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The Ferrari 458 Italia is a completely new car from every point of view: engine, design, aerodynamics, handling, instrumentation and ergonomics, just to name a few. A two-seater berlinetta, the Ferrari 458 Italia, as is now traditional for all Ferrari’s road-going cars, benefits hugely from the company’s Formula 1 experience. This is particularly evident in the speed and precision wîth which the car responds to driver inputs and in the attention focused on reducing internal friction in the engine for lower fuel consumption than the F430, despite the fact that both overall displacement and power have increased. However, Ferrari’s track experience makes its presence felt in the 458 Italia not only in terms of pure technological transfer but also on a more emotional level, because of the strong emphasis on creating an almost symbiotic relationship between driver and car. The 458 Italia features an innovative driving environment wîth a new kind of §teering wheel and dashboard that is the direct result of racing practice. Once again input from Michael Schumacher – who was involved from the very start of the 458 Italia project – played an invaluable part.

The new 4499 cc V8 is the first Ferrari direct injection engine to be mid-rear mounted. It has a very low piston compression height typical of racing engines which contributed to achieving its compression ratio of 12.5:1. Equipped wîth the traditional flat-plane crankshaft, the engine delivers 570 CV at 9000 rpm and, wîth 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 §egmènt. Maximum torque is 540 Nm at 6000 rpm, over 80 per cent of which is available from 3250 rpm. Specific torque is a record 120 Nm/litre. However, what is truly extraordinary is the amount of torque available while still maintaining high levels of power at low revs.

The car’s soundtrack is also typical Ferrari, wîth an exciting, powerful growl emerging from the engine before it channels through to the exhaust’s three rear tailpipes. The 458 Italia is equipped wîth the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission which increases performance whilst providing very smooth shifts even at full throttle. The engineers have developed specific, sportier gear ratios to match the power and torque curves of the new V8, guaranteeing high torque even at lower engine speeds and allowing the car to reach its maximum speed in top gear.

Price: $277,124.

This new Ferrari is also a major leap forward when it comes to cutting emissions. Despite the fact that the new engine is significantly more powerful than the V8s that preceded it, the Ferrari 458 Italia produces just 320 g/km of CO2 and fuel consumption is 13.7 l/100 km (combined cycle), the best in the entire §egmènt. The engineers also focused on weight reduction during the design phase for similar reasons. Consequently, the Ferrari 458 Italia has a dry weight of 1380 kg wîth a power-to-weight ratio of 2.42 kg/CV. Weight distribution is also optimal wîth 58 per cent over the rear axle. The result of the engineers’ endeavours can be summed up in to two simple statistics which together perfectly encapsulate the Ferrari 458 Italia’s exceptional performance: 0-100 km/h acceleration in under 3.4 seconds and a maximum speed in excess of 325 km/h.

For the new chassis, once more in aluminium, Maranello’s engineers incorporated various types of advanced alloys along wîth aerospace industry-derived manufacturing and bonding techniques. With regard to vehicle dynamics, the Ferrari 458 Italia’s suspension features twin wishbones at the front and a multi-link set-up at the rear tuned for maximum roadholding and superlative handling. Along wîth a more direct §teering ratio, the 458 Italia thus offers extremely rapid turn-in and body control whilst maintaining superior ride comfort. The integration of the E-Diff and F1-Trac (now controlled by the same ECÚ) and their respective mappings is even greater, resulting in a 32 per cent increase in longitudinal acceleration out of corners compared to previous models. The evolution of the control logic, wîth even faster and more accurate calculation of levels of grip, ensures even greater roadholding, better handling and ease of control on the limit.

The same ECÚ also governs the high-performance ABS, providing even more precise control over the logic threshold and greater efficiency. The brakes also feature a prefill function whereby the pistons in the callipers move the pads into contact wîth the discs on lift off to minimise delay in the brakes being applied. This combined wîth the ABS has cut the 100-0 km/h braking distance to a mere 32.5 metres. The Ferrari 458 Italia’s interior is another area of the car that exalts its sporty personality. The driver is welcomed by a new layout and a revolutionary ergonomic interface where the main controls are all clustered on the §teering wheel.

