Ferrari 458

[Rub]

:drool: how HOT is this car!

Ferrari’s compact V8 supercar gets new name, more powerful engine, clever gearbox and more performance yet is kinder to the environment. And it's here in mid 2010.

The world’s most famous red sports cars are continuing their quest to become ‘greener’ with a new supercar that is kinder to the environment than its predecessor.

Ferrari has released pictures and details of its stunning new 458 Italia, a car that is more powerful yet more fuel efficient than the F430 it will replace in 2010.

Ferrari’s new F458 Italia features a redeveloped version of the F430’s V8, with direct fuel injection and a new seven-speed dual-clutch auto (borrowed from the Ferrari California convertible) to help lower fuel consumption from 18.3 litres per 100km to 13.7L/100km.

The compact, two-seater supercar's CO2 emissions have also been lowered to 320g/km.

Ferrari hasn’t lost its performance focus, though, for a car that will reach Australia in mid 2010 with a price tag in excess of $500,000.

The quick-shifting transmission teams with the bigger, 4.5-litre V8 and lightweight aluminium body to boost the 458 Italia's performance.

Ferrari claims the 458 will sprint from 0-100km/h in a remarkable 3.4 seconds – more than half a second quicker than the F430 – and reach a top speed of 325km/h.

The new Ferrari's mid-engined V8 produces more power than even the race-focused, circa-$600,000 F430 Scuderia, with 425kW produced at a stratospheric 9000rpm. That's 500rpm higher than the 430 to make it Ferrari's highest-revving road car yet.

There's no shortage of torque, either, with 540Nm arriving at 6000rpm.

Ferrari says F1 legend Michael Schumacher helped to fine-tune the handling of the 458, which the company says delivers even greater levels of cornering grip and superior stopping power to its predecessor.

The sleek, 4.5m-long 458, the latest Ferrari to be designed by Pininfarina, takes design cues from the Enzo, though is also reminiscent of the fabled McLaren F1 supercar of the '90s when viewed from side-on.

Maranello's latest masterpiece, however, offers plenty of its own design highlights.

The front end features radical vertical LED headlights, the flanks are dominated by dramatic sweeping creases and muscular rear haunches, while the rear end is dominated by a triple-pipe exhaust system and F1-style rear diffuser.

A European source told Drive the distinctive exhaust layout contributes to both improved emissions and a unique engine note through only the larger middle pipe being employed up to 3000rpm with the other two joining above that rev point.

The F430’s quad circular tail-lights also make way on the 458 Italia for single round lights either side.

Supercar enthusiasts will be pleased to see that the mid-engined V8 is still visible through the rear glass window.

The 458 is cleaner-looking than the F430, with clever aerodynamics - honed in Ferrari's F1 wind tunnel to help suck the supercar to the road - allowing Ferrari designers to dispense with the prominent air scoops of the outgoing model.

The single front grille and air intake opening also features flexible "aeroelastic" wings that, when speeds rise, bend to close up the intakes and reduce drag for higher speed and improved fuel efficiency.

Ferrari hasn't released any interior photos yet but says the 458's "new kind of steering wheel and dashboard" are inspired by its grand prix cars. There will certainly be a new version of the steering-wheel-mounted Manettino switch, which allows drivers to alter a number of car settings.

European motoring media had been expecting the new verson of Ferrari's best-selling model to be called the F450, but the company has reverted to an old naming system that started with the 308 in the early ’70s and is based on the car’s engine size and cylinder count – in the 458’s case, the 4.5-litre V8.

The 458 Italia will makes its public debut at September's Frankfurt motor show. Ferrari Australia has already taken more than 10 orders for the car.

As with predecessors, further variants of the 458 will emerge over the next few years - including a Spider (convertible), Scuderia and (track-focused) Stradale versions.

Ferrari told Drive in 2008 that it was developing hybrid technology that it could apply to future models, though the 458 is not expected to be offered with a petrol-electric drivetrain or turbocharged V8 petrol engines also under development.

