The Two Ugly Sisters from Maranello.

Is it just me, or has the whole world gone mad? Every article I’ve read, every video I’ve watched reviewing the two latest Ferrari models, the 458 and the FF, are produced by people convinced that Ferrari’s latest design route is a successful one.

The 458's Interior is
perfect for a supercar.

Firstly, I am not questioning Ferrari’s engineering abilities. It is clear from these reviews that Ferrari ensures the perfect balance between power and grip. There can be no doubt, either, that the naturally aspirated engines Ferrari builds are some of the finest examples ever produced. Secondly, I am not questioning the interior styling of either car. Both look built-for purpose. The 458’s cutting interior lines are suited to the aggressive manner in which the car should be driven and the FF’s interior is a more aesthetically relaxing affair. I do, however, feel that Ferrari’s exterior designs have several issues and that they have not found the correct balance between finesse and science.

The bizarre 458 headlight.

From the side, the Ferrari 458 has a perfect supercar silhouette and every line flows into the other consummately. At the front of the 458, things begin to go downhill. Firstly, there are those awkward cut-outs in the bonnet that meet the 458’s headlights. It seems to me that this has been completely ignored by all commentators on the 458’s styling thus far – it’s hideous! Not only does it offset from the light’s shape but it actually sits in the middle of the headlight’s frontward design. If this shape had been incorporated as a single design of the headlight, it would have looked fine, but it’s not – this cutaway has been placed there for aerodynamic reasons and simply looks wrong. Furthermore, whose decision was it to place a silvery prancing horse in the middle of the front grille? I would understand if this had been dictated by tradition, but the Ferrari 430 had no such ostentatious emblem on its front end. And if those cheap-looking carbon fibre spoilers are so important to aerodynamics, then why didn’t Ferrari include them on the Ferrari FF?

The amused frog-like Ferrari FF.

In stead, the designer of the FF has used different techniques to create a similar effect: a Ferrari that has been adjusted too many times until it is almost confusing to look at. At the front, the FF has similarly-shaped lights to the 458. Luckily, the designer has chosen not to include the ghastly aerodynamic cut-away on the bonnet. However look below and one can see an enormous silvery grille – my first point of contention with this car’s design. Apparently, Ferrari was determined to make a supercar that could perform in the snow and this is the reason for the car’s design. To me, the car looks far too happy and coupled with those larger headlights it resembles an amused frog-like creature. If you buy this car in green, your children will think you’ve purchased the result of some horrendous science experiment.  

The back of the FF is
too complicated. 

At the back of the 458 and FF though, Ferrari’s choice of awkward design reaches its crescendo. I will agree that the top of the 458’s design is well proportioned. The large single lights with black vents is straight from the design book of Ferrari handsomeness. The rear diffuser, though, is far too complex and is another example of substance over style with this car’s design. Similarly, there is the exhaust system – three exhausts, packed tightly together? It seems as though Ferrari have been taking design tips from the Saxo Owners of Essex Club. At the back of the FF the same issue arises: complexity. The FF’s backside has an enormous rear diffuser, which again is too complex to be aesthetically pleasing. Similarly, it’s rear lights are too small and have been coupled to a tiny vent that just doesn’t seem necessary and below the lights are another set of minute, pointless-looking vents. None of these design features, individually, on the FF’s rear-end are terrible, but put together they give it a blundering, over-dabbled appearance, similar to the problems that journalists found with the Mazda RX-8 around ten years ago. But that was a £20,000 car. These Ferrari models cost around ten-times as much to buy.

I’m sorry to the Ferrari faithful, because I myself have loved every Ferrari since I was a boy, but I simply cannot abide by the 458 or the FF’s styling. They have been ungracefully styled for the sake of performance, to the point that they seem overly complex and for that reason, unattractive. Surely, if you are purchasing a £200,000 car you would want to be certain that everyone who sees you in it is smiling with you, not laughing at you for buying it.