Just got back from Italy (after spending 10 days in Israel) and thought I’d share my Ferrari experience with everyone.
I realize this is quite long, but hope some of you will make an effort to read through it all. For those that want it short, I’ve provided some “coles notes”.
First, a few things about me:
Coles notes: I’m 23, have a fair amount of driving experience, but am no expert.
I’m 23, have driven quite a few sports cars, mostly turbocharged Japanese cars (180sx, 240sx, Stealth TT, WRX, etc.) and had the opportunity to drive an F355 Spyder when I was 17 (for 30 mins, mostly on a straight, boring highway, not allowed to rev over 4k rpm, blah).
I have a very small amount of track time under my belt (which should change this year once I get my suspension fixed), but tons of driving experience on public roads (and no, I don’t mean street racing), as well as a considerable amount of Gran Turismo seat time. Yes, it’s a “just a video game”, but professional Formula 1, rally, drift, and Nascar drivers will tell you it’s about 90% of the real thing (and yes, I know there are other, better sims out there). I’ve held some top rankings for time trial and drifting, including the number one drift record for a couple weeks on a particular track.
Just trying to get the point across that I’m not a complete driving “noob”, but obviously have a lot less experience than some of you.
On to my story.
Coles notes: Rented an Alfa Romeo Mito, headed for a famous road in the Alps, connecting Italy and Switzerland.
My friend and I flew to Rome from Tel Aviv and immediately decided to rent a car to head to the Passo de Stelvio, aka Top Gear’s Number 1 driving road in the world.
We ended up with an Alfa Romeo Mito, which was a blast to drive.
Coles notes: Stopped in Modena for a night, went to Ferrari in Maranello the next morning.
On our way, we decided to stop and spend a night in Modena. The next morning, I convinced my friend that we should make a pit stop at the Ferrari factory as we were so close (he is not at ALL a car guy, otherwise this would have been an obvious move).
After driving around Maranello trying to figure out how to get in the factory (and sneaking a photo of a 599XX through the gates), we went in to the Ferrari store, across from the factory. When checking out (bought a cool coffee mug), I asked the cashier if the factory was open. She replied saying it wasn’t available for public viewing, but that we could check out the museum.
On the way to the museum, a 458 Italia passed by. I was SO mad that I didn’t have a chance to snap a photo. We arrived at the museum, parked the car, and proceeded to walk towards the entrance. As we were about to enter, we were approached by a great looking Italian woman who asked “do you want to drive a Ferrari?”. I was quite shocked. My friend and I definitely look quite young (especially the way we were dressed), and thought it sounded too good to be true.
Coles notes: Approached by a hot Italian woman, offered to drive a Ferrari of my choice. Picked the 458 Italia (red).
We followed her to a place next to the museum, offering test drives of various Ferrari’s. They had a few to choose from, namely an F430, 458 Italia, and a California. I obviously opted for the 458 Italia, and chose to drive for 30 mins (cost was about 270 Euros, which includes a DVD recording of your drive – which unfortunately doesn’t have sound and is quite crappy quality). My friend decided to drive for 10 minutes.
My friend went first (the co-pilot is an employee of Ferrari: a test driver). When he returned, he had a huge smile on his face (and he hates cars). The only thing he told me before I got in was “He pressed my leg down to make me go faster. A bunch of times”.
Coles notes: Holy ****.
I immediately became ecstatic, as my previous experience with paying-to-drive-a-Ferrari was less than exciting. The guy who came with me when I drove the 355 wouldn’t let me accelerate hard, rev over 4,000 RPM, or do anything than go a bit above the speed limit on an empty, straight highway. I don’t blame him – I was 17, and driving recklessly is against the law…but nonetheless, not so great.
I didn’t waste anytime. I hopped in, and immediately responded with “manual” when asked if I wanted to shift the gears myself, or have it occur automatically. I’ve never driven paddle-shift before, but it was all-too familiar from my Gran Turismo experience (with a Logitech G25). I pulled out of the parking lot, and there I went.
While I won’t get into numbers, or specific details, I WILL say that I was able to FULLY experience the 458 (or as close to it as you can get without being on a racetrack).