With the Ferrari 458 Italia, Maranello has brought a highly distinctive new car to its 8-cylinder range. The company now offers two models that share a common, race-derived DNA, both exceptionally sporty and fun to drive in true Ferrari tradition, but aimed at two very different kinds of client. While the Ferrari California was created for owners requiring a more versatile sports car wîth a practical edge, the 458 Italia is designed for owners for whom the priority is uncompromising on-road performance wîth occasional track day capability, but who still demand a car that is useable in day-to-day driving like all Ferrari’s recent models.

Ferrari has raised $601,000 for relief efforts in Haiti by the CMMB (Catholic Medical Mission Board) and the William J. Clinton Foundation. At a gala event held last night, Ferrari, the world’s leading luxury brand, auctioned the first Ferrari 458 Italia to arrive in the Únited States for $530,000. Party was hosted by Piero Ferrari, Deputy Chairman, Amedeo Felisa, worldwide CEO of the company, and Marco Mattiacci, the newly appointed North America CEO.

Over 500 guests and Ferrari aficionados, including John Mayer, Jeremy Renner, Patrick Dempsey, Aaron Eckhart, Joel McHale, Malin Ackerman, Mollie Simms, Katie Cassidy, had the opportunity to bid on Ferrari Formula One driver Fernando Alonso’s original racing suit (which raised $31,000) and on two experiences as a Scuderia Ferrari team member at the Canadian Gran Prix in Montreal next June (which went for $20,000 and $21,000).

In choosing recipients organizations which would deliver the highest caliber of aid to the people of Haiti now and in the long-term, Ferrari focused its ongoing commitment to social responsibility to a cause that close to everybody’s hearts and still in need of tremendous support. Both organizations have strong ties to Haiti, the CMMB working in Haiti since 1912 and Bill Clinton having been asked by President Obama to spearhead a Ú.S. effort there wîth the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund.

It was announced during the evening’s program that the Department of Orthopedics and Hand Surgery of the Úniversity of Modena, which has a longtime relationship wîth Ferrari, will make its knowledge and resources available to help CMMB in Haiti. In particular, Dr. Landi’s team of hand and microsurgery specialists, whose studies have been financed by Ferrari, will be an asset in the training and capacity-building for the Haitian medical community, in cooperation wîth CMMB’s extensive healthcare network in the country.

The F430 hails the arrival of a whole new generation of Ferrari V8-engined berlinettas. Every inch of the car was inspired by the engineering research carried out at Ferrari’s Gestione Sportiva F1 racing division. The result is a highly innovative design characterised by cutting-edge technologies perfected for use on a road-going car. The most important of these are the electronic differential (E-Diff ), initially developed by Ferrari for its F1 single-seaters and designed to make the most of the engine’s torque to optimise traction, and the handily placed steering wheel-mounted commutator switch (better known to the Scuderia’s drivers as manettino) which directly controls the integrated systems governing vehicle dynamics.

STYLING

The F430′s Pininfarina-designed shape is inspired by the car’s exceptional engineering. Each and every styling cue highlights the aggression and performance of a thoroughbred Ferrari. The F430′s nose is characterised by two distinctive air intakes that channel air into generously dimensioned radiators that cool the powerful engine.

CHASSIS

Just like its predecessor the 360 Modena, the F430 has an aluminium chassis. The choice of aluminium and the design methods used have allowed considerable structural stiffness and excellent driver and passenger protection to be combined with weight reduction.

ENGINE

The F430 is powered by a new 90° V8 featuring Ferrari’s traditionally uncompromising design approach with a flat-plane crank (180° between throws.) This is an all-new unit that does not share any components with the 360 Modena’s engine. Despite a 20% increase in engine displacement (from 3,586 to 4,308 cm3,) engine weight has grown minimally by just 4 kg, while performance is considerably improved across the board. Torque has increased by 25% (465 Nm at 5,250 rpm, 80% of which is already available at 3,500 rpm) and power by 23% (490 hp at 8,500 rpm.)

E-DIFF/E-DIFF ELECTRONIC DIFFERENTIAL

The E-Diff or electronic differential has been used for years in F1 single-seaters to guarantee maximum grip out of bends, eliminating wheel spin. On the road it is a formidable technological refinement that improves roadholding. The E-Diff consists of three main subsystems:

- a high-pressure hydraulic system, shared with the F1 gearbox (if present;)
- a control system consisting of valve, sensors and electronic control unit;
- a mechanical unit housed in the left side of the gearbox.

TRANSMISSION AND F1 GEARBOX

The F430 features a new cast aluminium transmission casing that houses the gearbox in unit with the electronic differential and bevel type final drive, as well as the engine oil tank.

