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I actually think that the design is stunning (I have never really like the 360/430 styling). Absolutely beautiful
That first shot looks a little too much like the California, with its overly generous caboose. But as you walk around it, WOW! Beautiful!
Why isn't anyone comparing it with the enzo? It looks more like the enzo than f430 i think. F430 + Enzo + California = 458 Italia
I like it! Nice touch to have the three tailpipes a la F40. They sure dipped into the past model sketches for inspiration for this one!
Maranello, July 28th 2009 The 458 Italia is the latest incarnation of the mid-rear engined berlinetta and will be unveiled at the next Frankfurt Motor Show While its true that every Ferrari is innovative by definition, its equally true that in the course of the Prancing Horses history, certain cars have marked a genuine departure from the current range. This is very much the case with the Ferrari 458 Italia, which is a massive leap forward from the companys previous mid-rear engined sports cars. The new model is a synthesis of style, creative flair, passion and cutting-edge technology, characteristics for which Italy as a nation is well-known. For this reason Ferrari chose to add the name of its homeland to the traditional figure representing the displacement and number of cylinders. The Ferrari 458 Italia is a completely new car from every point of view: engine, design, aerodynamics, handling, instrumentation and ergonomics, just to name a few. A two-seater berlinetta, the Ferrari 458 Italia, as is now traditional for all Ferraris road-going cars, benefits hugely from the companys Formula 1 experience. This is particularly evident in the speed and precision with which the car responds to driver inputs and in the attention focused on reducing internal friction in the engine for lower fuel consumption than the F430, despite the fact that both overall displacement and power have increased. However, Ferraris track experience makes its presence felt in the 458 Italia not only in terms of pure technological transfer but also on a more emotional level, because of the strong emphasis on creating an almost symbiotic relationship between driver and car. The 458 Italia features an innovative driving environment with a new kind of steering wheel and dashboard that is the direct result of racing practice. Once again input from Michael Schumacher - who was involved from the very start of the 458 Italia project - played an invaluable part. The Ferrari 458 Italias Pininfarina design provides further evidence of the complete departure from the past that this new car hails. The Ferrari 458 Italia has a compact, aerodynamic shape, underscoring the concepts of simplicity, efficiency and lightness that inspired the project. As with every Ferrari, the cars styling has been very heavily influenced by the requirements for aerodynamic efficiency, as can be seen from the downforce of 140 kg at 200km/h generated by the new model. The front features a single opening for the front grille and side air intakes, with aerodynamic sections and profiles designed to direct air to the coolant radiators and the new flat underbody. The nose also sports small aeroelastic winglets which generate downforce and, as speed rises, deform to reduce the section of the radiator inlets and cut drag. The new 4499 cc V8 is the first Ferrari direct injection engine to be mid-rear mounted. It has a very low piston compression height typical of racing engines which contributed to achieving its compression ratio of 12.5:1. Equipped with the traditional flat-plane crankshaft, the engine delivers 570 CV at 9000 rpm and, with an outstanding power output of 127 CV/litre, sets a new benchmark not only for the whole Ferrari range and the history of company, but also for the entire market segment. Maximum torque is 540 Nm at 6000 rpm, over 80 per cent of which is available from 3250 rpm. Specific torque is a record 120 Nm/litre. However, what is truly extraordinary is the amount of torque available while still maintaining high levels of power at low revs. The cars soundtrack is also typical Ferrari, with an exciting, powerful growl emerging from the engine before it channels through to the exhausts three rear tailpipes. The 458 Italia is equipped with the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission which increases performance whilst providing very smooth shifts even at full throttle. The engineers have developed specific, sportier gear ratios to match the power and torque curves of the new V8, guaranteeing high torque even at lower engine speeds and allowing the car to reach its maximum speed in top gear. This new Ferrari is also a major leap forward when it comes to cutting emissions. Despite the fact that the new engine is significantly more powerful than the V8s that preceded it, the Ferrari 458 Italia produces just 320 g/km of CO2 and fuel consumption is 13.7 l/100 km (combined cycle), the best in the entire segment. The engineers also focused on weight reduction during the design phase for similar reasons. Consequently, the