Breakthrough. In a word, that’s the new Ferrari 458 Italia, another exciting addition to the marque’s 8-cylinder family. It’s a two-seater Berlinetta with a mid-rear mounted engine with a slew of track-derived innovations that are the result of Michael Schumacher’s contributions from the get-go. Adding to the mystique is its design and creative flair which is unmistakably Pininfarina.

Car and Driver: “You don’t drive the new Ferrari 458 Italia at all. You grab its positive and negative terminals and let the juice stand your hair on end.”

The 458 Italia is all about superb vehicle dynamics and performance. Aerodynamic research has resulted in a nose that features a single opening for the front grille and side air intakes, directing air to the coolant radiators. The new suspension is tuned to absorb bumps, reduce suspension noise and maintain transverse rigidity, delivering quicker and more responsive steering on the road and on the track.

Using experience gained in development of the Ferrari F430 GT2, the flat underbody incorporates air intakes for engine bay cooling while creating even more rear downforce. Bodywork between the rear diffusers surrounds the triple exhaust tail pipes, a styling cue that recalls the legendary F40 and gives the 458 Italia’s tail an aggressive, sporty stance. The engine, in mid-rear V8 Ferrari tradition, is visible below the engine cover and the exhaust system provides the thrilling soundtrack Ferrari owners crave. Another important feature of the 458 Italia is the 7-speed F1 dual-clutch gearbox; the independent management of even and odd gears has reduced gear shifting time to virtually zero.

Motor Trend: “It's one of the prettiest and best engineered supercars of this century. If only all our favorite car models could be rebooted this successfully.”

Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes are standard, but the response is anything but ordinary. The optimization of control logic reduces response times by activating the pistons in the calipers, minimizing the gap between the brake pad and the disc as soon as the driver lifts off the accelerator. Specific calibration of the ABS ensures an accurate estimate of vehicle speed and, therefore, better braking torque control and enhanced vehicle stability.

The Ferrari Styling Centre designed an interior that reflects the rigor of the exterior of the car with clean, uncluttered forms. The driver-oriented cockpit was clearly inspired by the racing world. Radically new and intuitive ergonomics place the driver in the center of a simple, streamlined lay-out. The Vehicle Dynamic Assistance (DVA) monitors operating parameters of the most important areas of the car - engine/gearbox, tires and brakes, guaranteeing excellent vehicle stability and control in all driving conditions and on all surfaces.

Technical specifications

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Overall length: 178.2 inches
Overall width: 76.3 inches
Height: 47.8 inches
Wheelbase: 104.3 inches
Kerb weight: 3,274 lb
Dry weight: 3,042 lb
Weight distribution: 42% front - 58% rear
Maximum power: 570CV @ 9000 rpm
Maximum torque: 398lbs/ft @ 6000 rpm
Compression ratio: 12.5:1
Maximum speed: 202 mph
0-62 mph in 3.4 seconds
F1 dual-clutch transmission, 7 gears
E-Diff3, F1-Trac, High-Performance ABS

The slim center console features a sculpted aluminum casting housing the F1 panel and Launch Control, along with the secondary gearbox controls for reverse and auto settings. The console also includes two Alcantara-trimmed storage trays, with additional storage for small items in the soft leather pocket at the bottom of the driver’s side door.

The Carrozzeria Scaglietti Programme allows clients to personalize their car with exterior and interior color and interior material choices (leather, carbon-fiber and Alcantara). The car’s sporting character can be further emphasized with optional diamond-finish forged alloy wheels or the Racing Superleggero (super lightweight) seats in carbon-fiber.

Samples of colors and materials as well as virtual configuration tools are proudly on display at Ferrari of Atlanta. Stop by to personally experience the 458 Italia.


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