Ferrari 458 Italia

[SVT666]

Ferrari 458 Italia
08/27/2009, 1:56 PMBY DREW JOHNSON


Ahead of its Frankfurt Motor Show unveiling in September, Ferrari has taken the wraps off of its latest mid-engined model, the 458 Italia. The 458 Italia?s aerodynamic, Pininfarina-penned shape is designed to get the most out of a new 4.5-liter, direct-injected, mid-mounted V8.

Designed to replace the 430, which can trace its roots back to the legendary Dino, the 458 Italia is the latest mid-engined, high-performance Ferrari.
The basic design brings together elements from the 430, the California and the Enzo while increasing downforce to 140 kg at 200 km/h, according to Ferrari. Overall, the 458 Italia is 178.2 inches long, 76.3 inches wide and 47.8 inches tall and its wheelbase stretches 104.3 inches. Curb weight is listed at 3,042 lbs. for a European-specification model with the optional forged wheels and racing seats.

An all-new aluminum chassis features advanced alloys and aerospace industry manufacturing and bonding techniques, Ferrari says. Add to that a more direct steering ratio than its predecessor, a twin wishbone/multi-link suspension, E-Diff that works with a more advanced traction control system and Ferrari says the new car can accelerate out of corners 32 percent faster than the 430. To keep things under control, the ABS has also been upgraded.

The new 4.5-liter V8 features direct injection and cranks out 570 horsepower at 9,000 rpm (a class-leading 127 horsepower per liter), while torque is rated at 420 lb-ft. at 6,000 rpm. Ferrari says that 80 percent of the 458 Italia?s torque is available from 3,250 rpm.

A seven-speed dual clutch transmission will be standard, helping the 458 Italia hit 62 mph in under 3.4 seconds before topping out at just over 201 miles per hour.

Emissions are down, too, Ferrari says. The 458 Italia produces 320 g/km of CO2 and uses fuel at a rate of 17 mpg, which Ferrari claims is the best in its segment.

Inside, the 458 Italia has a new layout that puts all of the primary controls on the steering wheel. Ferrari hasn?t released interior photography.

Check back here in September for Leftlane?s live coverage of the Frankfurt Motor Show, including the unveiling of the 2010 Ferrari 458 Italia.

[Cookie Monster]

I don't like those little vents by the headlights. They look stupid.

[93JC]

They're probably for brake cooling, in which case they're kind of important...

[sportyaccordy]

The HP/L figure is less impressive than the TQ/L figure. 100lb/ft per liter! Wow!

Car's not particularly pretty but I'm sure it will be a freaking hammer on any road it pounds. I would get one in white to mask the weird surfaces.

[Xer0]

I like it, looks like they took an Enzo and made it look good.  However, still not sure about the three pipes in the back.

[nickdrinkwater]

It's like the F430.  I don't want to like it, but I kinda do.

Do Ferrari always rotate between having F as the prefix in the model names?

348, F355, 360, F430, 458

Or is it just a coincidence?

[Pommes-T]

Weird. On the first photos it looked great. This doesn't. It seems to me like the designers played with some accessories like these 3 muffler that should resemble the F40, but it all looks like it could be made in Korea as well. But somehow I want it anyways.

It's like with an ugly porn actress. She might be ugly, but she turns me on.

I didn't write that.

[Submariner]

So now Ferrari has i-drive too?

It's nice, and those power figures are quite compelling, but nothing can match the sheer elegance and beauty of the 360. 

[Cookie Monster]

They're probably for brake cooling, in which case they're kind of important...

They might be but I'm sure they can be moved somewhere else to get rid of the fugliness somewhat.

[Cookie Monster]

So now Ferrari has i-drive too?

It's nice, and those power figures are quite compelling, but nothing can match the sheer elegance and beauty of the 360. 

360 is boring. F355 is where it's at.

[SVT666]

360 is boring. F355 is where it's at.

[Tave]

I would get one in white to mask the weird surfaces.

Hmmm...I think you're on to something.

[Xer0]

I dunno guys, I rather like it.  Its a step up from the F430 thats for sure

[Minpin]

Yea, this thread is full of squares. The 458 is like a Popsicle of sex with a cocaine handle.

[SVT666]

The instrument pod is beyond horrible.  It's not logically laid out at all.

[Minpin]

The instrument pod is beyond horrible.  It's not logically laid out at all.

?????

It's laid out like a plane. Everything within reach of the wheel/stick.

Duh Duh Durrrrr

[Galaxy]

So many small details are just wrong imo. The overall shape is quite lovely. I do hope that is not black plastic in the front fender.

[r0tor]

i think it will grow on me

the dash layout and vents are kind of horrendous, but thinking about it I don't think the 355, 360, 430 were any better

[SVT666]

?????

It's laid out like a plane. Everything within reach of the wheel/stick.

Duh Duh Durrrrr

The gauges are laid out all wrong, and I'm assuming the speedo is digital which is stupid too.

[ChrisV]

The gauges are laid out all wrong, and I'm assuming the speedo is digital which is stupid too.

Actually, I can understand having the digital speedometer and an analog tach. I'd prefer that layout, so long as the speedo was accurate.

[sportyaccordy]

Actually, I can understand having the digital speedometer and an analog tach. I'd prefer that layout, so long as the speedo was accurate.

I like gauges better.... 3, 5, 8, if you're just glancing down they all kind of look the same. With a gauge you don't have to read to know you're way over the speed limit.

I do think a central tach is a must though.

[r0tor]

Actually, I can understand having the digital speedometer and an analog tach. I'd prefer that layout, so long as the speedo was accurate.

i can tell you from my experience its the best way to go...

[S204STi]

I like it.  It's sort of an evolution of the current Ferrari design scheme, without being too similar to previous cars.  The interior is a step in a different direction though, it seems.  Not bad overall.  Plus I bet it hustles, and sounds great doing it.

[SVT666]

Actually, I can understand having the digital speedometer and an analog tach. I'd prefer that layout, so long as the speedo was accurate.

I drove one of those new Civics with the digital speedo and I hated it because every time the number changed I would look down at it.  It really bugged me.

[SVT666]

The front end looks almost Tesla like.

[S204STi]

Actually, I can understand having the digital speedometer and an analog tach. I'd prefer that layout, so long as the speedo was accurate.

I agree.  Very space efficient and read-able at a glance.

[Laconian]

The controls are laid out like an aftermarket Altezza light cluster.

I don't like the front fascia nearly as much as the outgoing F430. That had a timeless, shapely look, whereas I think this will look like retro shit in a decade or two.

[Raza]

Digital instruments can be washed out by sunlight, can't they?

[r0tor]

my speedo doesn't...

[Raza]

my speedo doesn't...

Ever?