While every Ferrari is innovative by definition, it's equally true that in the course of the Prancing Horse's history, certain cars have marked a genuine departure from the current range. This is very much the case with the Ferrari 458 Italia, which is a massive leap forward from the company's previous mid/rear-engined sports cars.The new model is a synthesis of style, creative flair, passion and cutting-edge technology, characteristics for which Italy is well known. For this reason, Ferrari chose to add the name of its homeland to the traditional figure representing the displacement and number of cylinders.The Ferrari 458 Italia is a completely new car from every point of view: engine, design, aerodynamics, handling, instrumentation and ergonomics, to name a few.
A two-seater berlinetta, the Ferrari 458 Italia benefits hugely from the company's Formula 1 experience. This is particularly evident in the speed and precision with which the car responds to driver inputs and in the attention focused on reducing internal friction in the engine for lower fuel consumption than the F430, despite the fact that both overall displacement and power have increased. However, Ferrari's track experience makes its presence felt in the 458 Italia not only in terms of pure technological transfer but also on a more emotional level, because of the strong emphasis on creating an almost symbiotic relationship between driver and car. The 458 Italia features an innovative driving environment with a new kind 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.
The Pininfarina design provides further evidence of the complete departure from the past. The 458 Italia has a compact, aerodynamic shape, underscoring the concepts of simplicity, efficiency and lightness that inspired the project. As with every Ferrari, the car's styling has been very heavily influenced by aerodynamic efficiency, as can be seen from the downforce of 300 lb at 125mph generated by the new model.
The front 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 aero-elastic winglets which generate downforce and, as speed rises, deform to reduce the section of the radiator inlets and cut drag.
The new 4499cc V8 is the first Ferrari direct injection engine to be mid/rear mounted. It 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 570hp at 9000rpm, setting a new benchmark not only for the whole Ferrari range and the history of company, but also for the entire market segment. Maximum torque is 398 lb-ft at 6000rpm, over 80% of which is available from 3250rpm. What is extraordinary is the amount of torque available while still maintaining high levels of power at low revs.