Ferrari is the pinnacle of automotive excellence. At the Prancing Horse, a new thoroughbred has been born after months of speculation and spy shots. Maranello has finally revealed the mid-engined V8 replacement for the Ferrari F430.

These are the first official pictures and details of the Ferrari 458 Italia.

The Ferrari 458 Italia draws inspiration from the Enzo and takes a new look influenced by the Mille Chili concept car.

Ferrari has confirmed that the car, codenamed F142 and long rumored to be named the F450, will be called the 458 Italia. The name comes from the powerplant: the “45″ in 458 Italia stands for 4.5 liters of deplacemant and the “8″ stands for eight cylinders. Ferrari claims it has the highest specific output of any normally aspirated car engine.

It certainly has more in common with superbikes than cars; at 127 bhp per liter, the specific output is greater than that of many turbocharged engines.

The high-revving 4498cc V8 has very light internal parts and tiny piston skirts, resulting in low rotation inertia and a 12.5:1 compression ratio. It puts out 562 bhp at 9000 rpm, 500 rpm higher than the 430. That makes it the highest-revving Ferrari road car ever.

It means the 458 Italia will be ferociously fast, and Ferrari claims it will sprint to 62 mph (100 km/h) in under 3.4 sec on its way to a top speed of 202 mph (325 km/h).

While advanced engine electronics and lightweight parts underpin the extra performance, this will be the first mid-engined application of Ferrari’s direct injection fuel system, which appeared first on the front-engined California. It also runs Ferrari’s now traditional flat-plane crankshaft.

The 458′s engine will be one of the most flexible in Ferrari’s history, too, with 398 lb ft of torque arriving at 6000 rpm. While that sounds peaky, it’s only two-thirds of the way through the 458′s rev range, and over 80 percent (318 lb ft) is available from 3250 rpm.

The direct fuel injection has also helped cut CO2 emissions, producing a claimed 320 g/km of CO2, even though it is faster and produces significantly more power than the 483 bhp F430 and the 508 bhp 430 Scuderia.

Ferrari learned a lot developing the seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox for the California and it has had to do even more development to fit the unit into the 458 Italia’s engine bay, under the curvaceous glasshouse.

The dual-clutch unit from the California has been modified with different ratios and now shifts even faster than the 430 Scuderia’s 0.06 sec. The gearbox’s shift style is likely to be slightly more aggressive than the California’s.

The E-Diff differential and the F1-Trac skid control system have long been the flagship carryover technologies from Formula 1, but the 458 Italia takes them even further and adds another piece of F1-derived technology to the brakes.

Instead of using individual ECUs for the E-Diff and F1-Trac, the 458 Italia has one ECU to control both (as well as the ABS system), resulting in streamlined processing and communication. Ferrari claims a 32% increase in acceleration over the F430 (itself no slouch) out of corners.

The brakes feature a new system called ‘prefill.’ When the driver’s foot lifts off the throttle, the pistons in the calipers move the pads towards the discs; that helps to reduce the stopping distance from 62 mph (100 km/h) to just 107.25 ft (32.5 m).

Ferrari has used its experience from designing the 430 Scuderia’s suspension to create the 458 Italia’s double wishbone front set-up and multi-link rear end, all bolted directly to the aluminum chassis. It’s been developed with the help of Michael Schumacher, who was spotted testing the car.

Ferrari has close ties to aluminum specialist Alcoa, which has built a factory near Modena to produce chassis for the firm. The 458 Italia’s frame uses ideas from both the 430 Scuderia and the Mille Chili concept car.

It uses more advanced bonding techniques than the 430 did, along with manufacturing processes more in line with the aero industry.

While the 458 was designed by Pininfarina, the shape has been developed using Ferrari’s F1 wind tunnel. The bases of the black intakes in the front bumper deform at speed, closing up the intakes and reducing drag. These intakes also provide downforce and feed air through the radiators ahead of the front wheels.

The car’s shape makes air curve around the cabin and run over the intergrated tail spoiler. The flat undertray enhances the effects of the rear diffuser to create 308 lb (140 kg) of downforce at 125 mph (201 km/h).

Inside, the 458 Italia will take the opportunity created by the more luxurious California to become the sportiest V8 in the family. Ferrari says the steering wheel and dashboard are “new innovations in production cars”; expect a development of the firm’s wheel-mounted manettino switch.

The 458 will be built alongside the California in a new production facility at Maranello.

The car will be launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September and is expected to go on sale next spring. It will be more expensive than the F430, so expect prices to be estimated at $250,000 plus.

