Ferrari’s New 458 Italia looks (and sounds) like it’s a real driver-orientated car. For a start, all the buttons, dials and basically everything the driver needs to get to while driving, is all easily at hand.
The F1-style gearbox paddle shifters are now longer to allow easier shifts from any angle, the Shock Absorber setting button is placed next to the Start button on the steering wheel and even the indicator buttons, high beam lights and windscreen wipers buttons are all on the steering wheel and easily to hand (or finger). In fact the cockpit is entirely driver focussed, where even the lower centre console buttons are angled so that they are easier push than conventional flat buttons.
Now onto the exterior styling which was deigned by Pininfarina. I’m definitely seeing styling cues from the one-off Ferrari P 4-5. The small rear light clusters are very similar as is the rear diffuser to a certain extent. Overall the styling is very much like the P 4-5 as the 458 Italia looks hunched and purposeful. The ‘hanging’ triple exhausts pipes (two real, one for show) at the rear make the car look extremely mean and fast. Typical Ferrari thinking this. ‘Two exhausts, that’s just boring! Four exhausts. Been there, done that. Three exhausts eh?. Bellissimo’. Also sculpted into the car’s rear are air outlets to release the heat from the engine.
The front has an almost aggressive look to it as the ‘eyebrows’ next to the front lights are slashed into an angry demeanour . In front of the radiator grille are two ‘winglets’ which move slightly as speed increases to improve aerodynamic performance. These are beautifully sculpted and really make the front look unlike any other Ferrari to date.
The new mid-rear 4499 cc V8 has 450 Nm of torque and 562 bhp which equates to a 0-62 mph (0-110 kph) time of just 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 202 mph (325 kph). The Ferrari’s extremely low weight of just 1380 kilograms no doubt has a part in those acceleration figures. The 458’s engine has been made to develop most of its torque at low revs meaning it’s easily capable of hitting its top speed.
Thanks to the new ABS braking system the car will do 62 mph (100 km) - 0 mph in only 32.5 metres. Now lets have a look at our (UK) completely out of date highway code braking distances and have a laugh. According to their ‘typical stopping distances’, the average car (in what year again, eh Government?) will brake from these speeds in 73 metres (240 feet). Ha. The Ferrari will do it in under half that distance Mr Brown. Even the average family car will now trounce those outdated and pathetic Gov. issued figures. But that’s another article altogether .
According to the official Ferrari blurb ‘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 Ferrari’s recent models’.
Keep an eye out on this website for an up-close and personal review of the 458 Italia when we get hold of one.
For more information on the Ferrari 458 Italia (including some great audio clips and videos) click here.
Well written article, nicely done.
Had the pleasure of going to Maranello for a day this summer, caught some five different 458s barely dressed up save for some striped. Sound and look fantastic.
Sounds like you had a good time. Did you visit the Ferrari factory? Pagani’s factory is only around 10 miles from there too. We hope to get to them both as they will make for good reading for the site.
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