The car was insanely fast. The fastest car I’d driven previously was my modified 180sx (roughly 275 RWHP, 2500-ish pound curb weight). The 458 Italia was a menace in comparison. The car handled great. Absorbed road imperfections a lot better than my S14 on HSD Coilovers, and obviously put my 240sx’s handling to shame. My only gripe was the car felt too much like it was on rails – but I’m sure that would change with the car’s “Race” setting (if it has one, or by turning traction control and other driving aids off).
In summary, the car and driving experience was incredible.
The drive consisted of a brief tour of downtown Maranello, followed by a quick trip to the Italian countryside, which is full of curves, elevation, banking turns, and, essentially, driving sex. Comparing the roads in Toronto to Italy is like comparing Nascar to the Nurburgring.
Oh, I forgot to mention – the Ferrari test driver complimented me on my driving abilities 3 separate times. I don’t like to brag, but this was an awesome thing to hear coming from someone with such a prestigious position in the “professional driving industry”.
Coles notes: Is that a 430 Scuderia? Can I drive that too? Are you serious?
After coming back to reality, my friend and I decided we better hit the road if we’re going to make it to the Stelvio Pass (we had another 4 hours to go and it was already 1 pm, and still hadn’t eaten lunch).
As we’re about to enter our Alfa, a yellow 430 Scuderia SCREAMS at me from across the street. Is that another Ferrari test-driving place? Do they let people drive the Scuderia? No way.
Rear shot (not the same 458 I drove, but they had one as well):
I had no choice but to postpone lunch and ask my friend to wait for me while I checked to see if I could drive it. I walked in and asked if I could drive the 430 Scud. She replied with a quick “yes”. It was a done deal from there – this time only 200 Euros for 30 minutes, + $20 Euros for a DVD with a recording of your drive on it. I saw a sample video playing in the store, and was instantly sold. This time it was an HD video, with sound.
Coles notes: Holy F#CK!NG ****.
The drive went exactly as it did with the 458 Italia – except for two things:
- There was a lot more traffic
- The 430 Scuderia was even better
I’m debating whether or not I want to post the video of my drive on the Internet, but I will say it’s quite the souvenir.
Here are a few screen-shots taken from the video:
2 car pass:
Passing a Ferrari California:
I did a bit more chatting with this guy. I guess the most interesting thing I asked him was what his favourite Ferrari was (seeing as though he said he’s driven pretty much every car they’ve ever built). His response – the 430 Scuderia. This brought my already crazy experience to the next level as I was currently DRIVING this Ferrari test driver’s favourite Ferrari as he responded.
I wonder if the Scuderia/Challenge Stradale version of the 458 Italia will rival it, whenever it comes out.
Coles notes: Passo de Stelvio.
For those of you who haven’t heard about this road, check out this Top Gear clip:
YouTube - Top gear the greatest driving road in the world
Since this post is already turning into an essay, I’ll cut this short.
The drive from Modena to the Alps was stunning – and even more stunning once we really got into the mountains.
Unfortunately the Stelvio Pass itself was blocked by a huge truck – we asked the locals and they said they had to close it for one day due to a large snowfall. Bad news for us as we had to head back to Rome the next day to fly home
Good news was the drive TO the point at which they blocked the road was quite epic – the nicest driving I’d ever experienced.
Shot of our rental car with the beautiful mountain roads:
Unfortunately I have over 1,500 photos to sort, modify, and upload, so you’ll have to deal with my crappy iPhone photos for now (too bad iPhone 4 wasn’t out yet).
edit will post a few photos from my camera in a reply, as I’ve managed to post-process a few.
---------- Post added at 12:13 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:12 PM ----------
A few quick shots. Unfortunately none are that great as I was in a constant rush and too excited about driving to be spending time with the photography.
Peaking through the factory gates.
Enzo in the museum.
599xx in the museum.
Friend returning from his 10 minutes in the 458.
458 tach.
Me heading out in the 458.
430 Scud.
430 tach.
Getting in the 430.
After the drive.
