New 488 Atelier and Private Factory Tour

[LIVENT]

Hi all,

I put a deposit down on a 488 earlier this year and next week my wife and I fly out to Italy for a Atelier and Private Factory Tour.

As you can imagine we are fairly excited as this is our first Ferrari and first supercar. We have had some quick cars in the past but nothing in this league (or price bracket).

We're going to spec the car at the factory, Our budget for optional extras is not unlimited but we obviously want a reasonable spec

I want to go for the classic red with crema interior.

The things we definitely want (apart from the obvious badges) are:
Suspension lifter (our driveway has quite a slope)
Diamond cut alloy wheels
Carbon fibre driver zone and steeringwheel
Parking sensors

Neither of us are big fans of lots of carbon fibre, but I know for resale value some is a must. Not that I am planning to re-sell the car, I expect we will keep it for a reasonable length of time (as we do all our cars).

Are there other things we should be looking at as must haves?

[London GT3]

Firstly congratulations. I am waiting to take delivery of my first ever Ferrari too.

Spec is always very personal. Based on what you have said I would also consider:

Carbon race seats
Rear camera / park assist
Stitching on seats / dash

[MingtheMerciless]

Shields obviously. I agree on the carbon race seats, they truly lift the car and are fantastic in comfort terms, and if you look at one with the broad stripe in the middle on the configurator, I think you'll like the effect.

I wouldn't personally bother with the reverse camera as the parking sensors are enough - can't remember if they are extra but do get them, front and rear.

I think the 488 benefits from a piece of carbon around the rear lights as it comes with a basic piece of plastic which doesn't suit it all that well. You might also consider the sports exhaust tip, not hugely expensive (except they are for what they actually are, i.e. only cosmetic).

I have the high power stereo and like it a lot (on 458). It's not by any means an essential though. I think Apple carplay is now available with some ridiculous price and personally I'd pass on that.

Even if not going large on the carbon, I'd think about getting the centre console.

Also look at the cuio interior as an alternative to crema.

[LIVENT]

Thanks for the replies.

I was thinking about the upgraded stereo system so that's interesting. I am not an Apple user (hate the company) so no worries there.

Not bothered about the reversing camera, I have one in my Rangerover and never look at it.

Carbon Race seats is a difficult one, I quite like them, but the Mrs prefers the standard seats. I guess that's one I need to persuade her on in the factory.

Edited by LIVENT on Tuesday 5th September 10:04

[EC2]

Surely it's best to buy would you want not the next owner? Hope you enjoy the trip and your car.

[garystoybox]

I agree with comment on specifying options that you want and not with future residual value, particularly with things like carbon seats. My first 458 had large carbon seats with red stripe and looked fantastic. Unfortunately neither myself or my wife found them comfortable on trips over 30 minutes, lacking lumber support. Also the passenger seat could not be tilted and hence lacked under thigh support, whereas the driver seat was pre adjustable for tilt at dealership. My current 458 Italia has full electric seats, which with optional piping and special stitching look great and we find more comfortable day to day. I'm 6 foot 3 and ok for headroom, although this will be increased with race seats. I would really try and have an extended test drive in a car with your preferred seats prior to locking in spec.

I'm also looking at spec on a new 488 and have been advised by dealer that race seats base can now not be tilted for the driver..... I'm waiting for confirmation but this would rule this option out for me if correct. I would also check that you opt for leather headlining, as made this mistake before and standard looks awful (1990's Nissan Micra)!

[LIVENT]

Thanks for the responses.

We both went on a long test drive, to be honest the customer service at B'ham Ferrari has been excellent. The car I test drove had standard seats and they were very comfortable. I like the look of the carbon race seats but if they are not very adjustable we will probably go for the standard seats.

As others have said I will spec the car the way I want it rather than for the next owner, it's more knowing what are good options and what are not good options. For instance I have read the read camera is a waste of money. This is not only the first time I have bought a supercar, it's the first time I have bought a new car of any kind, I have never been in the position of choosing options before.

[Durzel]

I found the carbon seats very comfortable, and did several long journeys in them without discomfort. I'm a short arse though at 5'8" so your mileage may vary. I never missed the lack of adjustability or lumbar support. Obviously this is something you need to choose based on your own preference - everything else is to taste but if you're uncomfortable when driving it what's the point?

Shields are essential imo, I don't even know why they're an option.

You can go pretty mental with carbon options on the 488, moreso even than the 458. Personally the CF driver zone + LEDs and the central tunnel bridge (CILR is the option code I think) would be what I would choose, everything else would be nice to haves.

Watch those wheels - they will be a nightmare to refurbish!

[LIVENT]

The wheels are a nightmare waiting to happen, my wife kerbed our rangerover wheels on the 2nd day we had it, then proceeded to blame me!!!!

I am 5ft 10 and the wife is 5ft so adjustable seats might be the best option.

This is all good info to have thanks guys.