The 6-speed gearbox incorporates multicone synchronizers, while both the 6th gear and the final drive have been lengthened to make the most of the greater power and torque of the new engine as well as to guarantee reliability.

MANETTINO AND VEHICLE DYNAMICS

Just like in Formula 1, the F430 driver can change various areas of the set-up of his car using a single selector set on the steering wheel. The manettino, as it is called by Scuderia Ferrari drivers, is a commutator switch that has been adopted directly from racing and allows the driver maximum efficiency and speed in controlling the car’s various functions. This switch quickly and simply controls the electronics governing suspension setting and the CST stability and traction control, E-Diff and the change speed of the F1 transmission, as well as the integration between each of these individual functions. The settings available to the driver have been concentrated in five different strategies. These, in ascending order according the level of performance, are: ICE: performance is significantly restricted (maximum intervention by the stability and traction control) for maximum stability – indispensable for driving in very slippery conditions (snow or ice.)

LOW GRIP: this position ensures stability both on dry and wet surfaces. It is therefore recommended for surfaces with poor grip (rain), gritty roads or particu-larly broken or undulating blacktop. In this configuration, unlike ICE, the driver can still use the F1 paddle shift.

SPORT: is the standard setting that strikes the best balance between stability and performance. Ideal for the open road, this position provides an optimum compromise for maximum performance in safety. Compared to the previous settings, SPORT adopts a more sporting configuration for the adaptive suspension to maximise performance, handling and stability at high speeds.

RACE: this setting must be used only on the race track. Gear changing is even faster to minimise gear shift times. CST intervention is reduced to a minimum (the engine management only cuts the engine when absolutely necessary.)

The 612 Scaglietti was the very first all-aluminium Ferrari 12-cylinder. It’s no surprise therefore, that it is named in honour of Sergio Scaglietti, the Modenese coachbuilder who worked with Enzo Ferrari in the early years of his great adventure, masterfully sculpting some of the most famous track and road-going Ferraris ever from that very metal (which is just a third of the specific weight of steel). Both the 612 Scaglietti’s chassis and bodywork are aluminium.

While the 612 Scaglietti has the heart of a sporty coupé, its luxurious dimensions and design are that of a surprisingly roomy Granturismo. Its deft Pininfarina styling is as innovative as its design, underscoring its dynamism and power. The result is an imposingly sculptural car with a long sleek bonnet, strong lines and signature scooped flanks borrowed from the famous Rossellini-Bergman 375 MM. The cockpit can be completely personalised at the client’s request, and features aluminium elements and handcrafted full-grain leather trim. A sporty yet sophisticated ambience that mirrors the model’s cutting-edge technologies, which include a wide range of features designed to deliver maximum driving pleasure and in-car comfort.

The 612 Scaglietti’s braking system features CCM (carbon ceramic material) discs, making it highly responsive and efficient even in the most intense driving conditions. The 612 Scaglietti’s brakes are also exceptionally resistant to fading and thus guarantee effective braking in high-stress driving situations. The use of CCM technology guarantees enhanced ride quality too. The 612 Scaglietti’s wheels have been selected for optimal performance and weight reduction.

The 19′ x 8 J front wheels and 19′ x 10 J rear wheels are cast in aluminium and a roller-coater is used on the channel for optimal distribution of the material (a sophisticated process that optimises the metallurgical qualities of the wheel). This led to a weight-saving of 10% compared to standard wheels of similar dimensions and design. The 612 Scaglietti’s big tyres (19′ 245 / 40 ZR and 19′ 285 /4 0 ZR) are the result of lengthy development work on the Fiorano circuit and out on the road to guarantee just the right level of comfort even in very high performance driving situations.

The 612 Scaglietti’s innovative panoramic stratified glass roof extends right across the top of the cockpit from windscreen to rear window, giving all four occupants a drop-top driving sensation of spaciousness and airiness. There are three tint level settings to allow occupants adjust the amount of sunlight allowed into the car.

