WE LIKE
1. Charismatic engine and incredible performance
2. Engaging exploitable handling
3. Slick double-clutch gearbox
WE DON'T LIKE
1. No manual option
2. Some may find the steering wheel controls fussy
Not so long ago, a V8 Ferrari was regarded as a 'junior' Ferrari. Those days have gone.
The 458 Italia, the latest offering from Maranello, may have a mid-mounted 4.5-litre V8, but there is absolutely nothing 'junior' about it: 562bhp, 0-60mph in less than 3.4sec, a top speed beyond 200mph and a Fiorano lap time to match the Enzo see to that. A price tag of £170,000 (before options) also puts paid to any questions of seniority.
The arrival of the 458 does, however, mean there are now two V8 models in Ferrari line-up: the folding metal-roofed California caters for those who want a little more comfort, leaving the 458 Italia, which replaces the F430, to focus on outright performance.
Although the engines for both models start life from the same casting and both use direct injection, the 458's is stroked for a larger capacity and revs higher (to 9,000rpm). The result is the effective mid-range torque present in the California, but with much more top-end zeal. It is this combination that makes the 458 so much quicker than the F430. You'll want to rev it for the noise and the drama but, crucially, you don't need to.
Paired with the engine is a twin-clutch gearbox with seven speeds, the same fitted in the California, but with ratios bespoke to the 458. This is the only transmission available, meaning that for the first time on a mid-engined Ferrari there is no manual option. There's some consolation in the fact that the DCT works exceptionally well, performing equally well at slow speeds as it does on track, delivering sufficient mechanical interaction in the process.
With an engine and gearbox that together make it incredibly easy to reach quite frightening speeds ludicrously quickly, it is a relief that the 458 handles as well as it does. As a mid-engined Ferrari, it obviously it has exceptional levels of agility. However, where the 458 makes a massive advance over the F430 is in front-end grip and exploitability: on a dry track the F430 was brilliant, but on a damp narrow road it could feel flighty and nervous. Although in some respects the 458 is sharper still, particularly the steering, it also manages to provide more feel and more confidence. Which not only makes it quicker, but more enjoyable too.
The improvements aren't limited to the 458's performance, though. The cabin also looks futuristic, is driver-centric and indulgent, but is also functional and comfortable. Likewise, the refinement and ride is impressive for a supercar.
The 458 is so much more capable than the car it replaces, that even at this price it looks like a bargain.
Average
User reviews (15)
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Shawn Jooste25 November 2009
Hi, This seriously is a nice car. Can't wait to get behind the wheel of one. Shawn www.carspotting.net
Report as inappropriatesander03 December 2009
it looks awesome
Report as inappropriate12345678904456618 December 2009
it looks amazing and............. http://www.topgear.com/uk/photos/cars-of-the-year?imageNo=15
Report as inappropriateAntony19 December 2009
It's just excellent, can't wait to see the lap time in the Top Gear show by Stig!!!
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jabs18708 April 2010
what can I say about this car. when the F430 came out I thought this is it, it cant get any better than this. But this 458 makes the F430 look plain and a thing of the past. beautiful car, I cant fault it. Once again, well done ferrari. 10 out of 10.
Report as inappropriategsfan9717 April 2010
i love it its my favourite ferrari ever
Report as inappropriateJohn17 April 2010
Finally i got my hands on one of these. I have ordered it and it will soon be mine!
Report as inappropriateMrKmac04 June 2010
who can argue with Tiffs review this evening,"best car i have ever driven" cant wait,read all the write ups, seen it for real twice now, delivery due 3/11. on my 2nd 430,it will have to do to then....
Report as inappropriateAnonymous03 August 2010
It has to be one of the best lookers I have ever seen. The difference in between the 430 and 458 is enourmous. The only problem is the idicators on the steering wheel.
Report as inappropriateAhd00421 September 2010
This car it might have the highest technology ,geeky aerodynamics and insane POWER 562 BHP is not a joke BUT it is not a decent replacement for the F430 . When we talk about Ferrari we are talking about car passion a mixture of Power and Beauty in every single detail ,in 458 it got the first part but losses the beauty one.Starting from the name Five ,Four ,Eight .It has no power , No speedy,the name gives a weak sound and so does the look of the car too. The front bumper is just ugly ,I feel that Ferrari did not find any solution to else than paint it in black ,I am aware that they used a new aerodynamics strategy that makes the wings in the front at low speed helps the engine to get cooler and deform at high speed to increases the down force but still sure there is a better way that just paint the rest in black to end up with these ugly picture . The rims they are very normal ,we expected more from Ferrari. The headlights gives you an Innocent look ,which is not the what we want from a car replaces the old aggressive ,charming and bad boy look that we got from the legendary F430 . The car shows all over the world tried to Convince us that the 458 is the best ,which is not .And I would like from you Fifth gear to rethink about it ,mike another episode about at Possibly. At the end I would like to say that the F430 will not be forget-ed and it will stay for ever as one of the best cars Ferrari ever made unlike the 458 which will forget-ed as soon as this generation ends .
Report as inappropriateWilliam Robinson30 November 2010
I have had this car since late 2009, it's brilliant for the money. It has a VERY nice engine, nice and loud when you thrash it. 0-60 i have had 4.5secs, and i didn't boot it hard! A brilliant car! I would say it's not as good as the F430, because the F430 it ledgendary! I swapped it with my Big Brother for the 458 Italia! Still amazing. Get one if your thinking about it :D
Report as inappropriateSte1111 June 2011
Beautiful looking car
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Žac24 December 2011
it s great car.
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