With a V8 engine anthology, a high-speed dual-clutch gearbox and a body that looks more like a fighter than a sports car, the Ferrari F458 Italia is the quintessential know-how of the famous prancing horse and full of technical innovations.

If the Ferrari F458 Italia can be called real race car with license plates, it is partly because of the affiliation with the Enzo supercar, 400 copies produced by Ferrari between 2002 and 2004 who was also extensively studied on terms of aerodynamics. But this term has also given him because of the style of the interior, totally inspired by a race car. Just take the wheel by hand to see that almost all the commands have been included, like a wheel of F1.

An exceptional V8  Ferrari F458 Italia

From the start, the sound of the V8 more qu’évocatrice announces the color of a driving experience out of the ordinary and the initial acceleration is intense, especially when the engine surpasses 3200 rpm while the couple begins to be seriously felt. As we approach the limit of revolutions of 9000 rpm, the V8 howl with rage that picks you up in the guts, and with its 562 horsepower 4.5-liter engine delivers the nearly 125 horses per liter displacement, which is just phenomenal.

The suspension is provided by suspension whose dampers are electronically controlled to ensure better handling in all circumstances and to minimize the effect of brake dive.

A new rival turns up

Comparisons between the Ferrari F458 Italia and the McLaren MP4-12C is now inevitable because these two cars are very similar design both being housed V8 sports center position. Their power is comparable with 562 horses and 592 for Ferrari F458 Italia and English for both brands are competing at all times in the World Championship Formula One, where they are also the only two teams that have incurred every season since the arrival of McLaren F1.

Both cars allow the driver to choose the level of involvement of these systems, but only allows a complete deactivation Ferrari through the man netino located on the steering wheel, while the MP4-12C remains in office, even when mode “track” is selected. It is easier to cause the throttle slides with Ferrari, who does not mind at all to the idea of ​​being treated this way, while the MP4-12C does not allow much room and that it remains more sensitive when pushed to the limit. In short, the Ferrari F458 Italia can be more “playful” than English, it rewards a more precise approach, even surgery, the driving style.

Unveiled in a world premiere at Auto Show in Frankfurt, the new Spyder version of the Ferrari F458 Italia offer substantially the same driving experience, but open with a soft cloth roof, which was preferred to hardtop developed for California, for reasons of tradition, and especially not to penalize the new model too overweight. It will certainly be heavier than the conventional model due to the addition of structural elements to maintain the rigidity of the car, but the brand’s engineers claim that the weight will remain below 1500 pounds. In addition, the Spyder version will be equipped with all mechanical components and techniques found on the Ferrari F458 Italia, and bet that the engine sound is even more exhilarating driving the convertible.

Ferrari F458 Italia News

• Ferrari SP12 EC, 2012