Ferrari reveals the 458 Italia, which replaces the F430

Posted by Harvinder

July 28, 2009

Maranello-based sports car maker Ferrari, has officially unveiled the Ferrari 458 Italia, which goes on to replace the Ferrari F430. The new mid-rear engined berlinetta (coupe), accoridng to Ferrari, is completely new from every aspect. The 2-seater coupe, which had its design influenced by Pininfarina, is powered by a new 4499 cc V8 with direct injection.

The 458 Italia becomes the first mid-rear engined Ferrari to have this fuel injection system. The V8 has a compression ratio of 12.5:1 and is equipped with the traditional flat-plane crankshaft. It can crank out 562HP (570CV or PS) at 9,000 revs (imagine that glorious sound of the V8!) and 540Nm of torque at 6,000 revs (with over 80% available from 3250 rpm).

No exact figures were revealed, but according to Ferrari, it can sprint to 100km/h in under 3.4 seconds, and will continue to a hit top speed in excess of 325 km/h. The powerplant is mated to a 7 speed dual-clutch transmission. The 458 Italia consumes 13.7 liters to deliver 100 kilometers (combined, lower than the F430), and emits 320 grams of emissions per kilometer.

The Italia, which has a dry weight of 1380 kilograms, has a weight distribution of 42:58 (front-rear) and features an aluminium chassis. Up front, the new Ferrari features twin wishbones while the rear is finished to a multi-link set-up. The 458 Italia is said to feature a more direct steering ratio, allowing it to offer rapid turn-in and body control whilst maintaining ride comfort.

There is also a new kind of steering wheel and dashboard that is the direct result of racing practice. The 458 Italia is also able to generate high downforce. 140 kilograms can be generated at 200km/h. There is also the E-Diff (differential) and F1-Trac (traction control) that are both managed by the same ECU. By improving integration, the longitudinal acceleration out of corners is improved by 32%. The control logic has also been improved, with even faster and more accurate calculation of levels of grip, that helps ensure improved handling and ease of control on the limit.

Ferrari has also revealed that the high-performance ABS has cut the 100-0 km/h braking distance to 32.5 meters. The Ferrari 458 Italia was developed with the input of Micheal Schumacher and according to Ferrari, “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.”

Looking at the images, you can notice LED daytime running lights up front, along with three-piece exhaust pipes at the beck. In my honest opinion, the 458 Italia looks a little too modern if you look at it at certain angles, but I guess we can’t run away from modernization. Overall, it looks good with an aggressive front fascia, thanks to the intakes placed at the sides of the headlights. The Italian auto maker will soon reveal more information and images of the 458 Italia. The new coupe will also be previewed at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show, happening in September. The 458 is expected to go on sale in the UK by next spring and should set you back about £150,000. Continue reading to view more high-res images. There is also teaser video of the 458 Italia.