The history of the Ferrari 458 begins in 2009, the year in which it was presented.
The car, with berlinetta-type bodywork, replaces the Ferrari F430. Among other things, the Italia model is the starting point for other models of the 458, namely the Spider presented in 2011, the Speciale presented in 2013, and the Speciale A which is a barchetta version of the Speciale model.
The 458 is equipped with a 4.5-liter V8 engine, referred to by the car's name, mounted in the rear-center position, and is equipped with direct and indirect injection to manage the high revs of the engine, with a ratio of compression of 12.5:1, which makes it particularly high for a road engine.
The engine is combined with a 7-speed double-clutch electro-hydraulic gearbox, already fitted to the California model.
According to Ferrari, the new model is the result of an important technical evolution that allows it to achieve lower fuel consumption and emissions than the F430, while increasing displacement and power.
The credit goes to the containment of weight and the aerodynamic study of the profile, which generates a vertical load of 140 kg at 200 km/h with an aerodynamic drag coefficient of 0.33.
The frame is made of an aluminum alloy with aerospace technology, and front suspension with overlapping triangles and Multilink for the rear ones.
The car is equipped with a single control unit supplied by Magneti Marelli, which allows you to manage the E-Diff (electronic differential), the F1-Trac (traction control) and ABS, and which is combined with a derivation lever. Formula 1.
Despite being a two-seater car, the Ferrari 458 is very ergonomic, this is due to the particular attention paid to the study of the interiors and the driving controls grouped on the steering wheel to ensure maximum concentration for the driver, allowing him to never take his hands off the same.
The seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher gave his attention and participation in the development of the car as a consultant.
The line of the car recalls the previous models developed by the Turin-based company Pininfarina, such as the headlights that slide along the sides, giving an aggressive look to both the front and rear, and the solution with three tailpipes joined in the center of the rear bumper, similar to the solution adopted for the F430.
In 2011 the first variant of the 458 was presented in Maranello, the Ferrari 458 Spider, brought to the stage for the occasion by the Formula 1 drivers, Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa. The Spider features a brand new roof opening system: this is operated by a combined mechanism of the retractable and rotary movement, improving the folding speed and the structural properties of the car.
The Hard Top has an aluminum structure that allows a 25 kg lightening compared to the classic canvas frame, moreover it does not compromise the aerodynamics and performance values, thanks to two supports incorporated in an opening cavity depending on the conditions of the folding roof. optimizing the flow of air to the engine's ventilation inlets.
In addition to what has just been described, there is an electronically adjustable glass windbreak, which allows easy conversation inside the passenger compartment without aerodynamic disturbances.
The mechanics remain unchanged on the Italia model, with 0-100 km/h acceleration in 3.5 seconds, increased by one second compared to the fixed roof version, and the maximum speed reduced to 320 km/h.
The weight/power ratio is also changed, which is equal to 2.50 kg/hp, a factor given by the weight increase of the car to 1430 kg; while the weight distribution is Fourty eight percent at the front and fifty two percent at the rear.
For its design skills, the car was awarded prizes awarded by BBC Top Gear Magazine, such as:
Cabriolet of the Year 2011
International Engine of the Year 2011
International Engine of the Year 2012
Best Performance Engine over 4 liter 2012
While the Sunday Times awarded her the Best Sports Car and Convertible 2012 award.
In August 2013, another model of the 458 was presented, called the Ferrari 458 Speciale.
This model is the direct heir of the Ferrari F430 Scuderia, presenting a more aggressive look than the previous models and taking up various concepts proposed on the LaFerrari model.
It is in fact lightened in weight, the aerodynamics are revised and the V8 engine is boosted to 605 hp, thus bringing the maximum torque to 540 newton/meter at 6,000 rpm, and creating the standard engine with a specific power of 135 hp/liter, while the weight/power ratio is equal to 2.13 Kg/hp.
Aerodynamics - as beforedescribed - has been revised, and has an efficiency index of 1.5, making this car one of the most efficient models ever produced by Ferrari.
Tested on the Fiorano circuit, the Speciale lapped in 1'23"5, being only five tenths slower than the F12 Berlinetta and recording lateral acceleration of 1.33 g, which for a road car is an extremely high value.
