Any new Ferrari is bound to be exciting but every few years one comes along that is destined for instant fame. Such is the Ferrari 458 Italia. It is, as expected, a supercar but what interests me more than the technology is the Italia's styling. I'm not a fan of most current production car shapes with their high beltlines, gun-slit windows, and massive, in-your-face grilles. And, functional though it may be, I'm tired of the wedge. In the past, limited-production sports and racing cars often contributed to design trends so I'm hoping the curvaceous Italia will do the same. It is undeniably one of the most beautiful Ferraris to come along in decades.



Aerodynamic efficiency lies at the core of the 458 Italia's compact shape. For example, small aeroelastic winglets generating part of the downforce deform as speed rises to cut drag by reducing the size of the air inlet. A new 4499cc V-8 is the first Ferrari direct-injection engine to be mid-mounted, producing 570 hp at 9000rpm. A seven-speed, close-ratio dual-clutch transmission gives smooth shifts, even at full throttle. Acceleration from 0-60 takes under 3.4 seconds, while top speed is rated at 202 mph. The official combined-cycle figure of 20.6 mpg is also said to be the best in its class.

There is even more to be said about the technical features, including the race-based roadholding, but for that I suggest you link to the Classic Driver Magazine site, which offers a full description and several photos. Unusually, Ferrari is giving us an advanced preview of this remarkable machine, for it won't be seen publicly until the Frankfurt Auto Show in late September. Oh... and Michael Schumacher played a key role in the car's development. Let's hope his own development as a returning race driver is equally spectacular.

[Photo Credit: Ferrari]