by Kevin Yue

Created on: September 01, 2009   Last Updated: November 23, 2009

Announced just recently, Ferrari's upcoming 458 Italia is set to take the entry level position from the F430 after just a few short years on the shelf.

The styling of the new Ferrari is decidedly unique and differentiates itself from the design of the past two entry-level Ferrari's. The F430 design looked to be closely related to the design of the 360 Modena, although most of the body panels were different. This new design may lead the way for a new design language from Maranello, a bit more risky and sharp than before. Elegance and beauty is replaced with sharp lines and dynamic shapes in the 458.

Although the overall design of the car can be polarizing, the car really seems to shine in the technical aspects, at least on paper. Ferrari was hard pressed to create an entry level supercar better than the great F430, but the drive train seems to have improved in many ways. Of course, the car is based on the familiar MR layout, with a high compression (12.5:1!) 4.5L direct-injection V8 behind the driver. Power is bumped up to 562hp, with 398lb-ft of torque, 80% of which is available at a relatively low 3250RPM. The engine red lines at 9000RPM, a number typically reserved for motorcycles, let alone a V8.

All of this output will be put to the ground via a seven speed dual clutch gearbox. The aluminium chassis helps keep the car at a low 3042 (dry) lbs. As for the numbers, the car is estimated to do 0-100KM/H in a blistering 3,4s and top out at 202MPH.

So, we can assume the car will be just as successful as the outgoing model in just about every way. I'm personally still a bit unsatisfied with the design of the exterior. When I first saw the large rear fenders on the test mule, I was hoping they would be reworked for the production version, but apparently not. To condense the entire design of the body, I could say that it's a baby Enzo put through a hot wash cycle. This is especially apparent when viewing the car from the bird's eye view, you really notice the defined rear fenders. I'm just not very happy with the car from several angles. The sides of the car look a bit awkward, with the large, sharp creases in the bodywork that seem to come out of nowhere and transition into nothingness. The bottom of the body, below the doors, reminds me of the familiar bodywork of the F430. But everything else, it's all quite different. The greenhouse looks a bit odd, and helps differentiate itself from the Enzo with its thin C-pillar, but I really don't like the black section

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