Ferrari 458 Italia
I’m not really sure it could have been anything else. Whilst it is not a car that’s available for everyone due to the cost, that doesn’t in any way detract from the power, performance, style and ability of the Ferrari 458 Italia – this is why it is the Car Articles Car of the Year 2009.
The Ferrari F430 was for a long time the pinnacle of sports car performance – until, that is, it was beefed up into the Scuderia version. Then, we found out that a replacement was on the way and some initial images showed something that everyone took to be a concept. How shocked we all were when it became a reality.
Ferrari has a history of making cars that push the boundaries and the Ferrari 458 Italia is no different. There’s active aerodynamics (two fins at the front that deform to reduce drag), an engine shooting out 562bhp that’s naturally aspirated, a seven speed dual clutch gearbox, an electronic differential, the Manettino switch and so on.
Perhaps the biggest change over the F430 is the refinement levels in the cabin. The Italia is beautiful inside and everything is oriented to the driver. So much so, that many of the ancillary controls are on the steering wheel. Everything is bespoke and every time you’re in the car it’ll be an occasion (one where you’ll be fighting no doubt to keep your license).
The Ferrari 458 Italia is available from around £160,000 – but don’t be surprised if it’s sold out already.
I hope that you’re happy with the choice – if not let me know what you would have picked!
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