| In 1973 Ferrari introduced the first of a long line | | | | seven speed dual clutch, which provides smooth |
| of V8 road cars. This initial model was called a | | | | shifts even at full throttle. A unique feature for a |
| Dino, after Ferrari's late son. The Dino 308GT4 | | | | V8 is three rear tailpipes. No, don't ask me how |
| was the precursor of the newest Ferrari the 458 | | | | they are connected to the engine. I have to |
| Italia. | | | | figure this one out myself. New sportier gear |
| Ferrari has a long history of naming car models | | | | ratios have been developed to match the new |
| for various features of the particular car. | | | | higher horsepower and torque curves that this |
| Sometimes it related to the cubic centimeter | | | | beast produces. |
| capacity of a single cylinder and other times to | | | | As with past Ferrari cars, this one was designed |
| the seating capacity. | | | | by Pininfarina. This company surpasses itself each |
| The 458 Italia derives its name both from its | | | | time with some of the most beautiful designed |
| displacement of 4.499 liters rounded to 4.5 and its | | | | cars ever to grace the highway and race track. |
| engine being a V8. The name differs a little from | | | | Besides the over 200 miles per hour top speed, |
| the last two models the 360 and 430 which both | | | | this car moves like few cars in the world, reaching |
| reflected a 3.6 liter and 4.3 liter engine. | | | | 62 miles per hour from a dead start in about 3.4 |
| This latest version is truly a masterpiece. Just | | | | seconds. How about that for merging on a |
| examine some of its specifications. As mentioned, | | | | freeway! The car also boasts a new E-Diff and |
| a 4.5 liter engine but this produces 570 | | | | F1-Trac both of which result in a 32 per cent |
| horsepower at 9,000 rpm, a speed that would | | | | increase in longitudinal acceleration out of corners |
| destroy the typical car engine. 398 lbs/ft torque | | | | compared to the last V8, the 430. |
| at 6,000 rpm. Boasting a 12.5 compression ratio | | | | Other noteworthy features include direct fuel |
| this is an awesome engine that will drive the | | | | injection, which is a first for the mid-rear mounted |
| 3,042 sports car to 202 miles per hour. | | | | engine, along with the unique but typical flat-plane |
| "The 458 Italia is designed for owners for whom | | | | crank that has been a staple for Ferrari for many |
| the priority is uncompromising on-road | | | | years. |
| performance with occasional track day capability, | | | | Stopping distance of only 107 feet from 62 miles |
| but who still demand a car that is useable in | | | | per hour is also a new record for this line. It is |
| day-to-day driving like all Ferrari's recent models." | | | | enabled by having the brake pads moved into light |
| This is according to the September Pilota | | | | contact with the discs on liftoff. This a new prefill |
| magazine produced by the Ferrari Owners Club. | | | | feature which minimizes delay when the brakes |
| This particular car benefits from the company's | | | | are again applies. |
| Formula One racing experience. It is show in the | | | | So all in all, this car represents a fantastic design, |
| technological features along with the strong | | | | Formula One technology, amazing performance |
| emphasis of an almost symbiotic relationship | | | | and carries on the tradition of the Ferrari |
| between driver and car. | | | | company of producing some of the most desired |
| Some of the technological transfers include a | | | | automobiles in the world. |