All this thanks also to active aerodynamics, which consists of movable wings inserted at the front, rear and under the body. The electronics are also improved with the addition of the SSC (Side Slip Angle Control) system, which continuously analyzes the car's set-up and compares it with the data stored in the control unit, thus optimizing the management and distribution of engine torque.
Every aesthetic detail of the car is revised for purely aerodynamic purposes, making this model the sportiest of the 458 range. The interiors are essential, aimed at keeping the driver's concentration high in sports driving phases.
All the interior finishes are in carbon fiber, with the only exception of the pedals which is in aluminum, while the seats are supplied by Sabelt with a carbon core and Alcantara upholstery.
The stylistic study was carried out in collaboration with Pininfarina.
The 458 Speciale A is the latest model presented by the 458 range, and the A stands for open. Made in only 499 units, it is an exclusive model and is one of the best performing in the history of Ferrari. Compared to the fixed roof model, the Special A features a frame made of ten aluminum alloys thanks to the use of Aerospace materials and technologies.
As for the aesthetics, it has a more aggressive bonnet with a larger vent in the center, and the sides have the insertion of fins to improve airflow, and slits along the wheel arches to quickly expel the flows.
The mechanics instead remain unchanged compared to the coupe model.
The Ferrari 458 also saw its use in the one-make championship organized by Ferrari, called the Ferrari Challenge, before being replaced by the 488 model.
The price of the four versions of the 458 range is € 205,000 for Italy, € 228,000 for the Spider, € 240,000 for the Speciale, while as regards the Speciale Aperta, it currently stands at a value of € 650,000.
DATA SHEET
Model 458 Italia
Coupé bodywork
Tank capacity 86 liters
Mass in running order 1,455 kg
Towable mass max 0 kg
Length 453 cm
Width 194 cm
Height 121 cm
Step 265 cm
Engine
Eight cylinders in V
Displacement 4,497 cm³
Fuel supply
Max power/speed 419 KW (570 hp) 9.000 rpm
Maximum torque 540 Nm
Rear-wheel Drive
Sequential Change
Seven gears
Performance
Max speed 325 km/h
Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds
Anti-polluting approval Euro 5
CO2 emissions 307 g/km
Consumption
Urban 20 liter/100 km
Extra-urban 10 liter/100 km
Mixed 13 liter/100 km
Car body
Convertible
Tank capacity 86 liters
Mass in running order 1,505 kg
Towable mass max 0 kg
Length 453 cm
Width 194 cm
Height 121 cm
Step 265 cm
Engine
Fuel supply
Rear-wheel Drive
8 cylinder V engine
Displacement 4,497 cc
Maximum torque 540 Nm
Seven-speed sequential gearbox
Max power/speed 419 KW (570 hp) 9.000 rpm
Consumption
Urban 18 liter/100 km
Extra-urban 9 liter/100 km
Mixed 12 liter/100 km
Model 458 Speciale
Coupe
Tank capacity 86 liters
Mass in running order 1.395 kg
Towable mass max 0 kg
Length 457 cm
Width 195 cm
Height 120 cm
Step 265 cm
Engine
Fuel supply
Rear-wheel Drive
Eight cylinders in V
Displacement 4,497 cm³
Max power/speed 441 KW (600 hp) 9.000 rpm
Maximum torque 540 Nm
Seven-speed sequential gearbox
Performance
Max speed 325 km/h
Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h 3.0 seconds
Anti-polluting approval Euro 5
CO2 emissions 275 g/km
Consumption
Urban 18 liter/100 km
Extra-urban 8 liter/100 km
Mixed 12 liter/100 km
Model 458 Special Open
Engine
Type V8 - 90°
Total displacement 4497 cm³
Maximum power 605 hp at 9000 rpm
Maximum torque 540 Nm at 6000 rpm
Weight
Dry weight 1340 kg
Weight / power ratio 2.21 kg/hp
Performance
From 0 to 100 km/h in 3.0 seconds, and from 0 to 200 km/h in 9.5 seconds
Fiorano lap time 1'23"5
Emissions
Emissions (combined cycle ECE + EUDC)
CO2 emissions ** 275 gr/km
** With HELE equipment
Andrea Rasponi