Tuesday 15th September 2009

Ferrari 458 Wows Frankfurt Crowds

Full technical specs and new pictures

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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. Click here

 

 

 

[son of clarkson]

the first good looking ferrari since the 355 apart from the slack jaw under the headlights, what a shame................

[Gizmo!]

Looks like a striking snake. Utterly gorgeous in a way Ferraris haven't been recently.

[R360]

Think this is an absolute stunner!

[JumpinJack]

I really like this car. Definately one of the best looking ferraris. But there's one thing that's bugging me, the wheels arches seem a bit far spaced from the wheels. Makes it look a bit kit car-ish.... IMO

[dwilkie]

Maybe I'll like it when I see it, but at the moment it just doesn't get the blood pumping I'm afraid - though I suspect I'm in a minority

[emicen]

Looks like a Gallardo and a Noble M400 got to humping imho.

Not a fan.

[DeadMeat_UK]

mama-mia !

[W00DY]

Why does everyone love this car? I think It's incredibly ill proportioned with a massive cockpit bubble compared to the flattened front and rear. The details are eve worse! The mirrors are ghastly and the headlamp/slash thing is fking horrible. Interior looks like it belongs in a Nissan

Edited by W00DY on Tuesday 15th September 14:27

[Twincharged]

I'm not a fan- that nose is what puts me off. The radiator grille looks like a big chunk of shiny plastic, and the bonnet gap next to the headlights immediately brings poor panel gaps to mind!

[Jezza30]

Looks like an MR2 replica

[Mr Gear]

Looks good. Not the most eye-catching Ferrari ever, but definitely a good 'un.

The interior looks really tacky though.

[caymanred]

love it all, very nice....except for the little vent like gap inside each front light on the front bonnet, looks the its been left slightly open!

[Riyazc]

Question i have is where will the number plate go?

Covering that silver prancing horse on the lower front would be criminal, and a square plate offset to the side will look odd.

Love it though ... old english white and chocolate leather

Edited by Riyazc on Tuesday 15th September 14:42

[Beirut Taxi]

I really want to see a head to head of the Ferrari 458 vs Mclaren MP4-12C.

Should be a really good showdown!


My thoughts when looking at the pictures of the 458? ... WOW!!!

This is the best looking Ferrari since the 355.

Edited by Beirut Taxi on Tuesday 15th September 14:43

[escargot]

:drool:

[GG89]

Really like this but the exhausts don't do it for me...bit much

[G4HKS]

Love the car, looks, performance the lot. Went off Ferrari years ago, this may just tempt me back in.

[vandercliewjs]

When I first saw the pictures I thought it was great... Possibly the best looking Ferrari since the 355... But the more I look at it, the more I dislike it. I just can't get past the front lights and interior.

Hope it looks better in the flesh

Edited by vandercliewjs on Tuesday 15th September 15:06

[alexpez]

Anyone else think it looks like a Peugeot from the front?

pez

[Simond001]

Exterior is OK.

Interior looks like they have bought a stick on leather dash kit to cover the plastic. All those edges and crevices to try and keep clean. Not good.