THE unveiling of each new Ferrari is always a special occasion but the launch of the 458 Italia should be especially exciting for two reasons.
The first is that the F430's replacement will arrive at a brand new dealership in Singapore, and the second is the 458 is going to be even more sensational than its predecessor.
But the new mid-engined model doesn't look as pretty, although the use of LEDs in the headlights is striking.
Its styling has a harder edge with overtones from the Enzo and FXX.
As expected, Formula One technology has been incorporated into the Pininfarina design. To aid aerodynamics, the nose has a reduced frontal section and small aeroelastic winglets to generate downforce. These winglets are clever - as the speed increases, they deform to reduce the section of the radiator inlets and cut drag.
Like the F430, the 458's chassis is aluminium but lighter and stronger. Torsional rigidity is up 12 per cent while beam stiffness is 5 per cent higher.
Under the curvaceous sheet metal, the suspension features twin wishbones in front and a multi-link set-up at the rear. Together with the familiar E-diff electronic differential and 20-inch wheels for more rapid turn-in, handling is sharper than before.
But perhaps the most tantalising element of this all-new Ferrari is its new 4.5-litre V8 engine. Replacing the F430's 490 hp 4.3-litre unit, Ferrari says the 458's 570 hp has the highest specific output of any road car.
It revs higher too - at 9,000 rpm, or 500 rpm more than in the F430. It is also more useable - 80 per cent of its prodigious 540 Nm of torque is available from 3,250 rpm.
Although more powerful, it still offers better economy and emissioTns, consuming 13.7 litres per 100 km under the combined cycle (7.3 km per litre) with 320g/ km of carbon dioxide.
Also new is the adoption of a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, which is faster than the old electro-hydraulic F1 gearbox.
The double-clutch system is smoother - bye bye jerky shifts - and promises extremely progressive acceleration throughout the rev range for that typical Ferrari sensation of endless push. The 458 Italia will make its world debut at the Frankfurt auto show next month, with right-hand-drive versions available from the second half of 2010.
And while the F430 used to have a list price of about three-quarters of a million dollars here, expect the new car to cost more.
Ferrari 458 Italia
Engine: 4,499cc V8 Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch Power: 570 hp at 9,000 rpm Torque: 540 Nm at 6,000 rpm 0-100kmh: 3.4 seconds Top speed: over 320 kmh Fuel consumption: 11.1 litres/100km (city-highway) Distributor: Ital Auto
But that should be a small premium to pay for something so special and so complete.