What’s your impression of the new Ferrari 458 Italia? You can learn more here: http://www.ferrari.com/English/Pages/Home.aspx.

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ITALIA – Ferrari’s innovative new V8 

The 458 Italia is the latest incarnation of the mid-rear engined berlinetta and will be unveiled at the next Frankfurt Motor Show

Maranello, July 28th 2009 – While it’s true that every Ferrari is innovative by definition, it’s equally true that in the course of the Prancing Horse’s history, certain cars have marked a genuine departure from the current range. This is very much the case with the Ferrari 458 Italia, which is a massive leap forward from the company’s previous mid-rear engined sports cars.

The new model is a synthesis of style, creative flair, passion and cutting-edge technology, characteristics for which Italy as a nation is well-known. For this reason Ferrari chose to add the name of its homeland to the traditional figure representing the displacement and number of cylinders.

The Ferrari 458 Italia is a completely new car from every point of view: engine, design, aerodynamics, handling, instrumentation and ergonomics, just to name a few.

A two-seater berlinetta, the Ferrari 458 Italia, as is now traditional for all Ferrari’s road-going cars, benefits hugely from the company’s Formula 1 experience. This is particularly evident in the speed and precision with which the car responds to driver inputs and in the attention focused on reducing internal friction in the engine for lower fuel consumption than the F430, despite the fact that both overall displacement and power have increased. However, Ferrari’s track experience makes its presence felt in the 458 Italia not only in terms of pure technological transfer but also on a more emotional level, because of the strong emphasis on creating an almost symbiotic relationship between driver and car. The 458 Italia features an innovative driving environment with a new kind of steering wheel and dashboard that is the direct result of racing practice. Once again input from Michael Schumacher – who was involved from the very start of the 458 Italia project – played an invaluable part.

The Ferrari 458 Italia’s Pininfarina design provides further evidence of the complete departure from the past that this new car hails. The Ferrari 458 Italia has a compact, aerodynamic shape, underscoring the concepts of simplicity, efficiency and lightness that inspired the project. As with every Ferrari, the car’s styling has been very heavily influenced by the requirements for aerodynamic efficiency, as can be seen from the downforce of 140 kg at 200km/h generated by the new model. The front features a single opening for the front grille and side air intakes, with aerodynamic sections and profiles designed to direct air to the coolant radiators and the new flat underbody. The nose also sports small aeroelastic winglets which generate downforce and, as speed rises, deform to reduce the section of the radiator inlets and cut drag.

The new 4499 cc V8 is the first Ferrari direct injection engine to be mid-rear mounted. It has a very low piston compression height typical of racing engines which contributed to achieving its compression ratio of 12.5:1. Equipped with the traditional flat-plane crankshaft, the engine delivers 570 CV at 9000 rpm and, with an outstanding power output of 127 CV/litre, sets a new benchmark not only for the whole Ferrari range and the history of company, but also for the entire market segment. Maximum torque is 540 Nm at 6000 rpm, over 80 per cent of which is available from 3250 rpm. Specific torque is a record 120 Nm/litre. However, what is truly extraordinary is the amount of torque available while still maintaining high levels of power at low revs.

The car’s soundtrack is also typical Ferrari, with an exciting, powerful growl emerging from the engine before it channels through to the exhaust’s three rear tailpipes.

The 458 Italia is equipped with the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission which increases performance whilst providing very smooth shifts even at full throttle. The engineers have developed specific, sportier gear ratios to match the power and torque curves of the new V8, guaranteeing high torque even at lower engine speeds and allowing the car to reach its maximum speed in top gear.

This new Ferrari is also a major leap forward when it comes to cutting emissions. Despite the fact that the new engine is significantly more powerful than the V8s that preceded it, the Ferrari 458 Italia produces just 320 g/km of CO2 and fuel consumption is 13.7 l/100 km (combined cycle), the best in the entire segment.

The engineers also focused on weight reduction during the design phase for similar reasons. Consequently, the Ferrari 458 Italia has a dry weight of 1380 kg with a power-to-weight ratio of 2.42 kg/CV. Weight distribution is also optimal with 58 per cent over the rear axle. The result of the engineers’ endeavours can be summed up in to two simple statistics which together perfectly encapsulate the Ferrari 458 Italia’s exceptional performance: 0-100 km/h acceleration in under 3.4 seconds and a maximum speed in excess of 325 km/h.

For the new chassis, once more in aluminium, Maranello’s engineers incorporated various types of advanced alloys along with aerospace industry-derived manufacturing and bonding techniques.