Ferrari chairman Luca di Montezemolo says the 458 Italia is a tribute to its homeland.

"We are proud to pay homage to Italy with a fabulous new car which offers truly high performance along with the kind of innovation that no other Ferrari has ever reached," says di Montezemolo.

"The new Ferrari is a tribute to Italy and its unique qualities. The creative flair of its people, the quality and style of its products all go to make up a country that is synonymous with excellence."


Ferrari 458 Italia
Price: $520,000 (estimated)
Engine: 4.5-litre V8
Power: 425kW at 9000rpm
Torque: 540Nm at 6000rpm
Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch auto
Fuel consumption and emissions: 13.7L/100km and 320g/km
Weight: 1380kg
0-100km/h: 3.4 seconds (claimed)

http://images.drive.com.au/drive_images/Editorial/2009/07/28/Ferrari_458_Italia_01_L_700.jpg
http://images.drive.com.au/drive_images/Editorial/2009/07/28/Ferrari_458_Italia_02_L_700.jpg
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http://images.drive.com.au/drive_images/Editorial/2009/08/28/Ferrari_458_Italia_12d_L_700.jpg

So.... What do you think?

Is this the best supercar out there today?

I reckon its pretty damn close... :drool:

[SHANESVZSS]

:bow::bow: what a work of art! id love to hear this thing at WOT @ 9000rpm , just gotta win the lotto and i can get one :)

[Nidz]

So hot... I'll take 2

[Rub]

some more photo's

http://images.theage.com.au/2009/11/30/933113/458_ITALIA_02-600x400.jpg
http://images.theage.com.au/2009/11/30/933119/458_ITALIA_03-600x400.jpg
http://images.theage.com.au/2009/11/30/933120/458_ITALIA_01-600x400.jpg
http://images.theage.com.au/2009/11/30/933117/458_ITALIA_04-600x400.jpg
http://images.theage.com.au/2009/11/30/933114/458_ITALIA_08-600x400.jpg
http://images.theage.com.au/2009/11/30/933116/458_ITALIA_06-600x400.jpg
http://images.theage.com.au/2009/11/30/933118/458_ITALIA_07-600x400.jpg
http://images.theage.com.au/2009/11/30/933115/458_ITALIA_05-600x400.jpg
http://images.theage.com.au/2009/11/30/933122/458_ITALIA_09-600x400.jpg
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http://images.theage.com.au/2009/11/30/933125/458_ITALIA_13-600x400.jpg
http://images.theage.com.au/2009/11/30/933127/458_ITALIA_15-600x400.jpg
http://images.theage.com.au/2009/11/30/933123/458_ITALIA_12-600x400.jpg
http://images.theage.com.au/2009/11/30/933124/458_ITALIA_11-600x400.jpg
http://images.theage.com.au/2009/11/30/933128/458_ITALIA_16-600x400.jpg
http://images.theage.com.au/2009/11/30/933129/458_ITALIA_18-600x400.jpg
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http://images.theage.com.au/2009/11/30/933131/458_ITALIA_19-600x400.jpg
http://images.theage.com.au/2009/11/30/933132/458_ITALIA_20-600x400.jpg

[andrewslr]

You gotta hand it to the Italians.....they know a thing or two about beautiful cars, beautiful food and beautiful women :bow::bow::bow:

[SHANESVZSS]

these would look even better (if possible) in black with red leather..

[C4B]

Great looking car but I'd still take an Aston any day of the week.

The brake lights look like they've stuffed a couple of oversized HB Pencils in there.....

[AFAR]

Ok i need every registered member to donate $13-$14 to me.
Make a dream come true? :D

Seriously though, this is one sleek looking car.

[Rub]

As Jeremy Clarkson pointed out a couple of years ago, when ever Ferrari have a rubbish F1 season, they release a spectacular car.

