Having wound us all up to fever pitch with a series of pre-launch photographs, Ferrari is once again spending press day fending off hordes of drooling journalists.
You might have thought that cool objectivity would be the watchword for the usually dismally cynical motoring press, but not when there's a new Ferrari involved. The bunfight over press kits and entry onto the stand was something to behold, but you'll be pleased to know that your dedicated editor fought his way through the crowds and managed to scramble into the 458 Italia's driving seat.
First thoughts about the new machine are that it's even more delectable in the metal than in those pictures we've all raved about. The rear end - viewed slightly from above - is my favourite angle, although the front (particularly the headlamps) feels slightly less exotic from certain angles.
Inside the car is an absolute delight, with a spacious cabin, grippy flat-bottomed wheel (with damper control, indicators, lights and wipers, as well as the Manettino and shift paddles at your finger tips) and broad, comfortable, carbon-shelled seats.
With its new 4,449cc engine making a hefty 570hp, and all Ferrari's latest technological advances, this is surely a car that will live up to the hype. We can't wait to find out what it's like to drive, but meanwhile there's a full official press release to digest.
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