The 458 Italia perpetuates the line of very small and very agile Ferraris, line in which the 360 Modena and the F430 are also found.  While the 458 Italia was also created by Paninfarina, its design is very distinct from that of its predecessors.  In fact, the differences in design between the 458 and the F430 are far greater than between the F430 and the 360 Modena.  The front and the back are very distinctive and the lateral air vents have been deleted.  On the mechanical side, the 458 Italia highlights several changes such as a new direct-injected mid-rear mounted engine and the arrival of the F1 seven-speed dual clutch gearbox, introduced in the California but not offered in the F430.  This box is so performing that Ferrari, for only the second time in its history, does not offer the traditional manual transmission as an option on this production car.  The only other Ferrari offered without manual transmission was the Enzo.  The motor of the 458 Italia is a 4.5 liter V8 producing 562 horsepower.  The red zone (limit) of the RPMs is located at 9000.  Thanks to its reasonable weight of 1380 kilos (essentially the same weight as the basic F430 coupe), this engine can reach 0-100 in barely 3.4 seconds and reach a 325 km/h maximum speed.

Both the front and rear of the 458 Italia are very different from those of the F430 despite being inspired by it.  The lines of the 458 Italia are bolder, inspired by the Formula One cars, sculpted in order to make the car more aerodynamic.  In the front, the new LED lights are streamlined and long. From the side, one notices the very forward position of the cabin, the dynamic lines and the absence of the lateral vents.  In the back, there are only two round lights instead of four, and the three tail pipes are now in the center.  As in the past, the mid-mounted engine is visible from the exterior thanks to an acrylic glass rear engine cover.

The cabin of the 458 is more cutting edge and distinctive than those of the 360 Modena and the F430.  In fact, this one is particularly original, greatly evolved.  The large yellow RPD dial is still in the center but it is the only analog dial used, the other ones being electronic now.  The cabin is still oriented towards the driver, all of the commands within his or her reach.  More than ever, it is the driver’s seat which you will crave.  Finally, more functions are included on the steering wheel in addition to the "Start-stop" button and the "manettino" in order to keep both hands on the wheel.

Unique model :

V8, 4.5 L, 570 hp / 398 lb-ft