First drive of the Ferrari 458 Italia on the track
Discussion
Its not everyday a mate hands you the keys to a brand new 458 and says take it out for a couple of laps. That day occurred this Sunday at Elvington (York). The keys to a brand new 2 day old 458 Italia were shoved into my hand and promptly told to go and drive it...... So the next few sentences are my version of a dream come true.
The red start button is situated on the busy steering wheel (see pic), press of the brake pedal and and the button kicks the engine into life. Like most modern Ferrari's it has a nice 'tune' to the exhaust but IMHO a bit quiet for my liking but that's just me. The car starts in Auto so a quick press of the auto button puts it into manual mode. The handbrake is automatically on but as soon as you engage gear, very smoothly I might add, and start moving forward the handbrake disengages itself automatically. It pulls away nice and smoothly and another tug of the right paddle engages 2nd gear quicker than the eye can blink (at least according to Mr Clarkson). Having driven both my Strad and a friends Scud the gear change is in another league in both terms of speed and smoothness.
The manteno is set at Sport and the exhaust noise starts screaming at around 4k revs and it really does sound like an F1 car. First lap is taken fairly sedately but up to speeds where 7th gear is engaged. The 2nd lap Race mode is engaged and straight away the car feels more alive and the exhaust noise rises a few more decibels. Speeds pick up a bit more through the coned off course and you can really get a better understanding of the handling. The car feels so solid and the front end is so much more planted than any 360, Strad or 430 I've experienced. There's loads of feedback through the steering and tells you everything the car is doing underneath you.
It was a quick couple of laps and I wasn't pushing it anywhere near its limits but a few passenger laps off an ex racer a few minutes later really did show the true talents of the car and his quote was "the best car he's ever driven". The acceleration felt quicker than the LP640 (quickest car 0-100 I've driven) and the speed that it carried through the chicane was just mind blowing with no hint of understeer and so much grip.
Listening and watching the car accelerate it really does go quickly and the air is filled with nice little exhaust 'pops' as the phenomenally quick gear changes are made.
The downsides, not sure I like all of the controls on the steering wheel - it looks a bit cluttered and I much prefer the analogue speedo and rev counters vs the digital ones.
The 458 really is as good as many of the reports you've probably read, the only thought I have is it too good ? Compared to my Strad it is undeniably a big step on but with so much grip and acceleration the driver involvement doesn't keep you on the edge of your seat like the Strad does. A 458 Strad/Scud version would be a very interesting proposition.
Anyway thought I'd share some of my experiences of the 458, I'm sure you're all going to be seeing a lot more of this one - little birdie tells me it maybe joining a fast fleet magazine very shortly.
Rick
![](http://thumbsnap.com/sc/bBS0dqwv.jpg[/img]</a> <a href="http://thumbsnap.com/MTidTmPE" Target="_blank">[img]http://thumbsnap.com/sc/MTidTmPE.jpg[/img]</a> <a href="http://thumbsnap.com/bBS0dqwv" Target="_blank">[img]http://thumbsnap.com/sc/bBS0dqwv.jpg[/img]</a> <a href="http://thumbsnap.com/XodYWmR2" Target="_blank">[img]http://thumbsnap.com/sc/XodYWmR2.jpg[/img]</a> <a href="http://thumbsnap.com/r8KPqcDC" Target="_blank">[img]http://thumbsnap.com/sc/r8KPqcDC.jpg)
The red start button is situated on the busy steering wheel (see pic), press of the brake pedal and and the button kicks the engine into life. Like most modern Ferrari's it has a nice 'tune' to the exhaust but IMHO a bit quiet for my liking but that's just me. The car starts in Auto so a quick press of the auto button puts it into manual mode. The handbrake is automatically on but as soon as you engage gear, very smoothly I might add, and start moving forward the handbrake disengages itself automatically. It pulls away nice and smoothly and another tug of the right paddle engages 2nd gear quicker than the eye can blink (at least according to Mr Clarkson). Having driven both my Strad and a friends Scud the gear change is in another league in both terms of speed and smoothness.
The manteno is set at Sport and the exhaust noise starts screaming at around 4k revs and it really does sound like an F1 car. First lap is taken fairly sedately but up to speeds where 7th gear is engaged. The 2nd lap Race mode is engaged and straight away the car feels more alive and the exhaust noise rises a few more decibels. Speeds pick up a bit more through the coned off course and you can really get a better understanding of the handling. The car feels so solid and the front end is so much more planted than any 360, Strad or 430 I've experienced. There's loads of feedback through the steering and tells you everything the car is doing underneath you.
It was a quick couple of laps and I wasn't pushing it anywhere near its limits but a few passenger laps off an ex racer a few minutes later really did show the true talents of the car and his quote was "the best car he's ever driven". The acceleration felt quicker than the LP640 (quickest car 0-100 I've driven) and the speed that it carried through the chicane was just mind blowing with no hint of understeer and so much grip.
Listening and watching the car accelerate it really does go quickly and the air is filled with nice little exhaust 'pops' as the phenomenally quick gear changes are made.
The downsides, not sure I like all of the controls on the steering wheel - it looks a bit cluttered and I much prefer the analogue speedo and rev counters vs the digital ones.
The 458 really is as good as many of the reports you've probably read, the only thought I have is it too good ? Compared to my Strad it is undeniably a big step on but with so much grip and acceleration the driver involvement doesn't keep you on the edge of your seat like the Strad does. A 458 Strad/Scud version would be a very interesting proposition.
Anyway thought I'd share some of my experiences of the 458, I'm sure you're all going to be seeing a lot more of this one - little birdie tells me it maybe joining a fast fleet magazine very shortly.
Rick
ks! 
Thanks for that Rick..
