| Year
(of specifications) |
2009
- 2014 |
| Engine |
4.5
litre V8 |
| Transmission |
7-speed
dual clutch RWD |
| Max
speed |
202
mph |
| 0-60
mph |
under
3.4 seconds |
| Horsepower |
570
bhp @ 9,000 rpm |
| weight |
1380
kg / 3042 lbs |
The 458 Italia is a mid-engined, V8-powered sports car which
was the replacement for the Ferrari
F430.
The Ferrari 458 Italia is distinctly different in style to other
contemporary Ferrari's, there is a new more taught body language
and intricate details are peppered throughout. Take for example
the radical headlights which sweep backward up the wheel arches
and feature small air vents built into their inner edge. It
could take some convincing to get traditional Ferraristi to
accept this newfound modern style. The front grille, which on
the F430 was clearly divided into two separate sections, has
been replaced with a grille which is similar in function (with
two openings) but different in form, and on the 458 Italia it
appears at a glance to be a single large grille.
In profile, the crisp lines which emanate from the front wheel
arch and run backward add some interest to the door panels while
also giving the impression the 458 Italia has a thin, svelte
waist. The rear view utilizes the trademark round taillights
which sit proudly at the very extremes of the vehicles bodywork.
The triple center-exit exhaust sits nestled between air diffusers
either side, giving the car a distinctly modern, yet purposeful
appearance.
Mounted in a mid-rear location is the new 4.5 litre V8 with
direct injection. The engine has a very low piston compression
height typical of racing engines which contributed to achieving
its compression ratio of 12.5:1. Equipped with the traditional
flat-plane crankshaft, the engine delivers 570 hp at 9,000 rpm
and, with an outstanding power output of 127 hp-per-litre, sets
a new benchmark not only for Ferrari, but also for the entire
market segment. Maximum torque is 540 Nm (398 lb/ft) at 6000
rpm, over 80 per cent of which is available from 3250 rpm.
The Ferrari 458 Italia is equipped with the seven-speed dual-clutch
transmission which increases performance whilst providing very
smooth shifts even at full throttle. The engineers have developed
specific, sportier gear ratios to match the power and torque
curves of the new V8, guaranteeing high torque even at lower
engine speeds.
With regard to vehicle dynamics, the Ferrari 458 Italia's suspension
features twin wishbones at the front and a multi-link setup
at the rear tuned for maximum roadholding and handling. The
light overall weight of just 1380 kgs (3042 lbs) coupled with
the front/rear weight distribution of 42/58 percent further
adds to the performance potential.
The integration of the E-Diff and F1-Trac (now controlled by
the same ECU) and their respective mappings is even greater,
resulting in a 32 per cent increase in longitudinal acceleration
out of corners compared to previous models. The evolution of
the control logic, with even faster and more accurate calculation
of levels of grip, ensures even greater roadholding, better
handling and ease of control on the limit.
The interior of the Ferrari 458 Italia features a new type of
steering wheel and dashboard that is the direct result of racing
practice. Once again input from Michael Schumacher - who was
involved from the very start of the 458 Italia project - played
an invaluable part.
In 2015 the Ferrari 458 Italia was replaced by the Ferrari
488 GTB.
Similar and related vehicles:
Ferrari F430
Ferrari 488 GTB
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