Ferrari 458 Italia: First Look

Jay Williams - 23/September/2009

Frankfurt, Germany - At the recent 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show is Germany Ferrari was showcasing its replacement for the F430. Introducing the Ferrari 458 Italia.

The front of the 458 features a single opening for the front grille and side air intakes, with aerodynamic sections and profiles designed to direct air to the coolant radiators and the new flat underbody. The nose also sports small aeroelastic winglets which generate downforce and, as speed rises, deform to reduce the section of the radiator inlets and cut drag.

The mid-rear mounted engine is a new direct-injected 4.5-litre V8, that produces 419kW (562hp) and 539Nm of torque at 6000 rpm and a redline of 9,000 rpm. Accelerating from 0-100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds before hitting a top speed of 325km/h.

Around eighty percent of the 458 Italia's torque is available at a low 3,250 rpm, thanks to the engine's 12.5:1 compression ratio.

The same seven-speed dual clutch gearbox used in the Ferrari California is present, which directs power to the rear axle, which increases performance whilst providing very smooth shifts even at full throttle.

Like its predecessor, the Ferrari 458 Italia's aluminum structure helps to keep weight down,  tipping the scales at just 1380 kg (dry weight).

As a result of Ferrari's compact, aerodynamic and simplistic design, the Ferrari 458 Italia's fuel consumption and CO2 emissions is improved to 13.7 l/100 km (combined cycle) and 320 g/km of CO2.

In the handling department, the Ferrari 458 Italia's suspension features twin wishbones at the front and a multi-link set-up at the rear tuned for maximum grip and responsive handling.

The Ferrari 458 Italia also features a retuned ECU, ABS brakes with a prefill function to help minimise delay in the brakes being applied, a multifunction sport steering wheel and an integrated E-Diff and F1-Trac that results in a 32 per cent increase in acceleration out of corners compared to previous models.

Ferrari 458 Italia – Technical specifications:

Dimensions
Length 4527 mm (178.2 in.)
Width 1937 mm (76.3 in.)
Height 1213 mm (47.8 in.)
Wheelbase 2650 mm (104.3 in.)
Dry weight 1380 kg (3042 lbs)*
Weight/power ratio 2,42 kg/CV (7.16 lbs/kW)
Weight distribution fr/r 42%/58%

Engine
Type V8 – 90°
Displacement 4499 cc (274.5 cu in.)
Maximum power 570 CV (425 kW)** @ 9000 rpm
Maximum torque 540 Nm (398 lbs/ft) @ 6000 rpm
Specific power output 127 CV/l
Compression ratio 12.5:1

Tyres
Front 235/35 ZR20 8.5"
Rear 295/35 ZR20 10.5"

Performance
Maximum speed >325 km/h (>202 mph)
0-100 km/h
Fuel consumption + emissions
Fuel consumption*** 13.7 l/100 km
Emissions*** 320 g CO2/km

Gearbox
Dual-clutch, 7-speed F1
Electronics
E-Diff3, F1-Trac, high-performance ABS

* With forged wheels and Racing seats
** Including 5 CV of ram effect
*** Combined cycle (ECE+EUDC) 

Related Links:
- Edo Competition: Ferrari California Spider (2009)
- Ferrari Zobin Concept (2008)
- Ferrari Scuderia Spider 16M (2009)
- Ferrari California (2008)
- Ferrari F430 Scuderia (2008)
- Ferrari FXX Evolution (2008)
- Ferrari F430 Spider (Road Test)
- Ferrari F430 Bi-Compressor Evoluzione (2007)
- Ferrari Buyers Wait 3 Years For New Cars (2007)
- Ferrari F430 Scuderia Novitec (2008)
- Ferrari 599 GTB: Novitec Rosso Bi-Kompressor (2009)
- Ferrari 612 Scaglietti 60th Anniversary (2007)
- Ferrari P4/5 Pininfarina (2006)
- Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano (2007)
- Ferrari GG50 (2006)
- Ferrari FXX (2005)