Ferrari recently unveiled the brand new Ferrari that is to replace the F430.
The name is a reference to the 4500 motor and V-8 engine. Italia, instead, is an homage to made in Italy - in line with Ferrari's bosss, Luca Cordero di Montezemolo, other job of promoting "Made in Italy" across the world. A reminder to the entire world that Ferrari is Italian - and a tribute to Enzo Ferrari, the founder, who would often complete speeches with a "Viva L'Italia!".
The car itself is exactly what one would expect from a Ferrari supercar - nothing but pure passion and extraordinary motor power packed in a beautiful design.
The Italians, however, also allowed a German to help with the design. None other than Michael Schumacher himself followed the design of this car right from the start.
The new 4499 cc V8 is the first Ferrari direct injection engine to be mid-rear mounted.The engine delivers 570 CV at 9000 rpm and, with an outstanding power output of 127 CV/litre, sets a new benchmark not only for the whole Ferrari range and the history of company, but also for the entire market segment. The 458 Italia also features an innovative driving environment with a new kind of steering wheel and dashboard that is the direct result of racing practice. Once again input from Michael Schumacher.
Acceleration to 100 km/h (62 mph) takes just 3.4 seconds, and this will be the first volume production Ferrari V8 to top the 200 mph barrier, with a top whack of 202 mph.
Finally, there is even an eco-friendly twist to this Ferrari. It is, of course, no saviour of the environment - no supercar could do that. But it is more efficient that similar cars from Porsche and Lamborghini in the same category.
The car will be presented in the Frankfurt motor show of September and should be available in the new year.
