Posts Tagged ‘FERRARI 458 Italia’
FERRARI 458 Italia
Ferrari’s all-new racing star, the 458 Italia is a replacement for their F430 model. Performance is the name of the game as far as the 458 is concerned. If you have any doubts, check out the carbon-ceramic brakes (which are standard on the 458), or new twin-clutch 7-speed manual transmission, whose super-fast and precise paddle shifts greatly reduce lap times on a closed course. Keep reading to find out more about what makes the 458 so fast.
The Specs
· Top Speed: 202 MPH
· Engine Size: Direct-injected 4.5-liter V-8
· Transmission: Twin-clutch 7-speed
· Horsepower (bhp @ rpm): 565 @ 9,000
· Curb weight: 3274 lbs
· Price at time of writing (base): $225,000
The Scoop
The new Ferrari 458 Italia meets the need for speed with its top-of-the-line direct-injected 4.565 horse power from a 5 liter V8 screaming at 9000 rmp. Formula 1 strategies contribute to the velocity of this engine, in particular where coatings for reduced friction are concerned, and with a revised oil scavenge system that eats up less power while substantially reducing pumping losses.
This time around, Ferrari focused more on aerodynamic effeciency despite making the car look just a little odd. The wheelbase of the 458 was stretched a bit, the overhangs clipped slightly, and the cockpit bubble moved forward and raised. Then there are the plastic nose winglets that look like cat whiskers and bend at higher speeds to change airflow over the radiators for reduced drag and lift. Don’t forget about the corner vents that squeeze the headlights into less-than-pretty slits of stacked LEDs while also flowing slower-moving air over the front fenders to cut lift and not increase drag.However these improvements that are evident with performance are not translated to more beauty. But that’s not what this is about.
The 458’s interior cabin is roomier than that of its predecessor’s, providing more stowing space behind the seats. More of the controls have been moved onto the steering wheel, allowing you to access headlights or windshield wipers with your thumbs. Thanks to the shorter overhangs, it is only slightly larger than the outgoing F430 — it’s 0.6 in. longer and 1.5 in. wider.Aluminium is the frame for the chasis which is now stiffer by 20 percent. Up front you’ll find strengthened double A-arm suspension, balanced by a new multilink rear with reduced camber change.
Driving the 458 is surprisingly easy. Steering response is both quick and very light. It truly does give the impression that you’re flying rather than driving.An engine as powerful as you can imagine yet so easily controllable. The carbon-ceramic brakes respond to even the slightest application of pressure. The suspension absorbs practically all shock and provides the sensation of riding on air.