Ferrari’s team of highly-experienced, passionate artisan cockpit trim experts ensure that every 612 Scaglietti leaves Maranello with an elegantly sophisticated and sporty cockpit honed to meet the tastes of its owner. This bespoke quality and exclusivity means that owners can choose from a range of dash panel inserts, seat trims and side panels. Exceptional attention is lavished on even smaller details, such as the door frames which are burnished if the dash is burnished or leather-trimmed, or aluminium if it is light aluminium. The dash sports a cluster of analogue and digital instruments which are laid out directly in front of the driver. Alongside the rev counter, which takes pride of place, there’s also a 5′ multifunctional display with innovative graphics offering a choice of three modes: base, trip computer and tyre pressure. The three-spoke steering wheel sports two Ferrari signatures, the manettino and the Engine Start button. The easy-to-reach main controls for the onboard infotainment system are also steering wheel-mounted. The dual zone climate control automatically adjusts cockpit temperature, humidity levels and ventilation. An 8-channel Surround Sound audio system was developed specifically for the cockpit so that the acoustics are on a par with the best Home Theatre system, in all driving conditions.

The 612 Scaglietti is powered by an imposing 5,748 cm³ 65° V12 that delivers 540 CV at 7,250 rpm, 98 CV more than the 456M’s 5,474 cm³ unit. The engine has been worked upon on various levels to optimise performance and improve fluid dynamics. Specifically, it boasts more direct air intake tracts with two ducts from the radiator grille opening on the front bumper, new exhaust system geometries and volumes to reduce back-pressure, a boosted compression ratio (11.2:1), and inlet tracts and exhaust porting with improved fluid dynamic characteristics. It is controlled by a Bosch Motronic ME7 ECU. Meticulous honing of the 612 Scaglietti’s dynamic handling has resulted in prompt yet smooth responsiveness, making it easier to control in all kinds of conditions.

The F1-type gearbox has become a signature on all Ferraris but the 612 Scaglietti also features the F1-SuperFast gearshifting strategy, already in use on the high performance 599 GTB Fiorano and 430 Scuderia berlinettas. This cuts gear-changing times (calculated on the basis of the so-called ‘acceleration gap’) to 100 ms in high performance situations. Drivers can also select a SPORT setting either using the manettino or the F1-S button on the F1 command console. The F1-S button only selects the gear shifting strategies of the F1 gearbox only in the SPORT/NORMAL positions. This will allow the car to be used in two other dynamic combinations: gear-changing in SPORT with manettino at the COMFORT setting or gear-changing in NORMAL with the manettino set at SPORT. The six-speed mechanical gearbox features the electro-hydraulic set-up, known as the F1A, which also has a new generation automatic mode to deliver improved driving comfort. The 612 Scaglietti’s gearbox now includes a new smaller diameter flywheel and twin-plate clutch, in unit with the engine too.

The 612 Scaglietti’s suspension features active damping and variable calibration for a high performance yet adaptive set-up. By tuning into the independent active aluminium dampers with coil springs, the system ‘reads’ the road surface characteristics (smooth, bumpy) and instantly evaluates the movements of both the car and suspension. The forged aluminium double wishbones front and rear are mounted on aluminium and rubber rose joints. They have anti-dive and anti-squat geometry to prevent the front diving under braking and the rear squatting under acceleration. The optimal handling-comfort compromise for the current driving style and road surface can be selected by choosing between Normal (softer calibration) or Sport (sporty driving) using the steering wheel-mounted GranTurismo manettino. In addition to its efficient suspension system, the car also sports electronic CST (Stability and Traction Control), ASR (Traction in Acceleration) and ABS.

The 599 GTO’s engine is directly derived from the 599XX unit implementing, however, the necessary modifications for road-going homologation. It thus complies with Euro 5 and LEV 2 standards. The 5999 cc 65-degree V12 engine punches out 670 CV at 8250 rpm with maximum torque of 620 Nm at 6500 rpm and there is a smooth, constant rush of power all the way to the redline with no loss of flexibility even at medium and low revs. This result was obtained by working on the fluid-dynamics and components to reduce internal friction and by adopting, amongst other things, the 599XX’s redesigned crankshaft. The car also has a racing-type intake system with a new manifold with diffuser-type intake geometry and short inlet tracts designed to improve power delivery at high revs and reduce losses. To maximise volumetric efficiency per cylinder, a connection between the two plenums at the front compensates for variations in the volume. This is how the engineers managed to achieve maximum performance at high engine speeds. The engine sound inside the car is carefully controlled to balance the intake sound with the exhaust, which features a 599XX-derived 6-into-1 manifold.The 599 GTO features the same, lower 60 ms shift times and the possibility to make multiple downshifts as on the 599XX.

One of the most significant innovations on the 599 GTO is the close correlation between the chassis set-up, which is close to the handling limit, and the input from the electronic controls which are developed to increase overall levels of performance.

