As if the name wasn't a strong enough clue, Ferrari Chairman Luca di Montezemelo wrote on an official company blog that the new 458 Italia is a "fabulous new car which offers truly high performance along with the kind of innovation that no other Ferrari has ever reached."
He went on to say that the car is an homage to Italy. "The creative flair of its people, the quality and style of its products all go to make up a country that is synonymous with excellence," Montezemelo wrote.
Can't blame the guy for feeling a little proud. The new 458 is one of the best designs to come out of Maranello in quite some time. And let's face it, Ferrari needed a winner after its latest efforts.
IL News: 2010 Ferrari 458 Italia Is "Tribute to Italy," Explains Ferrari Chairman
fuhteng says:
07:34 AM, 07/30/09
So, is this new 458 going to be just like all the other recent exotics in that it will catch fire randomly? I think that is pretty emblematic of Italian "quality and style of its products".
bbechtel16 says:
08:12 AM, 07/30/09
I think I need to go home and change. Ferrari's performance aside, I think they (along with a few others) continue to produce absolutely gorgeous vehicles in a time where, in my opinion, vehicle design has gone to hell.
inlinesix says:
09:50 AM, 07/30/09
Caldissimo.
estreka says:
10:51 AM, 07/30/09
Agreed. It's a magnificent specimen. I think we've all forgotten what futuristic cars could look like. The only other company that isn't doing retro is Mazda (with their "wind" designs).
walking_dead says:
12:47 PM, 07/30/09
it still needs at least 1x more prancing horse on the front.
this car epitomizes Italian design.
look at was once Lamborghini, with cars from outer-space (contach) to what is now
putachino says:
05:05 PM, 07/30/09
Is Picasso alive, is he running Pininfarina now. This Ferrari is probably the ugliest one yet and Pininfarinas worst. Forget the old 7 series or even the Pontiac Aztek. This is really ugly.
(Picasso was a great artist, his art style is just comparable to this cars design)
putachino says:
05:07 PM, 07/30/09
P.S. From the side its not that bad.
alihasanain says:
05:47 PM, 07/30/09
The thing with Ferrari is they're not sitting back, doing the same thing they've always done. Lamborghinis are undoubtedly beautiful, but from the Countach on, there's been little design innovation there.
Since the 550 Maranello on, when a new Ferrari has come out, it looks ugly, and then grows on you. This one looks quite nice right away.
Am I right in saying, though, that modern Ferraris don't look as good in red as in other colors? Can't wait to see a silver one...
pyo_s65 says:
10:00 AM, 07/31/09
There have been some polarizing designs out there in the automotive world, but I can't even imagine anyone saying this piece of art ugly.
It's an evolution from previous Ferrari designs. I see 360, 430, and Enzo in there. The only thing I don't see is the 599.
Ferrari should be extra proud.