McLaren wants to emulate Ferrari’s success

McLaren boss Ron Dennis bares the truth behind his company’s decision to build road cars. At the Autosport Awards where he was presented with a lifetime achievement award, Dennis mentioned being inspired by Ferrari’s success and looking at how the change will provide long-term gains to the company as being among the reasons.

Of course, the decision cost the team its exclusive deal with Mercedes. Dennis says that it really is about the “development of the brand.” He talked about its great partners, which includes Mercedes-Benz, that have been “phenomenally strong.”
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truckman - 12/9/2009 4:35:08 PM

-4 Boost

Ferraris success, you mean being fixed weekly, although a great looking high performance car if you can afford to keep the repairs up.

Need4Speed - 12/9/2009 4:53:24 PM

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What kind of Ferrari do you drive?

truckman - 12/9/2009 4:59:17 PM

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My friend had one and it was in the shop every other week.Lots of $$

LexSucks - 12/9/2009 8:49:44 PM

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So I guess every Ferrari that will ever be created in the future, will break down all the time, based off your friend's experience with a single Ferrari from I'm guessing 15 years ago?

Joe_Limon - 12/9/2009 9:44:50 PM

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There are numerous article on the true cost of owning a Ferrari. To deny it is simply to put on pink sunglasses. Even if your car doesn't break down, Ferrari will be sure to redefine what you classify as "routine maintenance"

LexSucks - 12/9/2009 10:09:19 PM

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You are not talking about modern Ferrari's. Are you? if so can you point me to those articles that claim that say a F430 is extremely high maintenance?

Joe_Limon - 12/9/2009 11:54:29 PM

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http://www.secretconsulting.com/cost-of-ownership-of-an-exotic-car/

Also, for most exotics at 15,000km intervals a there is a major service that costs between $6000-$8000 usd

LexSucks - 12/10/2009 11:02:47 AM

+2 Boost

So why is only Ferrari being singled out then? All the exotics fall in the same category. And the article said nothing about them breaking down all the time. A High Performance car requires more maintenance than say a Yaris. That means all High-performance cars. I'm not sure what folks are expecting here.

Joe_Limon - 12/10/2009 4:38:08 PM

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I think Ferrari was singled out due to its profitability/sales being higher then even the vw supported lamborghini. As to the expenses, a common idea held here is that if Mclaren does hold Ferrari as their goal, they probably will continue along the same path of expensive repairs.

truckman - 12/11/2009 5:37:59 AM

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You are right it was 15 years ago, but I am not making this up as Joe Lemon has pointed out, after my friend sold his Ferarri he bought the Acura NSX and it performed better and didn't have a single problem, I loved that car.

kpaxx - 12/10/2009 9:23:06 AM

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Sure it is high but if you were to service your everyday car like a Ferrari is serviced it would cost $6K as well. The expectations for the level of service for a Ferrari follows a different definition than your everyday car!

Agent63 - 12/10/2009 1:36:24 PM

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McLaren certain has the pedigree behind it to make an attempt. However, I think Ferrari's prestige is going to take some time to reach. It doesn't mean they can't make an awesome car. They made an awesome SLR with Mercedes-Benz. Their next upcoming McLaren dedicated super car will be a quick beast.

lexworld - 12/11/2009 12:43:06 AM

0 Boost

Hear me when I say! They will all be desperatley trying to emulate the new Lexus LFA supercar and by the time they figure that thing out Lexus next supercar will be a hybrid that flys(runways excluded).

Joe_Limon - 12/11/2009 1:22:20 AM

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LOL the MP4-12C already beats the LFL in every measurable way, including price!

LexSucks - 12/11/2009 11:30:26 AM

+1 Boost

You are a dillusional Lexus fan. LOL!!

The LF-A isn't even out yet and you already have it as being the benchmark. Which is funny because Lexus have never been the benchmark of performace against the cars it competes against (BMW/MB/Audi). Now all-of-a-sudden Lexus is beating Ferrari? Enjoy it now while you can because the only time I see Lexus lunatics bragging about superiority is before the car is actualy released. When the car does get released they always seem to fall short. IS-F anyone?