Ferrari has unexpectedly released the first official photos and details for its latest model, the all-new Ferrari 458 Italia, which is set to replace the current F430 as the brand’s iconic mid-engined V8 sportscar.
This new model represents a dramatic leap forward in Ferrari design and innovation, marking a genuine departure from the current range – including the recently released California.
The Ferrari 458 Italia has been named not only by the traditional figure representing the displacement and number of cylinders but also for its homeland – combining a synthesis of style, creative flair, passion and cutting-edge technology, characteristics for which Italy as a nation is well-known.
Far more than a facelift or overhaul, the Ferrari 458 Italia is a completely new car from the ground up, boasting an all-new engine, design, aerodynamics, handling, instrumentation and ergonomics.
Its Pininfarina design is like no other Ferrari seen before, with a compact, aerodynamic shape, underscoring the concepts of simplicity, efficiency and lightness that inspired the project.
The radical bodywork is also functional, providing downforce of 140 kg at 200 km/h and includes small aeroelastic winglets which generate downforce and, as speed rises, deform to reduce the section of the radiator inlets and cut drag.
The new V8 engine boasts displacement of 4499 cc and is the first direct injection engine to be mid-rear mounted in a Ferrari.
The engine delivers peak power of 425 kW at 9000rpm, setting a new power per litre benchmark for not only Ferrari but also the entire market segment, along with maximum torque of 540 N.m at 6000 rpm.
This is mated to the new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission which sports new gear ratios to complement the power and torque curves of the new V8.
Perhaps the most amazing figure however is the consumption, with Ferrari paying specific attention to cutting emissions with the Ferrari 458 Italia producing just 320 g/km of CO2 and fuel consumption is 13,7 l/100km – the best in the entire segment.
The engineers also focused on weight reduction as means of improving both economy and performance, with the Ferrari 458 Italia boasting a dry weight of just 1380 kg – with 58 per cent of it residing over the rear axle.
This has resulted in exceptional performance with zero to 100km/h acceleration reduced to less than 3.4 seconds and a maximum speed in excess of 325 km/h.
The suspension features twin wishbones at the front and a multi-link set-up at the rear tuned for maximum roadholding and superlative handling.
The integration of the E-Diff and F1-Trac has been optimised to the point where longitudinal acceleration out of corners has been improved by 32 per cent compared to the previous model.
The braking system features a prefill function whereby the pistons in the callipers move the pads into contact with the discs on lift off to minimise delay in the brakes being applied – this combined with the ABS has cut the 100-0 km/h braking distance to a just 32.5 metres.
While the interior is being kept under wraps for now, Ferrari has promised an all new layout and revolutionary ergonomic interface where the main controls are all clustered on the steering wheel.
