Ferrari 458 Italia, as appeared in Frankfurt Motor Show 2009, is an heir of F430. Designed by Pininfarina, the futuristic silhouette of 458 Italia differentiates itself from the F430 stereotype, proving itself to be an innovator.

Italian Motors recently organized a presentation at Ap Lei Chau 3S Center (Hong Kong). Of course, THINK-SILLY.COM editorial attended the event to give an up-close and personal account on this super sports car. The core of 458 Italia is derived from Ferrari F1 technology, with ex-F1-champion Michael Schumacher on board for its development, providing first hand advice on perfecting the design.

Apart from its appearance, 458 is also completed with the latest V8 engine, with maximum horsepower at 570hp/9,000rpm and maximum torsional force at 540 Nm/6,000rpm, a significant improvement from the last model F430’s 490hp maximum power. With the help of 7speed dual-clutch manual gearbox, the Co2 exhalation rate is now kept to the standard of 320g/km; its fuel consumption is now at 13.7 L per 100 km (7.3km/L). The gear shifting system and gear ratios are fine-tuned also.

The evolution of super sports car is often evidential in minute details. Apart from engine development and overall weight, achieving improved performance with air ventilation is an insight Ferrari gained through its F1 experience. Intake and exhaust openings, spoiler and such details are crucial elements in this new model. An especially rare detail is the aeroelastic winglets, located at the front grill, which changes shape according to the airspeed and its strength. It helps to reduce wind resistance and generate downforce, to enhance car performance in high speed.

Ferrari established Ferrari Challenge, an event tailormade for owners, in 1993. It uses a single model from the manufacturer’s road car range, suitably modified to make them safe for competition use. Only F430 Challenge is accepted since 2007. Ferrari announced news about 458 Challenge in July, as it has made a record time of 16.5 seconds in the Ferrari-only Fiorano race lane, surpassing F430 Challenge by two seconds. Also, the model is only two seconds slower than the Enzo-evolved-FXX, demonstrating itself as a new force.

Text: BEBOP | Translation: dilettante
Photo: Kimio Ng
Update: 22 Oct 2010

SPECIFICATIONS:
Engine: 4,499cc V8
Gearbox: Dual-clutch, 7-speed F1
Maximum Speed: 325 km/h
Acceleration: <3.4 Second (0-100km/h)
Maximum Power: 570 Hp @ 9,000 rpm
Maximum Torque: 540 Nm @ 6,000 rpm
Base Price: HKD$3,563,000

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