With regard to vehicle dynamics, the Ferrari 458 Italia’s suspension features twin wishbones at the front and a multi-link set-up at the rear tuned for maximum roadholding and superlative handling. Along with a more direct steering ratio, the 458 Italia thus offers extremely rapid turn-in and body control whilst maintaining superior ride comfort.

The integration of the E-Diff and F1-Trac (now controlled by the same ECU) and their respective mappings is even greater, resulting in a 32 per cent increase in longitudinal acceleration out of corners compared to previous models. The evolution of the control logic, with even faster and more accurate calculation of levels of grip, ensures even greater roadholding, better handling and ease of control on the limit.

The same ECU also governs the high-performance ABS, providing even more precise control over the logic threshold and greater efficiency. The brakes also feature a prefill function whereby the pistons in the callipers move the pads into contact with the discs on lift off to minimise delay in the brakes being applied. This combined with the ABS has cut the 100-0 km/h braking distance to a mere 32.5 metres.

The Ferrari 458 Italia’s interior is another area of the car that exalts its sporty personality. The driver is welcomed by a new layout and a revolutionary ergonomic interface where the main controls are all clustered on the steering wheel.

With the Ferrari 458 Italia, Maranello has brought a highly distinctive new car to its 8-cylinder range. The company now offers two models that share a common, race-derived DNA, both exceptionally sporty and fun to drive in true Ferrari tradition, but aimed at two very different kinds of client. While the Ferrari California was created for owners requiring a more versatile sports car with a practical edge, the 458 Italia is designed for owners for whom the priority is uncompromising on-road performance with occasional track day capability, but who still demand a car that is useable in day-to-day driving like all Ferrari’s recent models.

Ferrari 458 Italia – Technical specifications

Dimensions

Length 4527 mm (178.2 in.)

Width 1937 mm (76.3 in.)

Height 1213 mm (47.8 in.)

Wheelbase 2650 mm (104.3 in.)

Dry weight 1380 kg (3042 lbs)*

Weight/power ratio 2,42 kg/CV (7.16 lbs/kW)

Weight distribution fr/r 42%/58%

Engine

Type V8 – 90°

Displacement 4499 cc (274.5 cu in.)

Maximum power 570 CV (425 kW)** @ 9000 rpm

Maximum torque 540 Nm (398 lbs/ft) @ 6000 rpm

Specific power output 127 CV/l

Compression ratio 12.5:1

Tyres

Front 235/35 ZR20 8.5″

Rear 295/35 ZR20 10.5″

Performance

Maximum speed >325 km/h (>202 mph)

0-100 km/h

Fuel consumption + emissions

Fuel consumption*** 13.7 l/100 km

Emissions*** 320 g CO2/km

Gearbox

Dual-clutch, 7-speed F1

Electronics

E-Diff3, F1-Trac, high-performance ABS

* With forged wheels and Racing seats

** Including 5 CV of ram effect

*** Combined cycle (ECE+EUDC)

Source: autocar.co.uk, autoblog.com and examiner.com

An artist's impression of the Ferrari F142

Ferrari is getting ready to unveil its new V8 supercar, codenamed F142, later in 2009. The name of the production car is not known, but some alphanumeric combination between F400 and F500 is possible badges for the F430 successor, reflecting the mid-engined V8′s displacement.

The artist’s impression is compiled from the Ferrari F142 spyshots that have been going around in recent months, suggesting a more modern look. That’s fitting for an all-new model that promises to raise the bar for the first time in a decade.

Don’t forget, today’s F430 is basically a rebodied 360 Modena, which dates back to 1999. Some people will deny it, but lift the engine cover of Ferrari’s junior supercar and you’ll find F133e stamped in the engine bay; F133 was the codename for the 360 and ‘e’ stands for evoluzione.

The F142 project will stick with a V8 slung amidship, but apart from that the engineering layout it is quite different from the F430′s. It’s an important advancement: the V8 makes up three quarters of Ferrari’s entire production.

We’re not sure of the V8′s capacity, but it will definitely use Bosch-developed direct injection operating at exceptionally high pressures for the 500 bhp application. One source suggested the new car will use a downsized, turbocharged V8 to lower emissions and consumption, but other reports suggest a capacity stretched out to 4.5 liters or beyond. Expect plenty of details to lower internal friction, including super-polished camshafts to boost efficiency.

Whatever the final size, it will be a screamer. The California’s seven twin-clutch transmission is set to provide finger flicking gearbox thrills. However, the Ferrari F142′s software will be tuned for more sporting shifts than on the California GT. 

