We’ve already shown you around the outside of Ferrari’s new 458 but here’s a closer look at the inside. Plus, we’ve found the first pictures of the fastest Ferrari ever on the move.
Debuting at Frankfurt in 3 weeks the pictures provides the most detailed look yet at the 458′s instrument layout. According to Ferrari the new layout represents a significant step forward in the concept of the ergonomic interface between driver and car.
Changes mean the 458 has eliminated all steering-column mounted controls, with the indicators, full beam, flash and windscreen wiper functions now being activated by buttons on the steering wheel. Behind the steering wheel lie a number of secondary functions, such as the stereo, while the gearbox paddles are now longer, making shifts even easier from any steering angle.
The right-hand section of the dashboard incorporates controls for the infotainment unit and sat-nav. While on the left-hand side you’ll find buttons for choosing the video setting of the TFT screen and the on-board computer interface.
Driver control of the Vehicle Dynamic Assistance (VDA) means you can control the operating parameters of the most important areas of the car – engine/gearbox, tyres and brakes. The driver is able to choose from three different VDA settings – Race, CT Off and CST Off – allowing the driver to correctly identify the best operating conditions for the car. There are also three status settings on display: WARM-UP (operating temperature too low), GO (ideal operating conditions) and OVER (one or more components are no longer at their optimum level and need cooling).
Of course, Ferrari already assured us the design and feel of the interior have been enhanced with the help of Michael Schumacher and the above described dashboard layout is “the direct result of racing practice.”
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