Ferrari 458 Italia 2010 first details released

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

The Ferrari 458 Italia has a new 4.5-litre V8 engine, incorporating direct injection to improve fuel economy, at 13.7 l/100 km. The mid-mounted V8 makes 570 hp at 9,000 rpm and 539 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm, compared to 503 hp at 8,500 rpm and 470 Nm at 5,250 rpm of the previous 430 Scuderia.

The Ferrari 458 Italia uses a 7-speed dual-clutch automated manual gearbox that shifts in 0.05 seconds. A regular manual version will also likely be available.

Ferrari says the 458 Italia has a top speed of over 325 kph, edging out the 430 Scuderia, which topped out at 315 kph. Ferrari claims that it is quicker in a straight line than the Scuderia and even an Enzo. Official numbers for 0-100 kph and weight are 3.4 seconds and 1380 kg.

Aerodynamic aids are applied in subtle fashion on the 458 Italia. The company claims the car develops 140 kg of downforce at 200 kph without the use of big spoilers. However, the 458 does have a pair of small, flexible wings in its front bumper. As the car gains speed, they move in a manner that helps smoothen 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.

The brakes feature a new system called ‘prefill’. When the driver’s foot lifts off the throttle, the pistons in the calipers move the pads towards the discs; that helps to reduce the stopping distance from 62mph to just 32.5 metres.

At the rear, there are the world’s first factory-fitted triple-tip exhaust outlets. The 458 Italia’s body and chassis are all aluminium, with a Pininfarina-designed exterior, as usual.

The patriotically-named Ferrari 458 Italia will likely be seen on UAE and GCC roads by the beginning of next year, as the waiting list must be overflowing already. Starting prices in Dubai and Abu Dhabi should cross Dhs 900,000 if not more.