FERRARI 458 ITALIA | The Most Powerful V8 Ferrari Ever
Car
February 24, 2015

FERRARI 458 ITALIA | The Most Powerful V8 Ferrari Ever


FERRARI 458 ITALIA


The Most Powerful V8 Ferrari Yet


Ferrari has unveiled the "458 Italia," the successor to the highly acclaimed F430 coupe, as its new V8 mid-engine model.


By Giraffe




Official Debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show


This model is a completely new road-going car, with all aspects—engine, aerodynamics, and handling—developed from scratch. It is scheduled to be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show, opening on September 15th.

The model name "458" derives from its 4.5-liter V8 engine. This engine produces 570 horsepower, boasting a 0-100 km/h acceleration of 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 325 km/h.

Furthermore, this is Ferrari's first mid-engine model to feature a direct-injection unit. With a displacement of precisely 4499cc, it delivers a maximum output of 570 hp at 9000 rpm and a peak torque of 55.1 kgm at 6000 rpm. Its torque characteristics are such that it consistently generates over 80% of its maximum torque from 3250 rpm upwards, ensuring excellent usability even at lower engine speeds.

Direct injection also improves environmental performance. It achieves a European combined fuel economy of 7.3 km/l and CO2 emissions of 320 g/km.

The transmission employs a dual-clutch 7-speed, 2-pedal manual "F1-Tronic." By utilizing gear ratios matched to the engine's characteristics, it enables smooth gear changes even during full acceleration.

The suspension features double wishbones at the front and a multi-link setup at the rear. Combined with the electronic differential "E-Diff" and the vehicle dynamics control system "F1-Trac," this ensures a comfortable ride while achieving both quick steering response and excellent controllability.



FERRARI 458 ITALIA


FERRARI 458 ITALIA


Power-to-Weight Ratio of 2.42 kg/hp


Naturally, the brakes have also evolved. The enhanced ABS incorporates a pre-fill function to prevent reaction delays, resulting in a braking distance of just 32.5 meters from 100 km/h.

The body dimensions are 4527mm in length, 1937mm in width, and 1213mm in height—15mm longer, 14mm wider, and 1mm lower than the F430 coupe. The wheelbase is 2650mm, an extension of 50mm from the F430.

The chassis utilizes aluminum and various alloys, reducing the vehicle weight by 70kg compared to the F430 to 1380kg, achieving a power-to-weight ratio of 2.42 kg/hp.

Pininfarina was responsible for the styling. The design incorporates know-how honed in F1, significantly improving aerodynamics. Features such as the small winglets on the front nose and the flat underfloor generate 140kg of downforce at 200 km/h.

The distinctive exterior, characterized by its unique, vertically oriented headlights, air intakes on the front fenders, and triple center-exit exhaust tips, is another hallmark of the "458 Italia."

The "458 Italia" was meticulously crafted with an uncompromising pursuit of high performance. The day when its unparalleled driving prowess, surpassing all others, can be experienced firsthand is fast approaching.

BRAND HISTORY
Many fans are captivated by the emblem known as "Cavallino Rampante," or the "prancing horse" in Japan. Ferrari is a marque that ignites passion on the circuit with its fierce racing and enthralls on the street with its elegant silhouette and piercing engine note. Whether in F1 or its road cars, this brand, dedicated to the pursuit of speed, still carries the strong spirit of its founder, Enzo Ferrari.

Born in Modena, Italy, in 1898, Enzo was so moved by a race he witnessed in Bologna at the age of ten that he aspired to become a racing driver himself. His unwavering ambition steadily moved towards realization, and in 1920, Enzo became a test driver for Alfa Romeo. In the same year, he competed as an Alfa driver in the Targa Florio, impressively securing second place.

However, Enzo's interest eventually shifted towards managing a racing team. In 1929, he established Scuderia Ferrari and took on the management of Alfa Romeo's racing activities. Despite his prowess, his relationship with Alfa Romeo dissolved in 1939. After World War II, in 1947, he resumed racing activities with the "Ferrari 125," equipped with his own V12 engine. This marked the beginning of Ferrari's journey as a sports car brand.

Subsequently, Ferrari became part of the Fiat group. Under the leadership of President Luca Montezemolo, who also serves as chairman of the Fiat Group, the brand continues to enhance its allure. The lineup consists of five models: the V12-powered "599" and "612 Scaglietti," the V8 mid-engine sports cars "F430" and "F430 Spider," and the "430 Scuderia," which represents the pinnacle of sportiness.