I think this is the case with the Ferrari 458.

[SilverB]

Most beautiful car ever... Clarkson is right again!! Heres to Ferrari have another crap season next year!!

[vlcalais2005]

very very beautiful i recon the yellow looks better then the red

[glavas]

bahh why bother? if you gunna get a ferrari why not get the v12 ones?

and to be hounest i dont like this so called "super cars" id take a gts/maloo anyday of the week im that loyal to the brand, im a diying breed.

[FAT06L]

and to be hounest i dont like this so called "super cars" id take a gts/maloo anyday of the week im that loyal to the brand, im a diying breed.


must be on some sensational drugs mate! hahahaha

when they realise the convertible 458, i might just make a deposit! :jester:

[JaMeS_2007]

thats one awsome car.

[nang3]

and to be hounest i dont like this so called "super cars" id take a gts/maloo anyday of the week im that loyal to the brand, im a diying breed.

ROFL yeh pass the crackpipe this way hahaha

[Vulture]

I loved in so much I posted something similar about it in July...:) http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=122952&highlight=ferrari+italia

[TommyVTss]

that car does not excite me one bit,

just looks like a ferrari

[iloveholden]

mmmmmmmmmm I want one of those :bow:

[Ghosn]

:drool::drool::drool::drool::drool::drool::drool:

YouTube- Ferrari 458 Italia driven by autocar.co.uk

[cnnonyx]

whoa.

What a vehicle.

Unbelievable!

[Jarhead]

What an awesome machine. Pity so few ever get to drive one.:bawl:

[RRossi]

You gotta hand it to the Italians.....they know a thing or two about beautiful cars, beautiful food and beautiful women :bow::bow::bow:

WERD!!!:goodjob: lol

[BECAUZ]

Im selling the house with the missus, trade one italian for another :D

[kRaZeD]

I don't think the brakes are big enough...

There is a gap between the rotors and the rims!

[PEAKIN]

:drool: That is one awesome car. I love the stream line styling of it. Rear end just looks great.

[Pickles]

Not good enough IMHO.
There are better current model Ferraris around....MUCH better.
That model is the 599 GTB......6 litre V12....600+hp.
This car has been voted by many as the BEST front engined RWD coupe ever made.....and if we won Tatts....we would buy one tomorrow.....still, we can dream!.....and, it would have to be red.
Cheers, Pickles.

[bouka]

Looks nicer in the pictures than on the road (in youtube vid).

Saw a black California in Sydney CBD on Friday. By far the best looking Ferrari in my opinion.

[Ghosn]

Not good enough IMHO.
There are better current model Ferraris around....MUCH better.

With a statement like that, one can only assume you have devoted many hours road testing and reviewing ferraris?

[aedeau]

Looks nicer in the pictures than on the road (in youtube vid).

Saw a black California in Sydney CBD on Friday. By far the best looking Ferrari in my opinion.

If you can get past the lexus-ish ls-f exhaust tips. Almost as bad as the E2 HSVs tips :spew:

[Pickles]

With a statement like that, one can only assume you have devoted many hours road testing and reviewing ferraris?
I wish.....I haven't even sat in one......unfortunately, I have to leave that to people like Clarkeson & his like, mainly in Europe, (can't recall a roadtest in Aus), who have all said this.
But I don't need them to tell me!.....600+ HP, V12 6 litre, RWD in a far more attractive Coupe body....just does it for me.....and don't forget.....I did say IMHO!
Cheers, Pickles.

[Carby650]

Very nice car.. Still prefer an Aston DB9.
Looks H.O.T. and that sound is pure sex on wheels

cheers
Carby650

[Mad4Monaros]

What a beautiful machine! Would give either nut for it right now! :smilesandbanana:

[Ghosn]

I wish.....I haven't even sat in one......unfortunately, I have to leave that to people like Clarkeson & his like, mainly in Europe, (can't recall a roadtest in Aus), who have all said this.
But I don't need them to tell me!.....600+ HP, V12 6 litre, RWD in a far more attractive Coupe body....just does it for me.....and don't forget.....I did say IMHO!
Cheers, Pickles.