Since the very earliest states of the two cars’ development, Maranello’s engineers worked to ensure that these two areas of the car would be seamlessly integrated thus pushing responsiveness to the limit. The result is, of course, superlative driving involvement as well as faster lap times. Apart from new springs and a stiffer rear anti-roll bar, the car also features a second generation magnetorheological suspension control system (SCM2). The suspension works in tandem with the VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control) and latest-generation F1-Trac traction control. This makes the car extremely responsive to driver inputs – thanks in part to the adoption of a very direct steering ratio – but also very stable under braking, sharper on turn-in, more precise in cornering and quicker out of corners.

The 599 GTO inherits much of the development work – using the same principles as employed in F1 – that went into making the 599XX such an extreme performance car. Reducing weight was a vital objective and the result was the widespread use of composites and components manufactured with technologies more akin to racing specifications. The areas involved include the bodywork and greenhouse (with thinner gauge aluminium and thinner glass), the brakes, transmission and exhaust system. The result is a dry weight of 1495 kg and a weight-to-power ratio of just 2.23 kg/hp, a very significant figure that underlines the GTO’s performance potential.

The 599 GTO’s aerodynamics have benefited significantly from Ferrari engineers’ experience in F1 and with the 599XX which allowed downforce to be greatly increased without impacting on drag. Thanks to solutions transferred from the track car to the road-going version, the GTO generates downforce of 144 kg at 200 km/h. The entire car was honed, including the front, the sides, the flat underbody and cooling flows. In the latter instance, the GTO can count on improved ducting to the brake discs and pads, and the adoption of wheel doughnuts – a disc positioned outside the brake disc that ensure that hot air exiting the wheelarch stays as close to the body of the car as possible to reduce drag.

Work on the nose of the car was aimed at reducing the width of the wake generated by the front and thus reduce drag. The front spoiler incorporates a separate lower wing that increases downforce at the front of the car and increases the flow of cooling air to the oil radiator. On the flanks there’s a new sill design with a more pronounced leading edge that improves the efficiency of the central section of the underbody. The underbody itself incorporates a new, lower front section with diffusers ahead of the front wheels to optimise downforce, and a new double-curve rear diffuser.

Here the difference in size between the front and rear tyres has been changed. The GTO’s front tyres are now 285/30 on a 9.5” channel with 315/35 on an 11.5” channel at the rear. The 599 GTO has 20” rims. Roll rigidity is greater at the rear to minimise understeer. These solutions guarantee improved lateral grip and quicker turn in.

The new CCM2 braking system is lighter and even more consistent in high performance situations. Its consistent coefficient of attrition meant that the ABS could be calibrated to a particularly high performance level, further reducing lap times, thanks to improved deceleration and shorter stopping distances. In fact, the 599 GTO boasts an excellent 100 to 0 km/h braking distance of just 32.5 metres. As well as their role in improving aerodynamics, the Formula 1-derived wheel doughnuts also improve braking efficiency by optimising brake cooling.

The car-driver interface was designed to maximise car and driver performance with a layout of the main commands that ensures absolute efficiency and minimum distraction. The Racing manettino also puts the emphasis firmly on sporty, track-specific driving settings by offering the driver full choice with regard to the electronic control parameters. The ICE position on the 599 GTB Fiorano has been replaced by CT-Off (traction control off). The GTO is also fitted with bespoke, longer carbon-fibre F1 paddles for easier use in high-speed driving. In addition the GTO also features the Virtual Race Engineer, a system that monitors the status of the car and gives the driver immediate visibility of vehicle performance.

The Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano is the most high performance 12-cylinder berlinetta ever built at Maranello. It boasts the most innovative and technologically advanced features ever to be used by Ferrari in a mid-front-engined two-seater, setting a whole new standard in terms of sportiness, design and driving pleasure.

The new generation F1 gearbox cuts overall gear-shift times to 100 ms by simultaneously implementing the various stages involved in changing gears: lifting off and declutching; disengaging then re-engaging the gear and then letting out the clutch. The speed of these operations is enhanced by the fact that gears engage in 40 ms. Simultaneous to this, however, is the combined disengaging of the clutch on lift-off and then re-engaging of the clutch as the power is fed back in.