[andy355]

Standard seats are usually pretty ugly but the 488 ones are a big improvement

Daytona seats look even better though with red exterior not sure what insert cold ur you would use - red is quite loud

My favourite is Nero Daytona (met black) with beige traditionale Daytona seats with black leather inserts

[Durzel]

LIVENT said:

The wheels are a nightmare waiting to happen, my wife kerbed our rangerover wheels on the 2nd day we had it, then proceeded to blame me!!!!

I am 5ft 10 and the wife is 5ft so adjustable seats might be the best option.

This is all good info to have thanks guys.

Make sure to add front and rear parking sensors to the order then.

(joking aside, they aren't that much and it's one less thing to be worried about when you/your wife is driving)

[traxx]

LIVENT said:

I want to go for the classic red with crema interior.

I would seriously avoid cream interior
If its even vaguely damp and you are wearing jeans the seats will mark

[belfry]

I would personally also avoid crema leather. We all wear jeans in my family and the indigo blue dye soon transfers onto the crema seats. I became bored of being fussy about what trousers my wife and children were wearing!

[LIVENT]

I rarely wear jeans, its even rarer that I wear blue ones so I don't see it being an issue.

[MingtheMerciless]

Have a look at Cuio leather as I suggested above. I had a Rosso/Crema F430 Spider and it was damn tricky to keep the leather from being scuffed. Also, just in my opinion, its too pale. Consider also Nero with red stitching, it goes terribly well together whereas red stitching on Crema leather looks a bit well contrived or something (well to me anyway, apologies if I have offended anyone's sensibilities about their P&J). All are super choices though.

[Durzel]

MingtheMerciless said:

Have a look at Cuio leather as I suggested above. I had a Rosso/Crema F430 Spider and it was damn tricky to keep the leather from being scuffed. Also, just in my opinion, its too pale. Consider also Nero with red stitching, it goes terribly well together whereas red stitching on Crema leather looks a bit well contrived or something (well to me anyway, apologies if I have offended anyone's sensibilities about their P&J). All are super choices though.

Agree 100%.

For reasons I can't quite put my finger on I think crema only works on Spiders. Something about the lack of roof elevates the whole crema seats/red carpet whereas on a coupe it just seems a bit too much (and dye transfer issues as said above).

Like many I was dead set on the whole default Rosso paint/Crema seats/Rosso carpets config until I saw a Nero interior car and was sold immediately on it. Nero seats with red stitching and black (standard?) carpeting just works.

Obviously it's to taste and like MingTheMerciless no offence is intended to anyone who has the "first time Ferrari owner" config You have to go out of your way to choose combos that don't work.

[GrahamPM]

Durzel said:

MingtheMerciless said:

Have a look at Cuio leather as I suggested above. I had a Rosso/Crema F430 Spider and it was damn tricky to keep the leather from being scuffed. Also, just in my opinion, its too pale. Consider also Nero with red stitching, it goes terribly well together whereas red stitching on Crema leather looks a bit well contrived or something (well to me anyway, apologies if I have offended anyone's sensibilities about their P&J). All are super choices though.

Agree 100%.

For reasons I can't quite put my finger on I think crema only works on Spiders. Something about the lack of roof elevates the whole crema seats/red carpet whereas on a coupe it just seems a bit too much (and dye transfer issues as said above).

Like many I was dead set on the whole default Rosso paint/Crema seats/Rosso carpets config until I saw a Nero interior car and was sold immediately on it. Nero seats with red stitching and black (standard?) carpeting just works.

Obviously it's to taste and like MingTheMerciless no offence is intended to anyone who has the "first time Ferrari owner" config You have to go out of your way to choose combos that don't work.

Congrats on your new purchase! I've been fortunate enough to have done 2 factory spec'd cars. There are options that are only available to spec at the factory Atelier - for both my 458 & 488 I had the F12 pattern perforated leather & carbon 'race' seats; an option that we were told about when we were in the Ferrari factory. Also, at the time having the 'silver' tacho wasn't on the UK list.
Having a good idea before you go is essential - check out the Ferrarichat website - as the Americans do have some bizarre ideas about colour schemes - some work and some are
Also bear in mind the UK dealers are targeting an average 'extras' spend of circa £40K - keeps their profit margins and bonuses up there!! So your chaperone will not be worrying about some tasty recommendations! - Suits you sir!!
Enjoy!

[Durzel]

You've confused me with the OP, but agree with what you've said :-)

[kith]

Durzel said:

Shields are essential imo, I don't even know why they're an option.

I know I'm in the minority but I think quite the opposite. They have no place on regular production Ferraris, a bit try-hard. they should only grace competition cars and, at a push, competition-inspired limited editions.

[James P]

kith said:

Durzel said:

Shields are essential imo, I don't even know why they're an option.

I know I'm in the minority but I think quite the opposite. They have no place on regular production Ferraris, a bit try-hard. they should only grace competition cars and, at a push, competition-inspired limited editions.

I'm with you there but I suspect it may be an age thing. Shields = competition cars, not sure what they add apart from assisting pedestrians who cannot otherwise recognise a Ferrari.