Ferrari 458 Italia Testdrive
 

Okay so now that the first shafts of sunlight break through the grey winter weather I decided to visit my Ferrari dealership to see what they have and whats new.
After a short talk the dealer told me to drive a few meters with the 458 to check it out.

Totally reluctant I let myself talk into a short ride :winkwink:

http://fsm247.fs.funpic.de/458/slides/P1000832.JPG

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After the first few meters I realized that this is not just by the looks a huge improvement versus the F430. The car has a lot of power and the 7-gear double-clutch gearbox works excellent, without being boring or unemotional as the Porsche PDK has been criticised.

The felt "punch in the back" like with the F1-gearbox is still there, a bit softer, it is still a lot of fun although the double-cluch. It works perfectly and it is still emotional and fun. Thats what really impressed me. :thumbsup

http://fsm247.fs.funpic.de/458/slides/P1000863.JPG

Especially the interior is a huge progress. On two LCD screens the driver is being informed about almost as much as the driver of a Formula 1 race car.
Temperature of the tires, brake discs, engine... Speedo on the right LCD Screen or digital on the left, GPS Navigation and a lot more. Kudos to Ferrari, in contrast to that the interior of my Scuderia is nearly ancient.

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Acceleration from 200 kmh is better than with the Scuderia. We cracked the 300 kmh pretty fast as you can see... :thumbsup
Between 0-200 kmh Scuderia and 458 are almost equally fast I would say.


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If I switch from the Scuderia to the 458 depends on several things. First of all is the price I can get a 458 and second the price that I can sell my Scuderia for. Because there is very high demand for the 458 currently I dont think I will be able to find a bargain, so I dont think I will switch in the near future.
But the Scuderia is almost equally fast than the 458 and its definitely the more extreme car. Also I am not that old, so I dont put my priority on the everyday-driver ability of those two cars (where the 458 would be the better choice apparently) and I am still very happy with my Scuderia. :thumbsup

Here is a short video of the testdrive:

http://www.vimeo.com/10058059

Damn! It´s hard to know I will never drive a car like this..

Awesome test drive and thanks for posting :thumbsup


One thing that caught my eye is the front view where the hood or bonnet appears to not seal by the headlights. Looks like it would cause drag and degrade the aerodynamics. What's going on there. Are they some sort of intakes or what?

it's still a FIAT ;)



but a nice one

those create downforce on the front, *borrowed* from ferrari's f1 experience.

That's a nice car, but so is the F430. Pretty good video.

Ferrari is just beautiful.....

life is too short, buy it and don't look back

gorgeous car. I wouldn't mind taking it for a spin :)

Love the sound of a Ferrari, nothing like it!!!!!!

Just beautiful man!

What's a meter?

Ok, I am officially jealous!

Ferrari #1.nice background :pimp

just AWESOME!

The best V8's are the only that rev over 8,000rpm :warning As such, ferrari v8's are the best.

That is all.

Saw the video. Wow! :thumbsup

great car really !

amazing car :thumbsup

You can rent it for a month or so, if you can't afford to buy...

Exactly! Enjoy to the fullest.

Thats a beauty. In related news, my local Hyundai dealer called me about my 2001 Elantra recall...

give a ride please... just to hear that engine...

One of the most beautiful cars ever made, except the front. :Oh crap

100 kilometres is about 60 miles.

Nice car, not really keen on the front though.

That is a great car!!!