Unlike traditional oleodynamic systems, magnetorheological (MR) fluid suspension systems react instantly to road conditions and driver inputs, thanks to the fact that they use a fluid the viscosity of which is modified by applying an electronically controlled magnetic field. For the driver, this translates to greatly improved body control, which in turn directly improves handling and road-holding thanks to optimal tyre grip. The result is a safer and more enjoyable driving experience, courtesy of reduced roll and greater control when accelerating, braking and cornering.

Lengthy testing in the wind tunnel at Ferrari has yielded excellent results in terms of both downforce and drag. The suction created under the car is now far superior to the lift generated by the upper part of the bodywork. The flying buttresses either side of the wraparound rear window help channel the air without increasing drag. The Cl – coefficient of lift – is 0.190 with a 160 kg aerodynamic load at 300 km/h and 190 at top speed. Similarly, the Cd – drag coefficient – is 0.336.

The steering wheel-mounted manettino vehicle dynamics control switch, available to our Formula 1 drivers since the 1996 season, has been further developed for the new 599 GTB Fiorano. It integrates the stability and F1-Trac traction control systems, the F1-SuperFast sequential gearbox, the SCM (Magnetorheological Suspension Control) fluid suspension and engine management unit, which means that the driver can instantly intervene on the car’s dynamic behaviour. The manettino settings can be changed to suit snowy or icy, wet or low grip situations. The driver can also select the sport and race settings. Its readouts are displayed on the new on-board Multi Display unit which also incorporates lap times and trip computer readouts.

The 559 GTB Fiorano’s cockpit is a fine balance of sportiness, warmth, artisan craftsmanship and bespoke personalisation. The passenger area features leather trim while the driver-car interface areas are finished in high tech carbon-fibre and aluminium. The arrival of the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano also added new features to the personalisation programme available to every Cavallino Rampante model. Four main areas are covered: Racing and Track; Exterior and Colours; Interior and Materials; Equipment and Travel. At the end of 2008, with the One-to-One personalisation programme, clients can visit a private Atelier in Maranello where they can tailor their car, by choosing materials and details to suit their own personal requirements and preferences.

The new Handling GTE (Handling Gran Turismo Evoluzione) package offers a series of features that further underscore the 599 GTB Fiorano’s sporty character. This optional kit was developed for owners that appreciate the model’s exceptional versatility and spec but are keen to embrace an even more dynamic driving experience. Technically, the package includes a modified set-up with stiffer springs and rear anti-roll bar as well as new calibration settings for the magnetorheological shock absorbers when the manettino is at its sportier settings (SPORT, RACE and CST). The ride height has also been lowered, which in turn lowers the car’s centre of gravity, improving body control. The latter is also enhanced by tyres specifically optimised for the Package and featuring a compound that offers even better grip. The F1 gearbox’s shifts are now even faster in high performance settings, while a new engine software strategy has improved accelerator response across the board. Stylistically, the package offers distinctive new sporty exterior and interior features with carbon-fibre widely used in the latter, lending the car a more track-inspired look.

The Ferrari 458 Italia’s Pininfarina design provides further evidence of the complete departure from the past that this new car hails. The Ferrari 458 Italia has a compact, aerodynamic shape, underscoring the concepts of simplicity, efficiency and lightness that inspired the project. As with every Ferrari, the car’s styling has been very heavily influenced by the requirements for aerodynamic efficiency, as can be seen from the downforce of 140 kg at 200km/h generated by the new model. The front features a single opening for the front grille and side air intakes, with aerodynamic sections and profiles designed to direct air to the coolant radiators and the new flat underbody. The nose also sports small aeroelastic winglets which generate downforce and, as speed rises, deform to reduce the section of the radiator inlets and cut drag.

The new 4499 cc V8 is the first Ferrari direct injection engine to be mid-rear mounted. It has a very low piston compression height typical of racing engines which contributed to achieving its compression ratio of 12.5:1. Equipped with the traditional flat-plane crankshaft, 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. Maximum torque is 540 Nm at 6000 rpm, over 80 per cent of which is available from 3250 rpm. Specific torque is a record 120 Nm/litre. However, what is truly extraordinary is the amount of torque available while still maintaining high levels of power at low revs.

This new Ferrari is also a major leap forward when it comes to cutting emissions. Despite the fact that the new engine is significantly more powerful than the V8s that preceded it, the Ferrari 458 Italia produces just 320 g/km of CO2 and fuel consumption is 13.7 l/100 km (combined cycle), the best in the entire segment.

