Official: Ferrari 458 Italia unveiled

By George Skentzos  |  July 28th, 2009
      28 Comments

Ferrari has unexpectedly released the first official photos and details for its latest model, the all-new Ferrari 458 Italia, which is set to replace the current F430 as the brand’s iconic mid-engine V8 sportscar.

58261fer-

This new model represents a dramatic leap forward in Ferrari design and innovation, marking a genuine departure from the current range – including the recently released California.

The Ferrari 458 Italia has been named not only by the traditional figure representing the displacement and number of cylinders but also for its homeland – combining a synthesis of style, creative flair, passion and cutting-edge technology, characteristics for which Italy as a nation is well-known.

58261-b-fer-

Far more than a facelift or overhaul, the Ferrari 458 Italia is a completely new car from the ground up, boasting an all-new engine, design, aerodynamics, handling, instrumentation and ergonomics.

The latest Ferrari echoes the design of the iconic Ferrari Enzo, although Ferrari says the Pininfarina design is like no other Ferrari seen before, with a compact, aerodynamic shape, underscoring the concepts of simplicity, efficiency and lightness that inspired the project.

The radical bodywork is also functional, providing downforce of 140 kg at 200km/h and includes small aeroelastic winglets that generate downforce and, as speed rises, deform to reduce the section of the radiator inlets and cut drag.

The new V8 engine boasts displacement of 4499 cc and is the first direct injection engine to be mid-rear mounted in a Ferrari.

58261-c-fer-

The engine delivers peak power of 425kW at 9000rpm, setting a new power per litre benchmark for not only Ferrari but also the entire market segment, along with maximum torque of 540Nm at 6000rpm.

This is mated to the new seven-speed, dual-clutch transmission that sports new gear ratios to complement the power and torque curves of the V8 engine.

Perhaps the most amazing figure however is the fuel efficiency, with Ferrari paying specific attention to cutting emissions with the Ferrari 458 Italia producing just 320g/km of CO2 and fuel consumption is 13.7 litres per 100km, the best in the entire segment.

58261-a-fer-

Ferrari’s engineers also focused on weight reduction as means of improving both economy and performance, with the Ferrari 458 Italia boasting a dry weight of just 1380kg, with 58 per cent of it residing over the rear axle.

This has resulted in exceptional performance with zero to 100km/h acceleration reduced to less than 3.4 seconds and a maximum speed in excess of 325km/h.

The suspension features twin wishbones at the front and a multi-link set-up at the rear tuned for maximum roadholding and superlative handling.

The integration of the E-Diff and F1-Trac has been optimised to the point where longitudinal acceleration out of corners has been improved by 32 per cent compared to the previous model.

The braking system features a pre-fill 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 100-0km/h braking distance to a just 32.5 metres.

While the interior is being kept under wraps for now, Ferrari has promised an all new layout and revolutionary ergonomic interface where the main controls are all clustered on the steering wheel.

Relations

Similar Articles

Comments

28 Responses to “Official: Ferrari 458 Italia unveiled”
  1. Vote -1 Vote +1Yanzo
    says:

    :o

    daaaaayum. i think i’m in love… max power at 9000 rpm… it looks sensational! and the specs are magnificient!

    i don’t even know what to say…

  2. Vote -1 Vote +1Ben Johnson
    says:

    That is beautiful, I want one!

  3. Vote -1 Vote +1George
    says:

    My new wallpaper! Fantastic!

  4. Vote -1 Vote +1Yanzo
    says:

    here’s a photo of the interior. idk if it’s real or not

    http://www.icars.sg/photos/ind.....178890.jpg

  5. Vote -1 Vote +1wongne
    says:

    That would be the best looking Ferrari in many many years.

  6. Vote -1 Vote +1Alex
    says:

    That looks brilliant. The F430 always looked a bit wrong but that really does look good. And it’s nice that they aren’t gradually releasing pictures of parts of the car as they did with the California. That was irritating.
    I like the name too. 458 Italia has a hell of a lot more bravado than F450, as many auto websites have been dubbing it.

  7. Vote -1 Vote +1Deco
    says:

    Now just need to find $600k…

  8. Vote -1 Vote +1Alan
    says:

    Much better than F430, but somehow still doesn’t look right. Back is a bit fussy, but the overall shape is quite good. I would say it is the best looking Ferrari in some time. Although I still stand by the opinion that Ferrari hasn’t produced a truly good looking car since 456M GT.

    But if you just want a pretty car, get a Lambo, this is for people who enjoy driving. Super high specific power, high revving engine, dual clutch gearbox, this all sounds fantastic. Can’t wait to hear that engine revving to 9000rpm red line.

  9. Vote -1 Vote +1Baddass
    says:

    I’m agreeing with Alan, some styling elements don’t quite mesh. And why does that beltline rise up so dramatically (like on the California) ? It looks ridiculous! I’ll wait for the Continental SuperSports thanks.

