Discussion
Morning all
It’s frequently said that if one’s 458 doesn’t have the carbon race seats then it’s probs best to torch it and claim on the insurance than try and sell it later on. Whilst I cannot endorse taking this approach, I wonder how important they really are?
If I can justify the extra spend over the Italia, I’m thinking of getting a spider in the next 4 months. I quite like to take a convertible out in cold weather or in the evening, and seat heating is nice to have for this. I’m assuming that the race seats aren’t heated? Ultimately I’m leaning towards the full electric option, but I thought I would see if any owners can comment on this. I don’t wish to sound nesh, but I like a heated seat!
I’m also trying to work out what the seats are worth in terms of extra / over cost.
Cheers
It’s frequently said that if one’s 458 doesn’t have the carbon race seats then it’s probs best to torch it and claim on the insurance than try and sell it later on. Whilst I cannot endorse taking this approach, I wonder how important they really are?
If I can justify the extra spend over the Italia, I’m thinking of getting a spider in the next 4 months. I quite like to take a convertible out in cold weather or in the evening, and seat heating is nice to have for this. I’m assuming that the race seats aren’t heated? Ultimately I’m leaning towards the full electric option, but I thought I would see if any owners can comment on this. I don’t wish to sound nesh, but I like a heated seat!
I’m also trying to work out what the seats are worth in terms of extra / over cost.
Cheers
F355GTS said:
The race seats are not heated, I have them and think they suit the car better but like everything it's personal choice
They're surprisingly comfortable even on long cross Europe drives
I think all standard seats are full electric and heated on UK cars
I've had CF seats on both my Ferraris and wouldn't consider buying one without them. The exceptions to this are any open top Ferrari as i also like heated seats when driving with the top down on a cold sunny day. Bear in mind the demand for 488s/458s is much higher with the CF seats which reflects in the used prices. The other caveat is i only get CF seats with alcantara centres as these are much nicer on a cold day.They're surprisingly comfortable even on long cross Europe drives
I think all standard seats are full electric and heated on UK cars
The standard seats are not heated on any Ferrari and you need to seek out one with the optional full electric ones if you want a toasty bum. All 458s/488s fitted with the CF race seats come with a £10k premium when used so by choosing one with the comfy seats will sane money.
I would also consider interior space if going full electric.
When I bought my 488 Spider I briefly considered the full electric/heated for the reasons mentioned.
It was a no go after 5 seconds on realising the bulkier seats meant I couldn’t get the seat back far enough to get comfortable behind the wheel (I’m just over 6 foot 2). Not an issue in a GTB as more seat travel. Also sit a lot higher.
The carbon seats have even more show in the Spider as much more ‘on display’. The cockpit is very snug and warm in the cold with the top down and heater up. I.e. don’t miss the heated seats as much as I thought I would.
In summary I think the race seats are even more important in the Spider than the GTB. Even in the large size they are quite snug fitting though around the shoulder and lats and you’d definitely want to try before you buy..... here’s a pic of mine..
When I bought my 488 Spider I briefly considered the full electric/heated for the reasons mentioned.
It was a no go after 5 seconds on realising the bulkier seats meant I couldn’t get the seat back far enough to get comfortable behind the wheel (I’m just over 6 foot 2). Not an issue in a GTB as more seat travel. Also sit a lot higher.
The carbon seats have even more show in the Spider as much more ‘on display’. The cockpit is very snug and warm in the cold with the top down and heater up. I.e. don’t miss the heated seats as much as I thought I would.
In summary I think the race seats are even more important in the Spider than the GTB. Even in the large size they are quite snug fitting though around the shoulder and lats and you’d definitely want to try before you buy..... here’s a pic of mine..
Got a 488 GTB with the carbon seats and a 458 Spider with normal and heated seats (which are useless in Dubai). To be honest, apart from the carbon ones being a bit more snug and a little less padded, I don't really give them a second thought. The standard ones are fine. Would not be deal breaker for me.
Taffy66 said:
F355GTS said:
The race seats are not heated, I have them and think they suit the car better but like everything it's personal choice
They're surprisingly comfortable even on long cross Europe drives
I think all standard seats are full electric and heated on UK cars
I've had CF seats on both my Ferraris and wouldn't consider buying one without them. The exceptions to this are any open top Ferrari as i also like heated seats when driving with the top down on a cold sunny day. Bear in mind the demand for 488s/458s is much higher with the CF seats which reflects in the used prices. The other caveat is i only get CF seats with alcantara centres as these are much nicer on a cold day.They're surprisingly comfortable even on long cross Europe drives
I think all standard seats are full electric and heated on UK cars
The standard seats are not heated on any Ferrari and you need to seek out one with the optional full electric ones if you want a toasty bum. All 458s/488s fitted with the CF race seats come with a £10k premium when used so by choosing one with the comfy seats will sane money.
All of my 458/488 have all had them, personally I wouldn't even consider a car without.
It's not like the Lamborghini Performante race/comfort seat conundrum that will see you needing a chiropractor after anything other than a test drive, the Ferrari race seats are among the most comfortable seats I've ever sat in.
NSC79 said:
Can you retrofit them if need be? I’m guessing they cost as much as a decent second hand golf though?!
Eurospares are best place to buy new OEM Ferrari CF seats.https://www.eurospares.co.uk/parts/ferrari/488/
Taffy66 said:
Eurospares are best place to buy new OEM Ferrari CF seats.
https://www.eurospares.co.uk/parts/ferrari/488/
that website is scary https://www.eurospares.co.uk/parts/ferrari/488/
Another question I have for you spider owners is whether you find it ‘wobbly’? I want a convertible, and I’ve been flipping between 650s/570 for something a bit more recent (and carbon) and what I’ve kind of always wanted (458). I drove a friend’s 355 spider for a while a couple of years ago and found I was chasing the wheel. I know the 458 will be light years ahead of the 355, but it would be good to know you guys aren’t disappointed by judder etc.
NSC79 said:
Another question I have for you spider owners is whether you find it ‘wobbly’? I want a convertible, and I’ve been flipping between 650s/570 for something a bit more recent (and carbon) and what I’ve kind of always wanted (458). I drove a friend’s 355 spider for a while a couple of years ago and found I was chasing the wheel. I know the 458 will be light years ahead of the 355, but it would be good to know you guys aren’t disappointed by judder etc.
I'm in the same position and interested in this too..... (oh, to be able to go and test some of these things out!!)Gassing Station | Ferrari V8 | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff