Officially Official: Ferrari 458 Italia

[EJ25RUN]

Maranello TV: Ferrari 458 Italia dash rendering

Maranello TV: Ferrari 458 Italia exhaust noise.


Autoblog...

After months of speculation and spy shots, the crew from Maranello have finally revealed their new mid-engined V8-powered creation to replace the F430. The all-new 458 Italia won't be shown in public until September's Frankfurt Motor Show, but the details were released early this morning. A new direct-injected 4.5-liter V8 ups the power ante to 570 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque. Eighty percent of that torque is now available at an impressively low 3,250 rpm, thanks probably in part to the 12.5:1 compression ratio.

Like last year's California, the 458 gets a seven-speed dual clutch gearbox to send power to the rear axle. A lot of work has been done on reducing the internal friction of the powerplant, in addition to work on reduced aerodynamic drag. The results help improve the 458's mileage to a combined 17.1 mpg (US) on the EU test cycle. No mention is made so far of incorporating any type of KERS hybrid system, something that has been entertained in a lot of rumors... perhaps it will come at a later date.

Like its predecessor, the structure is fabricated out of aluminum giving the 458 a dry weight of just 3,042 pounds. As this is a Ferrari, talk of fuel consumption really does seem a bit pointless. The real question, is how quick is it? Based on specs at least, this new coupe does not disappoint. Acceleration to 100 km/h (62 mph) takes just 3.4 seconds, and this will be the first volume production Ferrari V8 to top the 200 mph barrier, with a top whack of 202 mph.

Tech spec of the new Ferrari 458 Italia

• Engine V8 90deg
• Displacement 4499cc
• Compression ratio 12.5:1
• Power 562bhp @ 9000rpm
• Torque 398lb ft @ 6000rpm
• Specific power 125bhp per litre

• Top speed 'In excess of 202mph'
• 0-62mph 'Under 3.4 seconds'
• Combined economy 20.6mpg
• CO2 emissions 320g/km

• Suspension Twin front wishbones, multi-link rear axle
• Front tyres 235/35 ZR20
• Rear tyres 295/35 ZR20

• Dry weight 1380kg (3,042 lbs)
• Construction Aluminium
• Weight distribution 42% – 58% front–rear
• Length/width/height 4527mm/1937mm/1213mm
• Wheelbase 2650mm

[mocha latte cupcake]

i'm such a sucker for a red ferrari. the 360 modena and 430 have always been a personal favorite...but man oh man i love this

just wish i came with a wider spoke on the wheel... but thats not even really complaining

[SampaGuy]

I really like this one.

[EJ25RUN]

Side profile is my favorite. Has an Enzo + California look.

The triple exhaust is something i haven't seen, (or can't remember), since the F40.

[BobbyFresco]

Truly beautiful.

[OTG Signs]

I just now got to liking the F430, but my goodness I want this immediately. Yellow please.

[Mike Lowrey]

DO WANT!


I would sell JM and his Loli into slavery for one of these.....

[collins]

something about the front reminds me of a gran turismo. car looks very pretty tho! and i'm liking the PUNCH she's gettin!

[Mr Egg Rollllll]

Wow, this is such a beautiful car...What I would give to have that in my garage tomorrow...

[WTF?]

very beautiful

[speedminded]

"a dry weight of just 3,042 pounds" ...is that correct?

[EJ25RUN]

"a dry weight of just 3,042 pounds" ...is that correct?

That is what the media is saying.

The car also matches the production car power per liter record of the highest spec S2000 AP1. It was 125 hp per liter from 2 liters of displacement. To add, this spec was only available in Japan. More remarkable when considering the engine is a 4499cc.



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Carmagazine.co.uk writes...

Ferrari 458 Italia – news and photos of Maranello's new V8

By Tim Pollard

First official pictures

28 July 2009 09:27

The new Ferrari 458 Italia berlinetta is unveiled today. The successor to the F430, the 458 Italia is the new entry-level V8 in Ferrari’s range – but it’s hardly the weakling of the pack.

The 458 Italia's mid-mounted 4499cc V8 has a flat-plane crank and direct injection to muster 562bhp at a stratospheric 9000rpm. Torque stands at 398lb ft at a high 6000rpm (although 80% of that is on tap from 3250rpm), confirming the high-revving, ballistic power bias of the new Ferrari V8. It's the highest specific output engine in Ferrari's roadgoing history, at 125bhp per litre.

But it won’t be an all-or-nothing sports car; the Italia has a quarter more torque than the 430 Scuderia. Ferrari has paid plenty of attention on reducing internal friction in the enlarged V8 and, combined with an aluminium kerbweight of 1380kg, it helps liberate more performance and economy.

Click here for a potted history of the Ferrari V8 and junior supercars.
Ferrari 458 Italia: launch at Frankfurt 2009

We’ll see the new Ferrari coupé at the Frankfurt motor show in autumn 2009 when the full technical story will be announced. And there will be plenty of technical information on the 458 Italia – which is as big a techfest as you’d expect of a new Ferrari.

The transmission is a dual-clutch affair like on the California. Drive is sent through seven forward ratios and back to the rear wheels. Pilots can, naturally, tweak the gearbox and stability systems through a mannetino. Although no interior photographs have been issued yet, Ferrari says the driving position is inspired by its F1 grand prix racers – and one Michael Schumacher helped develop the cockpit ergonomics.
Aero special: the new Ferrari V8

Remember the Mille Chili? That Ferrari concept car was a line in the sand for Maranello – a signal that its future sports cars would do their bit to be green. Relatively speaking, of course.

So while the new 458 Italia has no hybrids or batteries in sight, it does have some very clever engineering solutions. The underside is completely flat and there are small 'aeroelastic winglets' on the nose to generate downforce; as speed rises, they deform to reduce the section of the radiator inlets and cut drag.

Yet there are remarkably few spoilers or accoutrements to ruin the Italia’s lines. Ferrari says that at 200kph (124mph) the 458 generates 140kg of downforce.

Direct injection and tall gearing in the twin-clutch 'box means the 458 uses less fuel than a 430 Scuderia – averaging 21mpg with CO2 emissions of 320g/km. Not bad for a car capable of 202mph+ and 0-62mph in less than 3.4 seconds.

It’ll brake nearly as violently, hauling down from 62mph in just 32.5 metres. The E-Diff and F1-Trac are now controlled by the same ECU and Ferrari claims the 458 produces a third more longitudinal acceleration than the outgoing 430.
Who designed the Ferrari 458 Italia?

Pinfinfarina did the design, which we find remiscent of the Mille Chili and there are echoes of design studies by the Royal College of Art a couple of years back. The interior design is by Ferrari’s design chief Donato Coco; it's said to include 'a new layout and a revolutionary ergonomic interface where the main controls are all clustered on the steering wheel'.

And check out those triple exhaust pipes at the rear. We can't wait to hear the V8 wail that erupts from them – first drives are pencilled in for winter 2009-10.

[WhiteAccord]

Shit is sick. Can't wait to drive one.

[Evolunchbox]

Sex on wheels! I like this better than the 430 already!

[speedminded]

It's basically a Formula/Indy car setup...high hp, higher rpm, low torque.

I reallyyyy want to see the F40 redesigned and brought back

[EJ25RUN]

It's basically a Formula/Indy car setup...high hp, higher rpm, low torque.

I reallyyyy want to see the F40 redesigned and brought back

Isn't that all Ferrari NA engines?

The Enzo successor is about 3-4 years away.

[speedminded]

Isn't that all Ferrari NA engines?

The Enzo successor is about 3-4 years away.

Yeah pretty much lol!

Isn't Ferrari's supercar timeline every 7ish years?

[EJ25RUN]

Yeah pretty much lol!

Isn't Ferrari's supercar timeline every 7ish years?

1984 - 288 GTO
1987 - F40
1995 - F50
2002 - Enzo
+7 = 2009 so no I wish but i doubt an Enzo replacement is a good idea in this economy. I think around 2012 is more likely.

[speedminded]

1984 - 288 GTO
1987 - F40
1995 - F50
2002 - Enzo
+7 = 2009 so no I wish but i doubt an Enzo replacement is a good idea in this economy. I think around 2012 is more likely.

Reading up on the Enzo I found they made some prototypes using the 348 chassis...ever seen or heard that?

*edit*
oh i found pics!
http://www.supercars.net/cars/3171.html

[tron]

damn!!!!.....this is THE best looking newer Ferrari

[Oz10]

damn!!!!.....this is THE best looking newer Ferrari

x2

[03RCode]

So fuggin sexy.

[EJ25RUN]

I added an interior pic and two videos.

[mirz833]

nice

[BKgen®]

Saw this baby on Jalopnik. Very nice

[SRlude95]

Ferrari at its best once again, the headlights and the way the lines come together on that thing are sick!

[jumpin800agl]

will let ya know if I see one driving around here lol.

[EJ25RUN]

will let ya know if I see one driving around here lol.

With a mandatory 150km road test for every Ferrari, that is actually a likely occurrence.

When i was there, I saw a F430 Spider, 612, and 599 get the initial factory parking lot check.

[jumpin800agl]

With a mandatory 150km road test for every Ferrari, that is actually a likely occurrence.

When i was there, I saw a F430 Spider, 612, and 599 get the initial factory parking lot check.

yeah in my area right now though I have not seen as many as I thought I would. I did see a F430, 911TT, and a Gallardo on the Autostrada the other day doing well above the speed limits. Sounds so good. . .

[Alan®]

I really wanna like it but so far im up in the air.

[Brian*]

NICE!

[NewGen33]

You beat me to it Didn't see it in car pics.

[Fr33way]

Do not like the trend in Ferrari taillights...rest of the car is rapture.

[EJ25RUN]

Do not like the trend in Ferrari taillights...rest of the car is rapture.

Think of it this way...if they kept the F430s double lights, the rear on the 458 would almost exactly like that of the Enzo.

This car looks better than an Enzo.

[ShooterMcGavin]

teh sex!

[1SICKLEX]

Jizz

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lG_9Y-qFi0

[xxbckiexx]

meh, hope it'd be out sooner, been looking at ferraro's for a minute so i could bring it to the next "illest car meet of atl".

[speedminded]

meh, hope it'd be out sooner, been looking at ferraro's for a minute so i could bring it to the next "illest car meet of atl".

Gonna trade that 350z in on a 458 Italia?

[VooDooXII]

Looks like a baby Enzo, and I love the three exhaust outlets. Interior is pretty radical too and I've never liked recent Ferrari interiors.

This is supposed to be the 430's replacement right? Looks like Ferrari overdid it because this seems leaps and bounds above the F430.

[chaseamundo]

very sexy, Ferrari has it in the bag!