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Ferrari, which just added the California convertible to its lineup this summer, has announced a new sports coupe: the 458 Italia.
The 458 Italia, a two-seater in the tradition of the company’s berlinetta models, will make a completely different statement from Ferrari about design, power and economy when it is unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.
Designed by Pininfarina, the 458 Italia clearly takes some styling cues from Ferrari’s racing-inspired $1 million Enzo (now out of production). The name, 458 Italia, comes from its new 4.5-liter V-8 engine, which will be mounted behind the cockpit in a midrear layout. The engine features direct fuel injection and the best horsepower-per-cylinder output of any Ferrari; it makes a total of 562 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque, yet offers improved fuel consumption and lower emissions than the F430’s 4.3-liter, 483-horsepower V-8.
Ferrari says the 458 Italia will go from zero to 60 in under 3.4 seconds. The 458 Italia will also have a relatively light curb weight of around 3,200 pounds.
Ferrari said the 458 Italia would go from zero to 60 miles an hour in “under 3.4 seconds,” which is at least a couple of tenths quicker than the rather heavy California. Top speed will exceed 200 miles an hour. Yet, Ferrari said the 458 Italia will be tractable enough, with its seven-speed dual clutch automatic transmission, to be an everyday driver “like all Ferrari’s recent models” (which really includes only the California).
Ferrari said its retired Formula One ace Michael Schumacher had helped design a cockpit layout in which all the key controls were mounted on the steering wheel.
The 458 Italia will arrive next year as a 2010 model. No word yet on pricing, but it will replace the F430, which has a base price of around $188,000.
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