The 2011 Ferrari 458 Italia Coupe, a two-seat mid-engine rear drive sports car, offers drivers the thrill of high performance and speed, coupled with excellent handling. Built with innovations in design, technology, and environmental efficiency, its sleek and aggressive Pininfarina exterior catches the eye of even the most discriminating buyer.
Named “World Performance Car of the Year” at the New York Auto Show by a jury of 66 international journalists, the 2011 Ferrari 458 Italia Coupe has received accolades from magazines and other organizations. Motor Trend selected the Italia as its Best Driver’s Car for 2011; another auto magazine, after testing thirty performance cars, got its best track time from the 458 Italia, and it won the prestigious award for Performance Car of the Year.
The Range
Body style: sport coupe
Model: 458 Italia
Engine: 4.5-liter V-8
What's New
Ferrari introduced the 458 Italia in 2010, and it maintains the design for the 2011 model year.
Exterior
Standard equipment includes 20-inch alloy wheels with 295/35R Y performance tires, carbon-ceramic brakes, variable intermittent wipers, a rear defogger, power mirrors, power door locks, daytime running lights, dusk-sensing LED (Light Emitting Diode) headlights, stability control, traction control, electronic brakeforce distribution, and tire pressure monitoring.
Interior
The interior offers leather and alloy trim, premium leather upholstery, and the luxurious look and feel that Ferrari owners expect. The driving position has been modified for comfort, which is typically not a priority in other high-performance sports cars.
Other features include electric speed-proportional power steering, a leather and simulated alloy tilt/telescoping steering wheel with audio and shift paddles, a four-wheel ABS (Antilock Braking System), front head airbags, dual front side-mounted airbags, a remote anti-theft alarm system, engine immobilizer, premium leather sport front seats with integrated headrests, a front console with storage, dual-zone climate control, leather and simulated alloy trim, a tachometer, a trip computer, external temperature display, and an AM/FM audio system with iPod/iPhone integration, pre-wired for phone and Bluetooth capability.
Performance & Handling
The 2011 Ferrari 458 Italia performs, and looks, like a champion. Equipped with a 4.5-liter, 562 hp V-8 engine and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, it can go from zero to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds, claiming a top speed of 202 mph.
The front grille diverts air to the radiator through a single opening; the flat underbody reduces drag. Rapid turn-in is delivered via an improved direct steering ratio, as well as its double-wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear suspension. The electronic rear differential system includes sensors that monitor acceleration, steering wheel angle, and other conditions to help to control wheel spin and improve tire grip to the appropriate wheel. The F1-Trac traction control system is programmed to be effective no matter what road conditions exist.
Safety
The 2011 458 Italia was designed for both performance and safety. comes with a four-wheel ABS, front-impact airbags, side-impact airbags, and seat belt pretensioners. The front head passenger airbag can be turned off. Stability control senses when the vehicle’s handling exceeds its max and reduces engine power to prevent the driver from losing control.
EPA Fuel Economy
Ferrari 458 Italia: 12/18 mpg city/highway
You'll Like
- Ability to create a one-of-a-kind vehicle
- Superior performance and handling
- Luxury appointments
- Racing speed
- Ferrari brand and quality
You Won't Like
- Below-average fuel economy (though fantastic for its class)
- Poorly placed entertainment controls
- Inability to view gauges and navigation at the same time
- Automatic transmission only
Sum Up
Sleek, powerful, performance sports car
If You Like This Vehicle
- Ferrari 430 Scuderia
- Lamborghini Gallardo
- Porsche 911