The engineers also focused on weight reduction during the design phase for similar reasons. Consequently, the Ferrari 458 Italia has a dry weight of 1380 kg with a power-to-weight ratio of 2.42 kg/CV. Weight distribution is also optimal with 58 per cent over the rear axle. The result of the engineers’ endeavours can be summed up in to two simple statistics which together perfectly encapsulate the Ferrari 458 Italia’s exceptional performance: 0-100 km/h acceleration in under 3.4 seconds and a maximum speed in excess of 325 km/h.

For the new chassis, once more in aluminium, Maranello’s engineers incorporated various types of advanced alloys along with aerospace industry-derived manufacturing and bonding techniques.

The integration of the E-Diff and F1-Trac (now controlled by the same ECU) and their respective mappings is even greater, resulting in a 32 per cent increase in longitudinal acceleration out of corners compared to previous models. The evolution of the control logic, with even faster and more accurate calculation of levels of grip, ensures even greater roadholding, better handling and ease of control on the limit.

The same ECU also governs the high-performance ABS, providing even more precise control over the logic threshold and greater efficiency. The brakes also feature a prefill function whereby the pistons in the callipers move the pads into contact with the discs on lift off to minimise delay in the brakes being applied. This combined with the ABS has cut the 100-0 km/h braking distance to a mere 32.5 metres.

The Ferrari 458 Italia’s interior is another area of the car that exalts its sporty personality. The driver is welcomed by a new layout and a revolutionary ergonomic interface where the main controls are all clustered on the steering wheel.

The new berlinetta, which will flank the F430 Challenge in the Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli in the 2011 season, is the fifth model used by Ferrari in its one-make championship which, next year, will be extended to include a new Asia-Pacific series.

Coming just a few months after the Frankfurt Motor Show unveiling of the 458 Italia on which it is based, the 458 Challenge introduces a number of important modifications to adapt it for competition use.

The direct injection 4497 cc V8 remains strictly in production tune, with an output of 570 hp at 9,000 rpm. That said, modifications have been made to the gear ratios and calibration of its dual-clutch F1 gearbox to guarantee higher torque at lower revs. The 458 Challenge is also equipped with the E-Diff electronic differential already employed on the road-going version, a first for Ferrari’s track-only cars.

Significant work has also gone into cutting the car’s weight. This focused on both the exterior and interior with Ferrari’s engineers concentrating in particular on reducing the thickness of the bodyshell panels and on using lightweight materials, such as carbon-fibre and Lexan.

The new 458 Challenge also has a specific suspension set-up with solid aluminium bushings, stiffer springs, single-rate dampers, centre-nut 19′ racing rims, larger dimension Pirelli slicks and a ride height lowered by 30mm all round. It is also equipped with the new generation Brembo CCM2 brakes which debuted on the 599XX, Ferrari’s extreme experimental laboratory car, and which are integrated with an ABS system that features two configurations – low grip and high performance for dry surfaces.

Another first for a Ferrari Challenge model is the adoption of the F1-Trac traction control system, the most sophisticated of its kind. Developed in-house by Ferrari, the F1-Trac system constantly monitors levels of grip for maximum high-performance road-holding. Two specific track-biased calibrations – wet and dry – have been developed for this application, with control logic and strategies derived from Ferrari’s extensive racing experience in the F1 and GT championships. The F1-Trac is completely integrated with the E-Diff to guarantee maximum acceleration out of corners.

The required ABS, F1-Trac and E-Diff calibration settings are selected via the manettino on the steering wheel, the first time this solution has been adopted on a model developed for the Ferrari Challenge series. The driver can thus either chose from the WET or DRY configurations. In high grip conditions it is also possible to select CT-OFF to de-activate the F1-Trac traction control.

In the course of the intensive development sessions involved in honing the 458 Challenge for the track, the engineers also managed to improve the car’s lap time at Fiorano by two seconds over that of its predecessor, resulting in a new record of just 1’16.5′. Equally impressive is the amount of lateral grip the new car generates – up to 1.6G.

With the new 458 Challenge, Ferrari is offering its sportier clients – professional and gentlemen drivers alike – a car that is extremely responsive, with great performance and superb handling. This mid-rear V8-engined berlinetta will allow Ferrari Challenge participants to enjoy to the full the exhilarating cut and thrust of the race weekends on the world’s leading circuits, as well as the passion that has always been an integral part of Ferrari’s one-make championship.