Ferrari 458 Italia at Frankfurt Motor Show

There would have to be something seriously wrong with any human being, if they didn’t visit the Ferrari stand at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

That’s especially true this year, where you will see on display one of the best shapes to come out of Maranello in years.

The 458 Italia is a drop dead gorgeous machine, with super smooth lines not seen in a Ferrari since the 246 GT.

While the F430 was a far more advanced car than the F360 it replaced, the same goes for the 458 Italia.

It’s a much quicker car than the F430, with the eight-cylinder engine developing 425kW and 540Nm of torque, of which 80-per cent is available from 3250rpm.

The 0-100km/h-sprint time comes up in less than 3.4 seconds and top speed is a jet like 326km/h.

Shift times for the seven-speed F1 dual clutch gearbox have been reduced even further, while the weight of the car is just 1380 kilograms, which should make the car a spectacular track day weapon.

There’s also a more direct steering ratio for greater control ,while up to 360 kilograms of down force is developed at top speed.

It’s hard to believe, but the 458 Italia has 15 per cent more torsional rigidity than the F430.

Moreover CO2 emissions have been reigned in to a commendable 307 grams per kilometre, with fuel consumption now at 13.7 litre per 100 kilometre on the combined cycle.

Ferrari’s 458 Italia is surely one of this year’s highlights at the Frankfurt Motor Show.