Will there be a manual gearbox? Fewer than one in 10 buyers order the do-it-yourself transmission on the 430, so it’s conceivable the twin-clutch box will be compulsory. Ferrari was reported to be dropping stickshifts altogether, but CAR has learned that it’s seemingly gave in and is about to announce a manual transmission option for the California.

Of more significance is the use of the lighter materials. The F430 already uses aluminum extensively, but Ferrari is likely to add even more exotic materials made possible by the new V8′s likely price tag. Maranello’s new Mille Chili institute is already developing hybrid aluminum/composite honeycomb materials that could be used in the bulkhead between the cabin and engine bay for instance.

Net result? The new Ferrari V8 supercar is likely to weigh less than the 2750 lb (1250 kg) of today’s F430. There is no doubt that they haven’t reached the 2200 lb (1000 kg) target yet, but a Ferrari chief insists that every step is a technological breakthrough and the F142 is likely to focus on clever weight savings and active aerodynamics.

Ferrari is on record as saying a road car application of the Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) isn’t likely before 2012, but be in no doubt that Maranello is developing an F1-style energy recapture system for its showroom models. It’s slightly at odds with the light weight mantra, adding as it does 77 lb (35kg) of batteries on today’s F1 car.

Other high tech details on the new V8 will include the latest iteration of the E-diff, controlled by the manettino, and standard carbon-ceramic brakes. It’ll be built in the new Ferrari factory that started making the California- with new, more efficient and higher quality production promised as a result.

What do you think about the artist’s impression of the Ferrari F142? Leave a comment.

Source: carmagazine.co.uk

Ferrari F430 replacement mule codename F142

Here is some spy shots of the new Ferrari F142 mule which was on winter test in Sweden.

F142 is the code name for the model meant to replace the current F430. And while this F142 comes dressed in the F430′s body, we’re beginning to see some of the modifications to the model that will likely be seen in its successor.

In these new shots are the larger wheel cases both at the rear and at the front. (The last set of spy shots showed only a larger front wheel case.) The car also has some kind of bulge on the front hood for reasons we can only guess at.

Seen before were the larger air intakes just before the rear wheel and on the shoulders of the body. They seem a little exaggerated and may have been shaped that way simply to fool us. Or maybe those bulging air intakes are needed to provide a more powerful engine with lots of fresh air.

Guessing from the F430, it will be replaced by a model named the F450 and will come with a 4.5 liter V8 cranking out over 500 hp. The F430 gets 483 hp out of a 4.3 liter powerplant. How will Ferrari get that many horses out of a 4.5 liter engine? Perhaps by increasing the rev limit to 10,000 rpm and improving air flow and cooling which may account for those larger intakes. Engineering chiefs have openly said that smaller, turbocharged engines are showroom-bound.

The car won’t be as radical as some of the thinking in the eco Ferrari Mille Chili concept, but it’s certainly stepping in that direction. Expect more lightweight materials to feature in the F142 road car and we’d predict that light weight, slippery aero and those engine/transmission modifications will account for a decent 25% cut in emissions from today’s 345 g/km of CO2.

That seventh gear is likely to be an overdrive, to make this scarlet Ferrari a definite shade of green, while active aero flaps will ease air-cleaving and-inevitably-Ferrari is working on a roadgoing link for the F1 KERS system of energy recuperation, even though not for a few years.

The F450 will likely make its first appearance at the Frankfurt Motor Show which takes place later this year in September.

Source: worldcarfans.com and carmagazine.co.uk

The Ferrari California is just starting to hit showrooms around the world when a recent development of several all-new models that is taking place. Late last year there were images of a shortened 599 testing in Germany, suggesting that they may be working on a new compact front engined model, and now peeks at the replacement of the F430.

The images show the next-generation F430 hidden under the body of the current model. A sticker located at the side of the one of the windows has the internal codename ‘F142′, same as we have seen for previous Ferrari’s, such as the California (once the F149). The actual name of the car is more likely to be based on the size of the engine just like the current F430. Recent speculation has suggested that the new model will be fitted with a 4.5 liter V8 engine and called the F450. It has been rumored that the car will have a power figure of around 500bhp. However, it is still too early to confirm what Ferrari has planned as the car isn’t expected to be launched until late next year at the earliest.

From what we gather, the spy shots include bigger intakes at the sides of the car, a new centrally mounted Scuderia style exhaust and a slightly longer wheelbase.

While the styling is expected to remain close to the old F430, the car’s mechanicals could be very different. Ferrari has confirmed that it is looking at a range of powertrain advancements including hybrid and turbocharging technologies, as well as the introduction of lighter construction methods and active aerodynamics.

Source: motorauthority.com and gtspirit.com