| The first thing that is noticable about the Ferrari 458 | | | | Ferrari California. Most noticably when you move off |
| Italia when you first catch a glimpse of one is that it is | | | | you find that the gearbox is much nicer than the one in |
| a much bolder, different design over the F430 than the | | | | the F430. The Italia's is the same gearbox that is in the |
| F430 was over the 360 Modena. The F430 is an | | | | California, being a 7 speed dual clutch system which |
| obvious evolution from the 360 Modena that went | | | | makes the car much easier to drive, especially in |
| before it. The styling cues are very similar. But the 458 | | | | traffic. It seems though that these gearboxes are |
| Italia is, if not a complete departure, at least a radical | | | | getting so good, it will be the only gearbox option on |
| re-think. There are one or two design homages paid | | | | the 458 Italia. |
| too, especially from to the likes of the Ferrari Enzo and | | | | The engine is the same block as used in the California |
| the simply stunning one off Pininfarina designed P4/5. | | | | too, except it takes on different characteristics after |
| The F430 was slightly more aggressive styling than | | | | the aluminium has been cast. The stroke has been |
| the 360 Modena, but the 458 Italia is quite simply on | | | | increased to give 4.5 litres instead of 4.3 and it is now |
| another level design wise. It almost looks like Pininfarina | | | | good for 9000 revs and 562 bhp. That's 125 bhp per |
| were in a bad mood and ready for a fight when they | | | | litre. And there are no turbo's or superchargers |
| put digital pen to paper. | | | | involved here. That's also a 70 bhp increase over the |
| There are things you immediately notice when you | | | | ordinary F430 but despite this, the 458 Italia is more |
| climb in and start one up as well. Firstly, it is much more | | | | economical and produces less CO2. |
| dignified when you start the engine up. It doesn't | | | | So from that 562 bhp we're looking at a top speed of |
| scream into life and blow out all the neighbours | | | | 202 mph and a blistering 0-60 time of 3.4 seconds. |
| windows. The engine catches and then quickly settles | | | | That means that the new Ferrari 458 Italia will hit the |
| into a gentle tickover. It will turn the heads of peopl | | | | same top speed as a Lamborghini Gallardo, it is quicker |
| walking down the street but it won't wake the | | | | by 0.3 seconds to 60 and you will go 2 extra miles on |
| neighbours up. | | | | a tank of fuel. Move over Lambo, the king is back. |
| The Ferrari 458 Italia shares some things with the | | | | |