But it does drive fantastically well!

Sep 16, 2009,22:04 PM
 

I drove the California about a month ago up and down a windy canyon road and I have to say I was utterly surprised and impressed. I had expected it to be a lazier and softer and slow steering ratioed Mercedes SL500 type vehicle but I was pleasantly mistaken.

The new dual clutch transmission shifts like butter. You can still feel everything, but it's perfect in every sense. The traditional problem with these dual clutch systems is the downshift. If you do an unexpected downshift when the computer is expecting you to upshift, the downshift is rough and erratic because the gear is not preselected (as is the concept of the dual clutch system). However, I'm pleased to say that the Ferrari's transmission remained unfaltered with my tiresome attempt to fool the computer (I was stuck behind a slower driver during part of my mountain driving during this testing).

The car is very good, and although I wouldn't call it a thoroughbred Ferrari, it's definitely got the Ferrari DNA. The one thing that surprised me is the taillights. The brake lamps are not where you expect them to be. I find this to contribute to the overall unappealing rear trunk/bumper design of the car. The handling is very neutral and the body feels very stiff. I think it will be an easy car to live with both day to day and on the weekends. I first saw a functioning prototype of this vehicle thirteen months ago. It was a true pleasure to see the car come into realization only one month ago.

Here are some pics of the California I drove and the California I would like to have...


There s/he is... The front is very attractive.



The license plate indicates the car is not mine. Notice the little lights on the lower bumper, thats the brake lamp!



The interior is magnifico. Belissima!



A red one with the top up. It looks better with the top up I have to say...



The car I would love to have. This is art.


This message has been edited by patrick_y on 2009-09-16 22:06:31

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Got a call from the AD/ 5970P

 
 By: Mostel : September 16th, 2009-18:16
Um..... I know just the other day I made the statement that Patek was, for me, these days, a 'sleeping tablet.' True, I find almost all new Pateks uninspired.... but I'm hard on Patek because Patek's history is SO inspired... well, certainly two watches t... 

If you have seen the watch.....

 
 By: CL : September 16th, 2009-18:22
and like it (hard not to like a 5970, anyway), get it If you have not seen the watch in metal, ask to see it and then decide. I have been asked twice but turn down twice. Not that the watch is not beautiful, just that when I strap it on my wrist, the blac... 

Thanks CL

 
 By: Mostel : September 16th, 2009-18:29
I can not see it in person first, unfortunately... I have just spent the last few minutes searching pics on the net... I have to say, sadly, I do not love it in pics... it is quite a big 'bite.' I'll have to take a night or two and sleep on it. But it is ... 

If you have not seen it,

 
 By: CL : September 16th, 2009-18:34
make sure you go see it It's a watch worth seeing it in metal to close the chapter , so no regret. Today I went to see the PP2499 with dauphine hand and round pusher. I was crazy about it. Viewing it in metal and strapping on my wrist, I realise I'm not e... 

Buy it..

 
 By: nothing but time : September 16th, 2009-18:27
Don't look back, don't question it. Embrace your destiny. You will LOVE it. I swear to you. This is a must own piece.. and so wearable. I usually find platinum to heavy to wear actively.. not this one. Just buy.

Thanks NBT

 
 By: Mostel : September 16th, 2009-18:30
You are probably right! And how many times does such an offer come??? I wonder if I will be able to sleep tonight?

You're a lucky man...

 
 By: nothing but time : September 16th, 2009-18:33
I love that anticipatory euphoria. This is a really speacial piece. Akin to getting the call to buy a Ferrari California at list, on launch week, in the right colors. I won't belabor it any further. You've been blessed.

LOL I just canceld my order for a califorina

 
 By: tourbillon001 : September 16th, 2009-19:22
After driving it turned out to be geared more towards women than younger men. I've seen the 5970P and its beautiful. go for it. good luck

That is funny...

 
 By: nothing but time : September 16th, 2009-21:26
I think I just bought your car for my wife, hence my mention of it - "A cancellation just became available" .. What a small world. All roads cross at the PuristS

But it does drive fantastically well!

 
 By: patrick_y : September 16th, 2009-22:04
I drove the California about a month ago up and down a windy canyon road and I have to say I was utterly surprised and impressed. I had expected it to be a lazier and softer and slow steering ratioed Mercedes SL500 type vehicle but I was pleasantly mistak...  

Some pictures of the Porsche Panamera

 
 By: patrick_y : September 22nd, 2009-11:58
I don't know how Clint is doing these days. He was spotted by some PuristS members at the A. Lange & Sohne event here in Malibu. Unfortunately, I wasn't in attendance. Since you noticed the tiny Panamera, here are some pictures of the Panamera. I really e...  

Surprised

 
 By: zjpj : September 17th, 2009-07:19
I am surprised you would say that about the California after driving it - whatever you think about the styling, the car absolutely flies. If anything, I would think it would be the other way around (thinking it was for women at first, but then having the ... 

were you on the list for this watch?