Well It's pretty naive to sit there and claim the 599 GTB is a MUCH better car than the 458, especially considering the closest you have been to either car have just been pictures and vids on the internet.

Fair enough you prefer the look of the GTB, but that is only personal preference so I'm interested to know how you came to the conclusion that it's a MUCH better car? And if you want to weigh in on the engine aspect of things, make sure u understand the 458 has better performance figures =)

[bouka]

If you can get past the lexus-ish ls-f exhaust tips. Almost as bad as the E2 HSVs tips :spew:

I agree and it was one of the first things i look for when it drove off (was stationary at a set of red lights and i was standing right next to it).

They didn't look as bad as i thought they would (although could do without) and integrated better than is-f and E2 exhuast tips.

I am not the biggest ferrari fan but California is :bow:

[nikola]

I wish.....I haven't even sat in one......unfortunately, I have to leave that to people like Clarkeson & his like, mainly in Europe, (can't recall a roadtest in Aus), who have all said this.
But I don't need them to tell me!.....600+ HP, V12 6 litre, RWD in a far more attractive Coupe body....just does it for me.....and don't forget.....I did say IMHO!
Cheers, Pickles.

Clarkson hasn't reviewed the 458 yet.

[Captin Obvious]

bahh why bother? if you gunna get a ferrari why not get the v12 ones?

and to be hounest i dont like this so called "super cars" id take a gts/maloo anyday of the week im that loyal to the brand, im a diying breed.

Oh my:confused:

[Pickles]

Well It's pretty naive to sit there and claim the 599 GTB is a MUCH better car than the 458, especially considering the closest you have been to either car have just been pictures and vids on the internet.

Fair enough you prefer the look of the GTB, but that is only personal preference so I'm interested to know how you came to the conclusion that it's a MUCH better car? And if you want to weigh in on the engine aspect of things, make sure u understand the 458 has better performance figures =)
Performance is not everything, particularly when you get to this level....& yes, it will be interesting to see what Clarkeson has to say, and I did say as per my original post, IMHO.
But, in terms of your post, it would be very interesting to see what a comparison between these two great cars would reveal.
Cheers, Pickles.

[Ghosn]

Performance is not everything, particularly when you get to this level....& yes, it will be interesting to see what Clarkeson has to say, and I did say as per my original post, IMHO.
But, in terms of your post, it would be very interesting to see what a comparison between these two great cars would reveal.
Cheers, Pickles.

I never said performance was everything but in terms of your post I thought it was odd u can claim the 599 is a MUCH better car than the 458 and the only basis for your claim was "You prefer the way it looks".

[awesome _vzss]

:drool::drool:very nice car but i would say the ferrari fxx is just unbeatable

[Uncle Tone]

I never said performance was everything but in terms of your post I thought it was odd u can claim the 599 is a MUCH better car than the 458 and the only basis for your claim was "You prefer the way it looks".

You're an argumentative precious little petal, aren't you? :slap:

Anyway.... :lol:

Love this car. Best Ferrari so far, with its amazing KW per litre figure. What an engine!! Makes the old LS1/2/3/7/9 look like a bit of a joke, dunnit?

[PSI_747]

It sure is sweet in everyway, hence the 2 year waiting list for it,but i'd rather the new 911 turbo which goes on sale on Feb.
0-100kph- 3.26 sec
1/4 mile - 11.19
$363,000

368kw @ 6000rpm
700nm @ 2100-4000rpm
11.4L/100km.
1595kg.

GT2 will be quicker again.

Everyone to there own as they say.

