The Ferrari 458 Italia is an all-new model for 2010.Though constructed mostly of aluminum, the Italia is nevertheless a tad heavier than the car it replaces. The Italia's direct-injected 4.5-liter V8 screams to a 9,000-rpm redline and produces 562 horsepower. There are significant ergonomic foibles in the new car to be sure (the turn signals are triggered by buttons on the steering wheel, for instance). The 2010 Ferrari 458 Italia is a two-seat exotic sports car available in one coupe body style and a single trim.
Standard are 20-inch aluminum alloy wheels, performance tires, carbon-ceramic brakes, adjustable driving and vehicle settings, automatic xenon headlights, keyless entry, dual-zone climate control, leather upholstery and trim, a power-adjustable tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel (with buttons for the turn signals, wipers, lights, ignition, suspension and other vehicle settings), Bluetooth and a sound system with an auxiliary audio jack.
Optional features include forged aluminum alloy wheels, 19-inch run-flat tires, adaptive headlights, front and rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, cruise control, power seats, four different seat design choices, four-point race belts, faux suede upholstery and/or carpet, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, auto-dimming exterior mirrors, a navigation system, an iPod interface, satellite radio and a premium sound system.
The 2010 Ferrari 458 Italia is powered by a 4.5-liter V8 that sends 562 hp and 398 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels through a seven-speed, dual-clutch automated manual transmission. A traditional manual transmission isn't offered. Ferrari estimates that the 458 Italia will go from zero to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds.
The 2010 Ferrari 458 Italia comes with antilock carbon-ceramic brakes, traction and stability control, and side airbags. To free up space for the enlarged transmission paddle shifters, Ferrari did away with traditional steering wheel column stalks.