Ferrari 458 Italia has a dry weight of 1380 kg with a power-to-weight ratio of 2.42 kg/CV. Weight distribution is also optimal with 58 per cent over the rear axle. The result of the engineers endeavours can be summed up in to two simple statistics which together perfectly encapsulate the Ferrari 458 Italias exceptional performance: 0-100 km/h acceleration in under 3.4 seconds and a maximum speed in excess of 325 km/h. For the new chassis, once more in aluminium, Maranellos engineers incorporated various types of advanced alloys along with aerospace industry-derived manufacturing and bonding techniques. With regard to vehicle dynamics, the Ferrari 458 Italias suspension features twin wishbones at the front and a multi-link set-up at the rear tuned for maximum roadholding and superlative handling. Along with a more direct steering ratio, the 458 Italia thus offers extremely rapid turn-in and body control whilst maintaining superior ride comfort. The integration of the E-Diff and F1-Trac (now controlled by the same ECU) and their respective mappings is even greater, resulting in a 32 per cent increase in longitudinal acceleration out of corners compared to previous models. The evolution of the control logic, with even faster and more accurate calculation of levels of grip, ensures even greater roadholding, better handling and ease of control on the limit. The same ECU also governs the high-performance ABS, providing even more precise control over the logic threshold and greater efficiency. The brakes also feature a prefill function whereby the pistons in the callipers move the pads into contact with the discs on lift off to minimise delay in the brakes being applied. This combined with the ABS has cut the 100-0 km/h braking distance to a mere 32.5 metres. The Ferrari 458 Italias interior is another area of the car that exalts its sporty personality. The driver is welcomed by a new layout and a revolutionary ergonomic interface where the main controls are all clustered on the steering wheel. With the Ferrari 458 Italia, Maranello has brought a highly distinctive new car to its 8-cylinder range. The company now offers two models that share a common, race-derived DNA, both exceptionally sporty and fun to drive in true Ferrari tradition, but aimed at two very different kinds of client. While the Ferrari California was created for owners requiring a more versatile sports car with a practical edge, the 458 Italia is designed for owners for whom the priority is uncompromising on-road performance with occasional track day capability, but who still demand a car that is useable in day-to-day driving like all Ferraris recent models. The link to the dream: http://www.ferrari.com/English/GT_Sport%20Cars/458-italia/Pages/458-italia.aspx Ferrari 458 Italia Technical specifications Dimensions Length 4527 mm (178.2 in.) Width 1937 mm (76.3 in.) Height 1213 mm (47.8 in.) Wheelbase 2650 mm (104.3 in.) Dry weight 1380 kg (3042 lbs)* Weight/power ratio 2,42 kg/CV (7.16 lbs/kW) Weight distribution fr/r 42%/58% Engine Type V8 90° Displacement 4499 cc (274.5 cu in.) Maximum power 570 CV (425 kW)** @ 9000 rpm Maximum torque 540 Nm (398 lbs/ft) @ 6000 rpm Specific power output 127 CV/l Compression ratio 12.5:1 Tyres Front 235/35 ZR20 8.5 Rear 295/35 ZR20 10.5 Performance Maximum speed >325 km/h (>202 mph) 0-100 km/h <3.4 s Fuel consumption + emissions Fuel consumption*** 13.7 l/100 km Emissions*** 320 g CO2/km Gearbox Dual-clutch, 7-speed F1 Electronics E-Diff3, F1-Trac, high-performance ABS * With forged wheels and Racing seats ** Including 5 CV of ram effect *** Combined cycle (ECE+EUDC)
I personally don't like the design shown on the photos, I hope the one sold to the public looks a bit better. The last good looking Ferrari to me is the 360 CS.
I guess Acura never had the build the HSC after all, they just sold the design to Ferrari for maximum profit.
I LOVE this car! I was thinking ahead though...the 430, 360, etc, was available with the rear Challenge Grill. I wonder what the 458's challenge grill would look like... Gorgeous car though...and the sound...HOLY ****!!!!!!!! -G.B.
IMHO, the Italia has one hell of a knocked out body - - and what about those triple, almost F40 like pipes? It looks to be so much more refined than both the 360 and the 430. I love it !! Cheers, Hank
I will probably get stoned for this, but it looks like a Gallardo with smoother curves. I may be in the minority here but I am somewhat disappointed. I was hoping for something more stunning, something that will once again set Ferrari apart from all other manufactures like they used to. IMHO, with the exception of the one-off Ferrari P4/5, the recent Ferraris has all been kind of blend and lack the certain excitment that's usually associated with the name, Ferrari.
yeah, I was looking at the rear and I'm like, "I don't think they can put one on here...it's PERFECT!" and I second your opinion on the sound...it's INCREDIBLE!!! -G.B.
Gorgeous. This is what Ferrari needed! The 430 and 360 were not bad looking cars but they did not stir the soul like this one does right out of the gate. Enzo would be proud.