458 Italia: Permission to be Selfish
If it is first impressions that count, then the 458 Italia leaves a big one. It is muscular and agile and boasts the technological wizardry and performance levels of a new generation Ferrari. It's also highly innovative: the chassis and its components, the power unit, the aerodynamics and the electronic systems are all examples of what makes this new Ferrari supercar so special.
Just look at the 458 Italia and you can see it's special. The proportions are reminiscent of the Enzo, and the passenger cabin has plenty of room yet at the same time gives priority to the driver with controls on the steering wheel. To cap it all off, the air intakes and exhausts show how the hand of Pininfarina has been guided by the wind tunnel and technical requirements.
'The 458 Italia comes after the two most successful models in our history: the 430 and the 360,' says Amedeo Felisa, Ferrari CEO. 'These two machines are conceptually linked to one another, and were the expression of the technology around in the 2000s. With the 458 Italia we are talking about a machine projected into the new decade.'
The first thing you will notice about the 458 Italia is its exterior: starting with the distribution of the side radiators and the introduction of two generous front vanes that change the shape as the speed increases – thereby improving overall efficiency. To understand the thinking behind this new car, though, you need to explore what's underneath. The chassis uses a range of materials, from aluminium through to magnesium, so it can marry rigidity with controlled deformation and, at the same time, reduce weight in favour of better performance.
Then comes the engine. 'It is completely new,' says Felisa. 'It is the first engine for road use capable of developing as much as 9000rpm, guaranteeing top-flight sportiness and outstanding driving comfort even when used on a day-to-day basis.
'[What] characterises this new engine is the use of direct double-stage injection, which makes it possible to improve the peak torque but also slash emissions, making the 458 Italia the best car in its segment. Added to the motor is a seven-speed F1-type gearbox. The entire system, together with the new-generation E-diff 3 electronic differential, permits the same type of effect as four-wheel drive without the weight penalty.'
While speaking about the technical specifics of Ferrari's new supercar, Felisa continues to underline how this new machine embodies a dual soul: performing when required but also comfortable when driving normally. And you see it when you get into the car. In the cockpit you find the car is beautifully balanced, as might be expected from a manufacturer used to putting its drivers in the best conditions to win.
In addition to the aerodynamics and the interior gadgetry, the 458 Italia boasts the sophisticated electronic supports able to take the car to perform when required. 'Things are different from how they used to be,' continues Felisa. 'Before, our job was to make cars at the peak of efficiency on which [we would] build a series of electronic supports [to enable the driver]. Now with the traction control, stability and braking systems of the new generation there has been an enormous step forward. The 458 Italia not only functions as a precious accomplice for the driver but also allows him to go faster than they could without these functions. Even if the driver is a professional.'