Andy and I only really bought this car because of the sheer level of demand we've experienced at 6th Gear since it appeared on Top Gear etc last year. Without sounding pompous I wasn't even really looking forward to it that is until I drove it back from Surrey on Friday with 37 miles on the clock.
It came via Bramley based near Guildford - decent set of chaps there too, although it was originally from Dick Lovett's a couple of days before that. Since the feedback I got trying to locate a 458 from Ferrari dealers (ranging from polite indifference to sheer blo*dy arrogance)was so negative we had to deal through a third party. Its the last time I'll ever ring a Ferrari salesman believe me. I hope their reading this because I wasn't a timewaster you divs. Thank god Lambo salespeople arent like that. Had to pay a hefty premium of course but its here now and thats what matters.
But much as though I wanted to dislike this car it is very very good. I arent going to repeat whats written about it already but as Rick says it's got grip like I've never come across before in a road car. I'm amazed at the box in auto mode too - if you have a Range Rover then you will be at home in a 458 - it's as seamless and smooth as any luxury car - great for when you need to get from A to B and you arent in the mood.
Few gripes though
Yes the indicators on the wheel are a pain - if you have had a tiptronic Porsche you will be using them to change gear for a while. Also at night the windscreen wiper button and (get this) the headlight button are not backlit. Yet the 'sport damper' button is! Looks like Ferrari know where their priorities are then.. It's blo*dy annoying though fumbling around on fast country roads looking for the wipers.
I'm not a fan either of the on/off blaring exhaust valve noise when it hits the 5000rpm in Sport mode (3000rpm in Race mode)which is of course similar in the 430 or 360 Stradale. But it is what it is. That said between 7000 to 9000 it takes on that hard F1 style sound - fantastic. Can't help but grin constantly.
If it's attention you want it even beats the Murcielago which is itself a mobile carnival. With the 458 though almost everyone knows what it is..
I've spent three days in it now with my backside hardly out of the seat. Best Ferrari I've ever driven. Its going to get some hammer mind this year. Be interesting to see how it copes..
Andy and I only really bought this car because of the sheer level of demand we've experienced at 6th Gear since it appeared on Top Gear etc last year. Without sounding pompous I wasn't even really looking forward to it that is until I drove it back from Surrey on Friday with 37 miles on the clock.
It came via Bramley based near Guildford - decent set of chaps there too, although it was originally from Dick Lovett's a couple of days before that. Since the feedback I got trying to locate a 458 from Ferrari dealers (ranging from polite indifference to sheer blo*dy arrogance)was so negative we had to deal through a third party. Its the last time I'll ever ring a Ferrari salesman believe me. I hope their reading this because I wasn't a timewaster you divs. Thank god Lambo salespeople arent like that. Had to pay a hefty premium of course but its here now and thats what matters.
But much as though I wanted to dislike this car it is very very good. I arent going to repeat whats written about it already but as Rick says it's got grip like I've never come across before in a road car. I'm amazed at the box in auto mode too - if you have a Range Rover then you will be at home in a 458 - it's as seamless and smooth as any luxury car - great for when you need to get from A to B and you arent in the mood.
Few gripes though
Yes the indicators on the wheel are a pain - if you have had a tiptronic Porsche you will be using them to change gear for a while. Also at night the windscreen wiper button and (get this) the headlight button are not backlit. Yet the 'sport damper' button is! Looks like Ferrari know where their priorities are then.. It's blo*dy annoying though fumbling around on fast country roads looking for the wipers.
I'm not a fan either of the on/off blaring exhaust valve noise when it hits the 5000rpm in Sport mode (3000rpm in Race mode)which is of course similar in the 430 or 360 Stradale. But it is what it is. That said between 7000 to 9000 it takes on that hard F1 style sound - fantastic. Can't help but grin constantly.
If it's attention you want it even beats the Murcielago which is itself a mobile carnival. With the 458 though almost everyone knows what it is..
I've spent three days in it now with my backside hardly out of the seat. Best Ferrari I've ever driven. Its going to get some hammer mind this year. Be interesting to see how it copes..
Simon, glad to hear you like your new toy.
I drove one at Silverstone last year and like others have said was amazed at the cars abilities. As I was track driving I did not pay too much attention to the cars general ergonomics.
What I found was a car that I think almost anyone could drive at a silly speed without getting into any real trouble. Your ability to put your foot to metal way before the apex of a turn and let it sort its self out was a wonder to behold, but on the flip side also its greatest problem. How can I say this, this car is almost too good. With all the drivers aids on the driver is taking away from the front line and you feel like you are giving orders remotely.
Now with this level of performance I acknowledge why they are there, but it does take away from that seat of the pants driving exp.
I had an opportunity later in my drive to switch the nannies off; the car was transformed into a complete beast. My skill level was just not good enough to string a decent lap together and I ended up going nearly six seconds slower.
Have you tried it with the toys turned off yet as I would be interested to hear from someone with a lot more exp of these things than me
I drove one at Silverstone last year and like others have said was amazed at the cars abilities. As I was track driving I did not pay too much attention to the cars general ergonomics.
What I found was a car that I think almost anyone could drive at a silly speed without getting into any real trouble. Your ability to put your foot to metal way before the apex of a turn and let it sort its self out was a wonder to behold, but on the flip side also its greatest problem. How can I say this, this car is almost too good. With all the drivers aids on the driver is taking away from the front line and you feel like you are giving orders remotely.
Now with this level of performance I acknowledge why they are there, but it does take away from that seat of the pants driving exp.
I had an opportunity later in my drive to switch the nannies off; the car was transformed into a complete beast. My skill level was just not good enough to string a decent lap together and I ended up going nearly six seconds slower.
Have you tried it with the toys turned off yet as I would be interested to hear from someone with a lot more exp of these things than me
Gassing Station | Supercar General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff