The 2010 Ferrari 458 Italia will hit 60 in less than 3.4 seconds. It's also the first "mainstream" Ferrari to break the 200 mph barrier.
The new products seem to be coming fast and furious from the folks in Maranello, these days. Just as the new Ferrari California (reviewed today on TheDetroitBureau.com) reaches U.S. showrooms, the Italian automaker is giving us a sneak peek at the 2010 Ferrari 458 Italia.
Think of the new, mid-engined V-8 replacement for the F430 as “a tribute to Italy,” suggests Ferrari chief Luca di Montezemelo.
Scheduled for its public debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show, in September, Ferrari is providing not only an advanced look at the Italia, but some technical details suggesting this will be one serious performance machine.
The Italia shares the new 2010 Ferrari California's 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.
The 2010 Ferrari Italia’s 4.5-liter V-8 (hmmm, wonder how they came up with the 458 designation) makes an impressive 562 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque. A solid 80% of that power comes online by the time the tach nudges 3,250 RPMs, but the V-8 keeps pulling up to 9,000 revs. Unlike the front-mounted engine in the 2010 Ferrari California, the 458 uses a mid-rear layout.
If it really matters, preliminary tests suggest the two-seat berlinetta will get about 17 mpg in the combined City/Highway cycle, though that’s using the European test cycle, so expect that number to shift by the time the 458 hits our shores.
How quick? Initial estimates suggest 0 – 60 times should come in at under 3.4 seconds, about a half second faster than the California. Meanwhile, with a top speed of 202 mph, the 458 will be, surprisingly, the first “mainstream” Ferrari model to break the 200 mph barrier.
Much of the new 2010 Ferrari 458 Italia's design was sculpted by aerodynamic imperatives, including the new "aeroelastic" winglets and a flat underbody.
The California and Italia share the same new, F1-derived dual clutch gearbox, which can be operated in either automatic mode or shifted via steering wheel-mounted paddles. An all-new wheel design, Ferrari notes, was directly derived from its Formula One program, as was the instrument panel. All key controls are located right on the wheel.
Also, in line with the California, the Ferrari family’s newest member will feature a lightweight aluminum structure, something that helps hold dry weight down to 3,042 pounds.
The Italia’s design was heavily influenced by aerodynamic testing, both to reduce drag and maximize downforce. There’s just a single front opening, and a flat underbody. The nose also features what Ferrari describes as “aeroelastic” winglets which are not only designed to increase downforce, but also to deform, at track speeds, reducing the drag of the radiator opening.
Look for the 2010 Ferrari 458 Italia to make its formal public debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show, in September.
No word on precisely when the 2010 Ferrari 458 Italia will ultimately reach U.S. showrooms.