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.”

Adapted from 0-60Mag

Over the Grand Prix weekend you could be forgiven for thinking Ferrari would be solely focused on the track-side action. But while the Maranello crew launched its 2009 assault in the Formula One season, it also used the weekend to launch a new website.

The new Ferrari.com site is a richly interactive multimedia experience, bursting with content for owners and Prancing Horse fans alike. There’s even a Maranello Experience section, offering a virtual guided tour of facilities at the complex.

The site also allows visitors to build their own car from the current range before taking it for a virtual spin around the Mugello circuit and pitting their results against those of Michael Schumacher. Mr Schumacher can also offer advice on the best way to improve lap times around the circuit.

During F1 events, the site offers a virtual pit-lane experience. Results from previous years can be compared and telemetry from the cars can be viewed. Ferrari test driver Marc Genè will also be on hand to meter out advice.

Possibly the most appealing feature of the new website is the personal blogs of Ferrari’s F1 drivers, giving fans an insight into just what occupies the minds of the drivers outside of the race-day events.

To keep Fezza fans immersed in Ferrari culture, there are over 2100 images, 600 video clips and 500 articles with constant updates.

The site may be a touch slow on some connections, but is well worth the experience, regardless of whether you’re a Ferrari fan or not.

Adapted from The Motor Report

Chairman Luca di Montezemolo announced that Jean Todt has resigned from the Ferrari Board of Directors and all other positions within the company. Todt was instrumental in bringing Michael Schumacher to Ferrari after making Peugot a formidable opponent in auto racing. During his stint at Ferrari, the automaker won five driver championships and seven constructor titles.

Press Release

Ferrari Stockholders’ Meeting: record 2008 balance sheet approved

Jean Todt resigns from Board

Maranello, March 17th 2009 – The Annual General Ferrari Stockholders’ Meeting took place today under the chairmanship of Chairman Luca di Montezemolo.

The Meeting approved the 2008 balance sheet and annual report which, as announced over the last few days, revealed record results across all of the main economic indicators. The first and foremost of these was, of course, profitability with the ROS (Return on Sales) rising to 17.6%.

Ferrari recorded revenues of 1,921 million euro (+15.2%) in 2008 with its Brand-related activities (licensing, retail and ecommerce) growing particularly strongly (28%). Investments were up to 18% of turnover too.

Also at today’s Meeting, Chairman Luca di Montezemolo announced Jean Todt’s decision to resign his membership of the Ferrari Board of Directors and from all of the other positions he holds in the Company. The Chairman then thanked Mr Todt on behalf of the Board of Directors and everyone at Ferrari, for the major contribution he has made to the success of the Scuderia over the years, and the commitment and dedication he has shown in all of the positions he has held since he arrived at Maranello in 1993. Mr Todt’s appointments at Ferrari included those of GES Director, CEO and Member of the Board of Directors.

“Jean Todt has been one of the leading protagonists of the Ferrari story of the last 15 years,” declared Montezemolo. “Skill and passion have always characterised his work and have won him the respect and affection of my staff, the Company as a whole and Prancing Horse enthusiasts everywhere. I would like to wish him the very best for the future which I hope will prove extremely satisfying both personally and professionally.”

“All of these years we’ve spent together – victories and tough times included – have forged a link between Jean Todt and Ferrari that will never be broken,” concluded the Chairman.

Adapted from AutoBlog