Ferrari 458 Italia | A Two-Seater Berlinetta Delivering Thrilling Performance
Car
March 6, 2015

Ferrari 458 Italia | A Two-Seater Berlinetta Delivering Thrilling Performance


Ferrari 458 Italia | Ferrari 458 Italia


A Two-Seater Berlinetta Delivering Thrilling Performance (1)


Held over two days, May 29-30, 2010, at Fuji Speedway,FerrariJapan unveiled the new V8 mid-engine two-seater berlinetta, the Ferrari 458 Italia, at the "Ferrari Festival Japan 2010" hosted by Ferrari Japan.


Photos: Hirohiko Mochizuki, Ferrari Japan




The Ultimate Design by Pininfarina


All Ferraris are crafted with an uncompromising design approach that meticulously considers aerodynamics and pursues styling beauty. The 458 Italia is designed by the familiar Pininfarina. It features compact, aerodynamically superior lines.

The nose incorporates a single opening that serves as both the front grille and side air intake, designed to channel air to the cooling radiators and the newly shaped flat underbody. Additionally, the nose is equipped with small aerodynamic elastic winglets. These generate downforce and deform with increasing speed, reducing the intake area for the radiators and decreasing air resistance.








Inspiring Performance


Mounted in the rear mid-section is a dry-sump 90° V8 4,499cc engine. This newly developed engine boasts a world-first rev limit of 9,000 rpm for a road car, achieving a high compression ratio of 12.5:1 and a maximum output of 570 HP. Furthermore, its output of 127 HP per liter delivers overwhelming power, setting a new standard for naturally aspirated engines.

The maximum torque is also a potent 540 Nm at 6,000 rpm, with 80% of it available from 3,250 rpm, enabling sharp pickup across the entire rev range. The torque of 120 Nm per liter is also the highest ever for a model of this displacement.

The exhaust system is designed to produce the exhilarating sound familiar to Ferrari V8 owners, while also ensuring quietness. The pre-catalytic converter has been eliminated, reducing weight and back pressure, while still meeting the stringent Euro 5 and LEV2 emissions standards.



Ferrari 458 Italia | Ferrari 458 Italia


A Two-Seater Berlinetta Delivering Thrilling Performance (2)



Adopts F1 Dual-Clutch Gearbox


One of the significant new features of the 458 Italia is its 7-speed F1 dual-clutch gearbox, which enables rapid and smooth gear changes. This technology uses two independent input shafts to individually control the odd and even gears, which are pre-selected. Gear changes are instantaneous, with no interruption in engine torque transfer to the drive wheels. The electronically controlled differential is also integrated into the gearbox, creating a compact and lightweight unit.

A newly developed chassis is also employed. In addition to traditional aluminum, new alloys are used, incorporating high-strength aluminum extrusions developed for the aerospace industry. The suspension features a completely new double-wishbone setup. A distinctive L-shaped lower wishbone, composed of an arm parallel to the wheel axis and a longer rear arm, significantly contributes to longitudinal flexibility. This enhances the ability to absorb road imperfections and reduces suspension noise, while also contributing to superior handling.

The brakes are Brembo carbon-ceramic units. The front features 6-piston aluminum calipers with 398x223x36mm rotors, and the rear has 4-piston aluminum calipers with 360x233x32mm rotors.








A Driver-Centric Interior Evoking the Racing World


The dashboard is upholstered in leather, with the instrument panel positioned above a single aluminum insert that functions as a housing for the left and right satellite pods and less frequently used switches. The distinctive air vents are designed to mimic the exhaust outlets of F1 cars used until a few years ago.

Furthermore, the positions of the main switches have been re-evaluated to create a cockpit truly for the driver. Frequently used switches are all located directly on the steering wheel, while less frequent ones are mounted on the extended left and right satellite pods on either side of the dashboard. This layout prioritizes safety, designed to allow the driver to concentrate fully on driving. This uncompromising approach can be seen as a direct feedback from Ferrari's F1 expertise.Ferrariis a direct feedback from Ferrari's F1 expertise.




Ferrari 458 Italia | Ferrari 458 Italia
Body | Length 4,527 x Width 1,937 x Height 1,213 mm
Wheelbase | 2,650 mm
Curb Weight | 1,485 kg
Engine | 4,499cc V8 90°
Max Output | 425kW (570HP) / 9,000 rpm
Max Torque | 540Nm (398 lbs/ft) / 6,000 rpm
Transmission | F1 Dual-Clutch Transmission 7-speed
Suspension | Double wishbone front and rear
Tire Size | 255/35 20" x 8.5" (Front), 295/35 20" x 10.5" (Rear)
Price | 28,300,000 yen

Ferrari Japan
Tel. 03-6890-6200



BRAND HISTORY
Not a few fans are thrilled by the emblem "Cavallino Rampante," known in Japan as the "prancing horse." A car that excites crowds with its fierce performance on the circuit and captivates people with its elegant silhouette and high-pitched sound on the street – that is FERRARI. In both F1 and production cars, this brand that pursues the pinnacle of speed still carries the strong passion of its founder, Enzo Ferrari.

Born in Modena, Italy, in 1898, Enzo was inspired by a race he saw in Bologna at the age of 10 and eventually decided he wanted to become a racing driver. His unwavering ambition steadily moved towards realization, and in 1920, Enzo became a test driver for Alfa Romeo. In the Targa Florio of the same year, he competed as an Alfa driver and achieved a commendable second place.

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

Subsequently, Ferrari came under the Fiat umbrella. Currently, under President Luca Montezemolo, who also serves as chairman of the Fiat Group, the brand continues to enhance its appeal. The lineup consists of five models: the "599" and "612 Scaglietti" with V12 engines, the mid-engine V8 sports cars "F430" and "F430 Spider," and the ultra-sporty "430 Scuderia."