Yes, you can get out of the while opening the doors sideways. I've tried it on the showroom car here. Gotta get used to it though.

 

[Calitalia]

Yes, you can get out of the while opening the doors sideways. I've tried it on the showroom car here. Gotta get used to it though.

Douglas thanks are you in Asia? There's no demo to try. So you are saying you can open it halfway and still get out? Say in tighter normal situation can you manage?