Revealed: Ferrari 458 Italia!

Ferrari's mid-level F430 sports car has been around since 2004. In supercar terms, that's approximately equal to "eternity."  Ferrari recently released a few details and computer renderings of the F430's replacement, as well as a name: 458 Italia.

The 458 Italia occupies the same spot in the Ferrari lineup, mainly that of the serious mid-engine V8 sports car.  Like most new cars these days, it offers more of everything: more power, more gears, more technology, better fuel consumption and emissions, you name it.  While we haven't seen any in-the-flesh pictures of the 458 Italia, I can tell you this: it's going to be fast.

Motivating the 458 Italia is a new 4.5L direct-injection V8, derived from the new DI 4.3L V8 in the gaudy California Spyder.  Output is a "that'll do" 562bhp, compared to the old F430's 483bhp.  Torque totals up to 398 lb-ft at 6,000 rpm, with an incredible 80% of that available at a low 3,250 rpm.  That's pretty surprising, but the reason is simple: the direct-injection fueling system allows a considerably higher compression ratio, which boosts low-end torque significantly.  Compression on the 458's motor is an astronomical 12.5:1.  Redline arrives at a "are we in a rotary?" 9000 rpm.  Color me impressed.

And finally, Ferrari's done away with the old-school Magnetti-Marelli sequential (F1) transmission.  The 458 will come with a brand new 7-speed twin clutch (DSG-style) gearbox, courtesy of (and updated from) the aforementioned California Spyder.  With this new more efficient gearbox and more efficient engine, overall consumption climbs to 17.1mpg average.  Which is oddly approximately equal to the number of people that care about the 458 Italia's fuel consumption. Snore.

Performance stats?  0-60 in 3.4 seconds, and a top speed of 202mph. Good lord, that's quick!  That's all we know about the 458 Italia for now, but you can hear what it sounds like!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sul930i90zE

More details on the Ferrari 458 Italia will be forthcoming with the car's debut at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show this fall.  Stay tuned; it's gonna be a hot one.