Why 458 italia

The sports what many will regard as the classic Ferrari layout Matt Prior Editor-at-large. There has always been a bit of a contradiction about the notion of a junior Ferrari.

But, with a few notable exceptions, that is how the mid-engined V8-powered cars from Maranello have come to be known. So it was with the GTB, and the line of cars that followed. Now, though, things are changing at Ferrari. In the California , it has a fourth model line designed to cater for those wanting a slighter softer experience from their Prancing Horse. That in turn has given this Italia , the latest V8 Ferrari , the licence to move into more serious territory.

There is nothing remotely junior about bhp or a top speed in excess of mph. Numbers are one thing, though. What we are here to find out is if the new 'junior' has not only moved the game on, but also entered the rarefied ranks of the truly great Ferraris. F1 technology turns the F into one of the most exciting road cars we've ever driven. The ergonomic steering wheel featured the Manettino switch and the engine start button as its key elements.

On the other hand, the Speciale brought a more track-focused look to the cockpit, with richer use of carbon fiber and Alcantara. As a final touch, the steering wheel got its own rev counter, a track-focused feature borrowed from the racing programme. Also, the seats of the Speciale were lighter, providing better support and four-point harnessing.

There were two variants with a total production of under pieces: around for the Challenge series running from to and under 50 for the to Challenge Evo series.

Rarely seen in public, the SP12 EC was created by Centro Stile Pininfarina per request of one of the most prolific musicians and Ferrari collectors globally. The initials EC stand for Eric Clapton , and the famous musician wanted the car resembling a BB , getting a retro-inspired unique piece with unchanged mechanical components. Another British customer, alas anonymous, asked for a car inspired by the GTO, getting a car with a dramatic side profile completely different from the character of the standard Italia.

The MM was famously finished in white with an Italian tricolor flag running through the middle of the car. As of , the Ferrari is at its lowest price point. In theory, it is the least interesting collector Ferrari — it was made in big numbers and surpassed by the newer, more potent, and more desirable and the F8 Tributo.

On the contrary, it is slowly picking up traction to become a collectible Ferrari in decades to come. The right questions are how and why? As cars change, collectors do too. In the next ten years, the prospect of a somehow affordable Ferrari will clear out several examples, leaving the second-hand market with fewer and fewer pristine, well-cared examples.

The Speciale and the Speciale Aperta are definitely the variants to consider. These two are the ultimate expressions of the nameplates, and it also helps that they are just a blast to drive. Share Tweet. The later GTB had to add width to package the cooling and large air intakes necessary to feed its new turbos, and what it gained in aggression it lost in cleanliness.

All-aluminium with a degree vee, direct injection and sky-high Twitch your toe and the throttle bristles with response, and when you keep it pinned it soars and screams almost as though the rev needle might loop-the-loop. The followed the Scuderia in being offered only with an automatic transmission, but this was a new dual-clutch unit. Even the old automated manual was super-quick in the end, but the dual-clutch combined the engaging pop of those shifts with even more speed and sophistication.

The rides with a lovely supple gait, its compact dimensions make it unintimidating to place on the road, and the true magic lies in the playful balance of its handling.

I was there when the Italia soundly beat the more powerful if less vital-feeling McLaren MPC in magazine tests exactly a decade ago. Where have all the shabby Ferraris gone? Buy this recreation and enjoy the drive of a lifetime Lord, Fraud: The cash-strapped noble who destroyed his Ferraris for the insurance money. This is a modern classic for sure. Only some of them can hold a candle against the best cars.

F40 is the best supercar ever made even Jeremy said that, but in F40 lost its crown. What are your thoughts on the Italia being the best ferrari of all?

The is a cracking car, but over an F I mean in everyday traffic yes, but the grip and precision combined with the imminent threat of turbos spooling, it must be more of an experience to drive. And the had a history of catching fire. Pista for me. I like the slightly more aggressive design over the But I would still take a without a doubt! Aged well even with the paint chipping off. What a design indeed.