The 458 has the bite to match its bark
The Italians are world renowned for their car making prowess. Lamborghini, Maserati and Zonda also hail from this nation and are all highly sought-after pieces of metal. However, none have the allure, passion and exclusivity of Ferrari. It’s because of this exclusivity that if you had to ask most people what their dream car would be, most of the time the answer will be a Ferrari.
Passion, power and precision are words by which Italy is famous for, and it’s only fitting that Ferrari’s latest offering bares the moniker of its homeland.
The 458 Italia will be replacing the F430 as Ferrari’s ‘entry level’ car. Don’t let this deter you. The 458 is by no means a watered-down supercar. The guys at Maranello insist that this car is 100 per cent Ferrari, and its fusion of aesthetics, creative flair and avant-garde technology make it a winner.
Visually, the car is exquisite, and with its unmistakable Ferrari DNA, the 458 Italia oozes racing pedigree. Ferrari have spiced up their range with this new car without going over the top – no garish bodykits, no indecent colours – just understated sophistication.
But appearances aside, the 458 has the bite to match its bark. So lets talk performance.
A 4.5-litre direct injection V8 heart has been recruited to set up camp in the rear. Mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, the engine produces a staggering 425kW and 540Nm of natural power. What makes these figures more impressive is the fact that the Italia has been carved from lightweight materials. Pair this with its aerodynamic shape and you get a 0-100km/h time of 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 325km/h.
These figures are quite astonishing for an entry-level car. In fact, the figures are so impressive that they make the 458 Italia faster then the Ferrari F430 Scuderia and Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4.
So what’s the catch? Quite simply, there isn’t one. This car allows the ‘poor man’ Ferrari exclusivity and unrivalled performance. For roughly £150 000 (about R176 6926), it buys you a membership in the Ferrari fraternity, and a smile on your face every time you drive it.
Aaron Borrill
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