The 458 Italia replaces the F430 and unlike its predecessor which was a refreshening of the previous version, the 458 Italia goes in a completely different direction.

At first glance, the Enzo’s influence is blatently apparent, especially in the rear. It appears that certain styling cues have also been taken from the P4/5 Pininfarina one-off version of the Enzo. Definitely 2 great places to start. The one tailight per side taken from the 599 GTB Foriano is a nice touch and works even better for the 458. Another interesting detail is the trip exhausts which should look odd but surprisingly doesn’t.

Though definitely toned down when compared to the F430, the 458 Italia has a smooth, classic look to it while still having agressive bulges in all the right places. As always, Ferrari doesn’t disappoint in the styling department.

Now onto the bread and butter. A new direct-injected 4.5-liter V8 sits under the glass display in the rear and it’s the first Ferrari direct injection engine ever to be mid-rear mounted. Horsepower is an impressive 562 at its stratospheric 9000 rpm redline. 398 lb-ft of peak torque comes at 6000 rpm with 80% available at 3250rpm. Ferrari also reduced the curb weight by 155 to 3042 lbs. The result is a 0-62mph time under 3.4 seconds and top speed greater than 202mph making it the first ever “high volume” V8 Ferrari to break the coveted 200 mph barrier.

One question remains though. Will it be offered with a conventional manual?