Unmistakably Ferrari 458; Italian beast

Owning a Ferrari is a very  special, unique privilege. Many super luxury sport car freaks love the Ferrari, but regrettably, not all of them have the extra bucks to acquire this solid piece of metal that have carefully molded to suit its followers. The 458 Italia pulled mammoth crowds on its debut at 2009’s Frankfurt Motor show.

Every Ferrari is the result of an uncompromising design approach that integrates styling and aerodynamic requirements. It’s amazing looks blended modern, F1-derived (Formula-1) aerodynamics with retro details like the Ferrari F40-inspired exhausts.

The 458 Italia’s volumes have been honed to a compact and aerodynamic shape by Pininfarina and the Ferrari Centro Stile with the themes of purity, simplicity, technology, efficiency and lightness underpinning the concept.

No doubt, this is unmistakably a Ferrari, incorporating the characteristics that have become a signature of every car that leaves Maranello. Yet it is also clearly a significant leap forwards from the sporty mid-rear V8 cars that preceded it.

From a glorious past showcased at the Ferrari Museum to the bright future exemplified by the Ferrari World Abu Dhabi theme park, more than 50 Ferrari Stores worldwide and an extensive licensing programme, the brand remains a record-breaker both in Italy and worldwide.

Ferrari has always been choosing the best possible partners to reach its goals in terms of excellence and highest quality in the production of Ferrari road cars.

Getting into the low-slung 458 may be a bit of a struggle for owners because of its built (and getting out would be even more difficult!), but once inside, the car’s Ferrari-ness is simply overwhelming. Soft, very high quality tan leather everywhere, chunky steering wheel with the Ferrari emblem embossed in the centre and gearshift paddles mounted behind the steering wheel, all added to the inescapable sense of occasion.

All controls for the vehicle that we have become accustomed to being on the steering column and controlling turn signals, windscreen wipers and washers, headlamp high beams, have been moved to the steering wheel itself.

Navigation system, located on the right side dash pod, is definitely a step up from the previous versions offered in the branded Becker radios. Still far from the most user-friendly, it is an excellent progression and can help you find your way should you become astray during your next rally.

The same screen that provides you very accurate mapping information will also allow you to view a movie and any other video file that you may wish to play through the CD/DVD player that is conveniently located in the passenger’s side glove compartment.

The video display disappears as soon as a speed signal is detected from the vehicle, so no driving and watching videos while approaching those upper speed limits.

Located on the left side dash pod is digital version of the oil and water temperature, oil pressure and battery voltage. This is also where the tire pressure/temperature info is displayed as well. There is a new VDA system that will tell what condition tyres, engine and brake rotors are if you are at the track. White for cold and not quite ready, green for ready to go, of course and red for “we have a problem.”

Performance is impressive, with the zero-to-60 mph sprint dispatched in just 3.3 seconds on the way to a 201-mph top speed. Even more note-worthy is the Ferrari’s handling – the car

feels like it’s hard-wired to the driver’s synapses, responding to control inputs with lightning alacrity yet remaining extremely forgiving  for less advanced drivers.

Helping to make the 458 Italia’s sublime driving dynamics possible is a rigid, lightweight aluminum chassis that features advanced alloys and aerospace industry manufacturing and bonding techniques. The suspension is composed of a twin wishbone/multi-link setup, and an electronic rear differential helps apportion power so as to make the best of use of available traction.

Standard carbon fiber brakes are extremely fade-resistant and effective at bringing the 458 Italia down from extra-legal speeds.

Inside, the cabin is a postmodern collection of abstract shapes and flowing lines. The look isn’t for everyone, but materials and craftsmanship are first-rate.

MIKE OCHONMA