2010 Ferrari 458 Italia first pictures and specs

These are the first pictures of the 2010 Ferrari 458 Italia, the successor to the F430. Its official debut comes in September at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show, but Ferrari has already released a few key details.

Key detail number one is the 458 Italia’s new 4.5L V8 engine, incorporating direct injection to improve fuel economy, although we don’t yet know how much. But we expect that doesn’t interest you very much now anyway. Instead, we can tell you that the mid-mounted V8 makes 570 hp at 9,000 rpm and 570 hp at 9,000 rpm and 398 lb-ft of torque at 6,000 rpm. Compare that to 503 hp at 8,500 and 347 lb-ft at 5,250 in the 430 Scuderia.

The Ferrari 458 Italia uses a dual-clutch automated manual gearbox just like the Ferrari California. Although, we’re sure a traditional three-pedal setup will also be available.

Ferrari says the 458 Italia has a top speed of 203 mph, edging out the 430 Scuderia, which topped out at 197 mph. Apparently, it’s quicker down a dragstrip than the Scuderia, too, and Ferrari says it would beat an Enzo, too. It weighs in at 3038 lbs, has a 0-60 mph time of 3.2 seconds, and combined fuel economy of 17.16 mpg by European standards.

As on most every Ferrari, aero is a big deal, but it’s applied in subtle fashion on the 458 Italia. The company claims the car develops 309 lbs of downforce at 125 mph without the use of unsightly wings. However, the 458 does have a pair of small, flexible wings in its front bumper. As the car gains speed, they deform in a manner that helps smooth airflow.

Technology includes an E-Diff differential and an F1-Trac skid control system. Instead of using individual ECUs for the E-Diff and F1-Trac, the 458 Italia has one ECU to control both and the ABS system too, resulting in streamlined communication between all the systems. Ferrari claims a 32% increase in acceleration over the F430 out of corners.

Out back is the first incidence of factory triple-tip exhaust outlets. The 458 Italia’s body and chassis are all aluminum, and Pininfarina did the coachwork. Ferrari Chief of Design Donato Coco is the designer of record for the interior.

 

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