This was our first in-person look at the Ferrari 458 Italia. And it restores our faith in Ferrari design. After the California, we were a bit worried.
The lithe 458 Italia is, to our eyes, a master class in sports-car design. The basic shape and proportion is well-balanced and elegant. The gently curving body panels are laid over details, such as the headlight assemblies, that are just odd enough to be intriguing.
This 430 replacement is easily the best-looking sports car at this show of very strong sports car entries. It'll go on sale for somewhere around $200,000 early next year in Europe and the middle of next year in the U.S. It carries a 4.5-liter V8 that produces around 570 horsepower and is bolted to a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.
Enjoy a huge photo gallery of the car after the jump.
billt9 says:
04:42 AM, 09/16/09
front end looks like a Gallardo wannabe.
fuhteng says:
06:48 AM, 09/16/09
I'm still not sold by those winglets from the 'hood' next to the headlights, but other than that, it is gorgeous.
jackson611 says:
08:26 AM, 09/16/09
the Ferrari is no Gallardo wannabe, but the 3 exhaust pipes and only 2 taillights make the back look wired. it looks kind of plain, although i'm sure it doesn't drive that way!
jjg4 says:
09:24 AM, 09/16/09
Where are we (Americans) supposed to put the DOT-required front liscense plate? Just an observation.
felonious says:
09:30 AM, 09/16/09
That car is basically perfect. I'll take two!
fixxxer says:
09:51 AM, 09/16/09
I think it is attractive, but the front is a bit to...i don't know, shark-y. And if the hyundai tiburon proved anything, shark and car for some reason does not go well. But it's still a fantastic looking thing, and I bet it's still the best thing to drive
I can't wait, however, for a 458 Italia vs a MP4-12C shootout. Especially on Top Gear.
beermagazine says:
10:26 AM, 09/16/09
If you own a Ferarri you don't need a front plate..and not all states require them.
It's a nice looking car, very shapely. Not sure how the Author was upset at the California...its a pretty car. Does look like an Alfa 8C but still very nice on the eyes.
beermagazine says:
10:27 AM, 09/16/09
Crap I meant Maserati
stovt001 says:
10:34 AM, 09/16/09
It looks simply horrid. Its even worse than the California.
jay_sf says:
11:02 AM, 09/16/09
I think it look amazing except for the taillight treatment. Likewise, beautiful. The Front reminds me of a F50
hondacura4 says:
02:23 PM, 09/16/09
I'm wondering if this 570hp V8 will fit in my S2000?
elysium2k7 says:
02:53 PM, 09/16/09
This thing is so sick looking I love it. Ferrari has made some of the most beautiful cars in the world. @Jig, not all states require a front end license plate, and if youre driving this thing the only thing people are gonna see is your taillights in the dust!!!
estreka says:
09:43 AM, 09/17/09
Amen, HA4.
I don't think the California looks bad at all. It's just that the fake exhaust tips spoil the whole exercise.