 
 By: jonrus : September 16th, 2009-21:36
or were you called out of the blue by an AD? Just curious... since it's a rough barometer of the economy these days

I wouldn't buy it, unless I was 100% sure and positive I loved it!

 
 By: patrick_y : September 16th, 2009-21:49
Every year, I compile a list of favorite watches that I really appreciate. Ten years ago, the watch was the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Duo in Rose Gold. An AP Royal Oak was added to the "Sports category" about eight years ago. A Patek and a Breguet was adde... 

I agree with CL. I would not fork over that sum of money without seeing

 
 By: watch-guy.com : September 16th, 2009-23:29
the watch on my wrist. It may bee stunning but for my $100k I want it on my wrist first before making such a large purchase Julian

I agree with the comments about seeing................

 
 By: Topcat30093 : September 17th, 2009-00:11
And trying on the 5970P Is it purely a question of practicality that you can't go to view the watch or is the AD pushing you for an answer? If you would like to have the piece in your collection, may I offer you the use of my wrist for say the next 30 yea... 

Availability of the 5970P

 
 By: itt : September 17th, 2009-03:16
You should consider yourself lucky to be offered the 5970P I cant get one here, down under - the AD here in Sydney does not expect to get one - I guess our market is just too small.

Buy it. Stunning.

 
 By: bs22fly : September 17th, 2009-05:47

I guess you would anticipate my answer....

 
 By: Baron - Mr Red : September 17th, 2009-05:49
I have never regretted a second.......  

Seconded your thoughts and words.

 
 By: BHK9 : September 17th, 2009-09:01
Hi there, 5970p is the crown of 5970s' i would assume after 5971p introduced 2 years ago,but since stone of blink-blink are usually out of the collectors' list,then the release of this years 5970p would definately stands out to be the crown of all. Handle... 

Hard to sleep last night...

 
 By: Mostel : September 17th, 2009-09:22
I looked at every pic I could find... it is absolutely a stunning Patek. Guys, I have to confess again, I just do not 'LOVE' it in pics. I see it is beautiful, and I know it is very very rare... but I'm going to go with my heart on this one, and try not t... 

Will not be that lucky next round.

 
 By: BHK9 : September 17th, 2009-09:33
Hi Mostel, Definately.Decision is always yours but bear in mind,you might not be able to come across it the Second time.I have tried very hard during the 2000-2008 to locate even a 5070 but failed totally.Only then i realize,it will surface during these h... 

I agree (somewhat)

 
 By: Mostel : September 17th, 2009-11:18
I think this is the only call I will get from an AD. It is a rare event, no doubt. But I do not think that, if I do see this watch in person and fall in love and must have it--that it will be impossible to acquire, at least for another year or so. The mar... 

well....if this helps,

 
 By: CL : September 17th, 2009-10:06
a very good friend of mine recently bought it unseen, when he went pick it up, he just feel cold and not excited about it. He still bring it home since he is committed and able to afford it financially, but he doesn't has that euphoria feeling. At this am... 

Yes, CL

 
 By: Mostel : September 17th, 2009-11:16
Still a hard decision!!!

I think you are making a big mistake......

 
 By: Miles151 : September 17th, 2009-11:26
By not having a 5970p brand new from AD in your name......But I guess I would think that.. I happen to love the black dial and not withstanding its rarity and the fact it's platinum the dial looks sexy...I would even buy it in WG with a black dial... For ... 

I agree that in your case, it will be a big mistake....

 
 By: CL : September 17th, 2009-11:50
but for Mostel, the only 'regret' or 'mistake' is not be able to see it in metal and decide. Not everyone fits or likes black dial, so if it's the color that intrigued Mostel, he will already jump on it , just like you I like the idea of having the Platin... 

Hi Mostel,

 
 By: masterspiece : September 17th, 2009-11:48
I would have to agree with you as far as the "looks" of the piece goes. Not one of my favorite Pateks. It does not "sing" to me. Although they are hard to get, passing on something that does not make you happy is wisdom. Just my 2ยข... Aloha, Bob

my suggestion...

 
 By: jonrus : September 17th, 2009-16:27
take a look at it. if it doesn't sing to you, try to negotiate with the ad, in case you can strike a deal that will make it sing to you. you never know these days.

Agree :-)....nt

 
 By: CL : September 17th, 2009-17:09
.

Can't wait for mine to get here.....[nt] [nt]

 
 By: sjc : September 17th, 2009-19:08
No message body

if you don't love it don't buy it

 
 By: tourbillon001 : September 20th, 2009-19:29
138k is a lot of money for something that you are lukewarm on. That exactly how I felt about the Ferrari. It was a beautiful car, drove great, but it did not raise my heart rate and for 225k, I want something that is going to make me giggle when I drive i...