[Martin_D]

It sure is sweet in everyway, hence the 2 year waiting list for it,but i'd rather the new 911 turbo which goes on sale on Feb.
0-100kph- 3.26 sec
1/4 mile - 11.19
$363,000

368kw @ 6000rpm
700nm @ 2100-4000rpm
11.4L/100km.
1595kg.

GT2 will be quicker again.
Everyone to there own as they say.

And its still slower than $150,000 worth of GTR around Nordschleife
The old volkswagen platform is getting harder and harder to polish up to compete with the modern generation :)

[Rub]

And its still slower than $150,000 worth of GTR around Nordschleife
The old volkswagen platform is getting harder and harder to polish up to compete with the modern generation :)

And not everyone cares about the price or the power, its more about the "status" they get socially for owning such a car..

It makes them come across as being better than others, if you know what I mean.

[Martin_D]

A mate of mine made good sense of it the other day,
he bought an E63, a GTR, and an EVO for rainy weekends all for the price of a single Fazza....and still has some awesome cars :)

[the big fist]

But if you can afford a "fazza" and you like it then why not.
You could argue that for the price of a gtr you could by "x,y,z"

[Ghosn]

A mate of mine made good sense of it the other day,
he bought an E63, a GTR, and an EVO for rainy weekends all for the price of a single Fazza....and still has some awesome cars :)

I'd still choose the Fazza over those 3 cars and I'm sure the majority of people would too and for good reason.

[Martin_D]

The majority of folks I know that have an Italian supercar, always have a fast 'banger' like a GTR or similar in the shed as well. Its just the way it goes (or maybe I know some strange folk!) :eek:

[PSI_747]

And its still slower than $150,000 worth of GTR around Nordschleife
The old volkswagen platform is getting harder and harder to polish up to compete with the modern generation :)

Maybe so, but at the end of the day EVERYBODY knows what a Ferrari,Porsche, Lambo are, and what they represent. I love the R35 GTR as well, but unless you know what it is, people just see it as a suped up Nissan,hate to say. Great car no doubt, but will never be looked at in the same way as the above exotics, no matter how good it is....just like the new Toyota LFA ($650k)!!!

Anyway, i think the 458 Italia is the best Fezza to date, amazing car all round....$150K GTR wouldn't get a look in next to this thing, even if it is faster.

[Veeate]

I'd still choose the Fazza over those 3 cars and I'm sure the majority of people would too and for good reason.

Ferrari owners i suspect couldn't give a fark that a R35 might lap quicker. I mean seriously who cares.

I reckon Ferrari won't lose one single sale of a 458 to a R35. Though they may lose some to a 911 turbo/GT2 or Gallardo etc. Tough call that one.

[Martin_D]

Exactly. They normally have one to look good in, and one to drive fast in....you really want to put $550,000 worth of 458 on the track with a bunch of old Skylines, Rexes, and Commodores on a social day? Hence the second car, and my point :)

To quote someone I know with $400K+ worth of Italian car and a GTR "I dont care if I put the R35 into the wall at the track, its only a Jap car". True :lol:

So to suggest the 458 owner will have it as their only car or that its even a thought or choice process that would even cross a potential owners mind is not really on the money. Normally these guys have one of everything or at least several of something :cool:

[Martin_D]

However the 911 PDK....looks quick on paper, but still struggles in the real world :)
Reference Autocar UK
4OTUHgTAMMU

[Jarhead]

However the 911 PDK....looks quick on paper, but still struggles in the real world :)
Reference Autocar UK
4OTUHgTAMMU

The fact that they compare the GTR in the same league of cars as the Porche and R8 is testament to the engineering at Nissan. The fact that it wins is even scarier. If they brought out a "premium" model for $50k extra they would surely be able to develop a supercar in it's own right.

This has always puzzeled me. The R35 is a performance bargain - hands down no question. If they can pack that much punch for $150k then why not develop something that will blow the competition away?

P.S. The incabin footage in that Porche looked very scary!