  10. Vote -1 Vote +1Carz
    says:

    It’s stunning! Ferrari 458 Italia looks amazing…

  11. Vote -1 Vote +1John
    says:

    Ferrari really is amazing at making an engine. 425kw from a N/A 4.5l V8. Most makers need at least 6 litres capacity and forced induction too get anywhere near this kind of power. As for the looks of the car, easily the best looking ferrari since the 360 Stradale. Although the rear styling is a little odd, if I had the money for this kind of car I doubt I would care at all!

  12. Vote -1 Vote +1Jake02
    says:

    I like it alot. Except the rear end – the 599 taillights don’t blend well and what’s that stupid vent next to the headlights? Anyways it should be a great car :D

    Woooo 9000 rpm!!!

  13. Vote -1 Vote +1Dude
    says:

    pure sex on wheels

  14. Vote -1 Vote +1Lukaas
    says:

    Its probably as “iconic” as the F355!

    The F430 looked great but was “menacing” in a way, that isnt Ferrari trademark, the F360 also… just didnt look “svelte” and “modern” classic as the F355. The F430 tried to bring that “black” rear look with the tail lamps and it looked very good but didnt have that “classic” feel.

    This one… from the profile, front and rear… well the rear is probably the weak point… it screams classic Ferarri…. smooth and “soft” but beautiful.

    Lamborghini’s theme is the more ridiculous aggressive look and sharp line, which the F430 sort of explored.

    But this one! wow.

    This and the Scaglietti is the 2 most beautiful cars I’ve seen in the last decade… the Maranello and F355 have their “official” replacement in terms of icon cars from Ferrari…

  15. Vote -1 Vote +1Delusional
    says:

    Without a doubt Ferrari has outdone itself with the styling of this car… i personally love every curve n hump that this thing has and that exhaust just sealed the deal. excellent work Ferrari you got my praise.

  16. Vote -1 Vote +1Toxic_Horse
    says:

    I think alan and baddass are the fussy ones, not the rear of this car

  17. Vote -1 Vote +1Nic L
    says:

    Finally they have designed a model with the look of the ferrari Aurea (a concept which i thought was the best ever looking ferrari, albeit only a design).

    I agree with one of the spectators saying the rear of the car didn’t do it justice.. It definitely needs to keep the twin rear lights on each side, but apart from that, it is superb.

  18. Vote -1 Vote +1Jimmy
    says:

    It makes so much sense, that right there is an evolution of beauty. I’m speechless.

  19. Vote -1 Vote +1Golfschwein
    says:

    It’s beautiful, just like the 328 was beautiful.

  20. Vote -1 Vote +1Golfschwein
    says:

    Full-screen sized piccies (ideal for wallpaper!) are on the home page of carbodydesign dot com.

  21. Vote -1 Vote +1Jazrod
    says:

    this is what megan fox would look like if she was a car. wow. absolutely stunning/beautiful/sexy! however, have to agree with some comments on the rear – just a bit too fussy.

  22. Vote -1 Vote +1Marcoz
    says:

    I LOVE ITTTT…except maybe for the 3 exhaust,hmmm dont know about them, maybe in better rear view shots or real life it may look nicer…but overall i love it, front eh side view it looks like a baby enzo in my opnion, love that.would have prefered the front to look a bit and i say a bit, like the 430 with the big opening scoops but never the less..COME ON GOLD LOTTO THURSDAY…lol fat chance he says to himself…
    interior shots are at http://www.italiaspeed.com
    and if it is in the $600,000k mark like someone said here that would place it in the 599 relm…probably would be 550 id say….

  23. Vote -1 Vote +1f1worldchamp
    says:

    Oooooh, I think I’m in love.
    And just in time for the Powerball jackpot!

  24. Vote -1 Vote +1Steve-Poyza
    says:

    Haha three exhausts rather than the usual two or four. Thats new. I want one thanks.

  25. Vote -1 Vote +1Phil
    says:

    this is what Foxy Angel would look like if she was a car. wow. absolutely stunning/beautiful/sexy! however, have to agree with some comments on here – just a bit too fussy.

  26. Vote -1 Vote +1James
    says:

    Finally a car manufacturer manages to break the Honda S2000’s world record setting 92 KW (JP) per litter record without using a turbo. Only shame is it took Ferrari 10 years to do this!

  27. Vote -1 Vote +1zahmad
    says:

    For me the look is not real enough…believe me I’m a Ferrari fan….the weird shaped glasshouse, raptor like headlights due to those stupid vents, and the exhausts…makes it look more like those digital concepts created by wannabe designers….I know people will hate me for this but Ii believe the F430 looked better…

  28. Vote -1 Vote +1JEKYL & HYDE
    says:

    a toss-up between that and megan gale 4 me…

Speak Your Mind

Login with Facebook:

*
To prove you're a person (not a spam script), type the security word shown in the picture. Click on the picture to hear an audio file of the word.
Click to hear an audio file of the anti-spam word