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Ferrari 458 Italia
Ferrari has launched its newest and most innovative road car yet. The Ferrari 458 Italia, has been developed with Shell’s help and transfers technology from Formula One™ to the road.
Overview
Revealed in July 2009, the Ferrari 458 Italia marks a massive leap forward from the company’s previous mid-rear engine sports cars. Unlike the F430, a development of the 360 range, the 458 Italia boasts a brand new chassis design that takes the learnings from Formula One™ and fits them into a road car with ease and precision.
The new model sports design inputs from Shell global ambassador and Ferrari legend Michael Schumacher, with the main controls situated on and around the steering wheel on the dashboard, enhancing the safety and comfort of this sporty V8. With 570 horsepower produced by the 4.5 litre direct fuel injection engine, the new production Gran Turismo is the most technologically advanced ever built by Ferrari.
Performance
The ultra high-revving 4499cc engine of the Ferrari 458 Italia produces a maximum 570 horsepower at an astonishing 9000 rpm. The direct fuel injection system in the engine is an evolution of the Ferrari California V8, in which Shell scientists contributed to its design and development. The seven-speed dual clutch gearbox seamlessly shifts the driver through the gears, even at full throttle, and will accelerate the car from 0-100kph in under 3.4 seconds.
Shell scientists involved in the technical partnership have worked closely with the Ferrari engineers to transfer a raft of Formula One™ technology to reduce friction inside the engine. This has reduced fuel consumption from the F430, despite increased overall displacement and horsepower. In addition to accelerating quicker, the 458 Italia has an advanced braking system which is primed when the driver comes off the accelerator pedal. This, in addition to the ABS, has reduced the stopping distance from 100kph to just 32.5m.
Styling:
Another of the Pininfarina classics, the new 458 Italia’s aluminium body is a brand new design that steps away from the traditional and forges its own path. Carrying the Italia name, Ferrari has taken great pride in its appearance to ensure that style, creative flair and passion exudes from every aspect of the 458 Italia. With its compact, aerodynamic shape the 458 Italia has been designed to accommodate the aesthetic standards that customers are used to with Ferrari, while also including technological breakthroughs.
The body shape increases the downforce produced at 200kph to 140kg, improving high-speed handling and driveability. Although it may look different, the 458 Italia still growls a distinctively Ferrari engine note, before channelling it through the three exhaust pipes at the rear of the car.
Technical Dimensions and Weight
Length 178.2 in
Width 76.3 in
Height 47.8 in
Wheelbase 104.3 in
Kerb Weight 1380 kg
Performance
Top speed 202 mph – 325 kph
0-62 mph acceleration <3.4s
Engine
Cylinders 8
Unit displacement 34.3 cu in
Total displacement 274.5 cu in (4499cc)
Compression ratio 12.5:1
Max power 425kW at 9000 rpm (570hp)
Max torque 540Nm (398lbs/ft) at 6000 rpm
Specific power output 127 hp/litre
Picture Gallery
