Overview

Released in February 2012, the Ferrari F151 FF (short for ‘Ferrari Four’) was a two door, four-seat grand tourer with a shooting-brake body style. Manufactured in Maranello, Italy, the FF was powered by a 6.3-litre V12 petrol engine that was mated to a seven-speed double-clutch transmission which could be controlled via steering wheel gearshift paddles.

The 6.3-litre V12 petrol engine had direct injection, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 12.3:1. The engine also featured a ‘Stop & Start’ function which enabled it to shut down when the vehicle was stationary to conserve fuel. The FF could accelerate from rest to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds and had a top speed of 335 km/h.

Compared to the 612 Scaglietti which it effectively replaced, the FF was 5 mm longer (at 4907 mm), 3 mm narrower (1953 mm) and 35 mm taller (1379 mm), though wheelbase length (2949 mm) was unchanged. The FF, however, had a 47:53 front/rear weight distribution and a drag coefficient of 0.329 Cd.

The FF had double wishbone front suspension (with lower ‘L’ arms) and independent, multi-link rear suspension. The FF was also fitted with Ferrari’s third generation magnetorheological suspension system (SCM3) which used an electronically-controlled magnetic field to change the resistance of the dampers.

4RM AWD system

In normal conditions, the FF was rear-wheel drive but the ‘4RM’ all-wheel drive system could direct up to 20 per cent of the engine’s torque to the front wheels – via independent haldex-type clutches without a differential – when the ‘comfort’ or ‘snow’ drive settings were selected (via the manettino dial on the steering wheel). The system could also distribute torque to each of the four wheels individual since the E-Diff, F1-Trac and power transfer unit (PTU) were all integrated into a single CPU. However, the 4RM system was based on a secondary gearbox which had two forward gears such that the system could only operate in the first four forward gears.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment included dual front airbags, front side airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

The FF was also fitted with a Brembo carbon-ceramic braking package with 398 mm by 38 mm front discs and 360 mm by 32 mm rear discs.

Features

Standard features included 20-inch alloy wheels, an eleven speaker Dolby Surround Sound system with six disc CD/DVD player, auxiliary inputs (3.5mm/USB/iPod) and Bluetooth audio streaming, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, leather upholstery, satellite navigation, power adjustable front seats, cruise control, bi-xenon headlights, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, rear parking sensors, Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity with voice recognition, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, split and flat folding rear seats, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, trip computer and an alarm.

Related links

• Ferrari: Ferrari FF
• Wikipedia.org: Ferrari FF

Overview

Released in April 2005, the Ferrari F430 was initially available as coupe, with convertible models (Spider) following in August 2005. Manufactured in Maranello, Italy, the F430 was powered by a 4.3-litre V8 petrol engine that was mated to either a six-speed manual or a semi-automatic ‘F1’ transmission. The F1 transmission had fully automatic and manual modes, was controlled by steering wheel gearshift paddles (i.e. there was no clutch pedal) and could provide 150 ms gear changes.

The new 4.3-litre V8 petrol engine had double overhead camshafts (per cylinder bank), four valves per cylinder, a flat-pane crank, dry-sump lubrication and a compression ratio of 11.3:1. Furthermore, the four-valve cylinder head, valves and intake trumpets were copied directly from Ferrari’s Formula 1 engines. The F430 coupe could accelerate from rest to 100 km/h in 4.0 seconds and had a top speed of 315 km/h.

Compared to the Ferrari 360 , the F430 Coupe was 35 mm longer (at 4512 mm), 1 mm wider (1923 mm) and 20 mm taller (1234 mm); wheelbase length, however, was unchanged at 2600 mm. Significantly, however, the F430 body achieved a 50 per cent increase in downforce. Like its predecessor, the F430 had an aluminium, space-frame chassis and independent, double wishbone suspension front and rear with electronic damper control. The F430 was also fitted with an electronically-controlled ‘E-Diff’ differential which distributed torque between the rear wheels via two seats of friction discs (one for each driveshaft) which were controlled by a hydraulic actuator.

F430 Scuderia and Scuderia 16M

In July 2008, the F430 Scuderia variant was released. Based on the F430 Coupe, the F430 Scuderia was lighter, more powerful and fitted with Ferrari’s ‘F1-SuperFast2 gearbox’ for 60ms gear shifts. In April 2009, the Scuderia 16M was released – the Scuderia 16M was essentially a convertible version of the F430 Scuderia.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment included dual front airbags, ABS, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelt pretensioners. The F430 had 330 mm by 32 mm vented and cross-drilled front and rear disc brakes with four-piston calipers.

The F430 Scuderia and Scuderia 16M omitted the seatbelt pretensioners due to their racing seats. The F430 Scuderia and Scuderia 16M were also fitted with the ‘F1-Trac’ traction control system and an upgraded braking package consisting of 398 mm by 36 mm front and 350 mm by 34 mm rear carbon-ceramic disc brakes with six-piston calipers.

Features

Standard features for the F430 included 19-inch alloy wheels with 225/35 ZR19 front and 285/35 ZR19 rear tyres, climate control air conditioning, leather upholstery, contoured sports seats, cruise control, a multi-function steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, courtesy lamps and an immobiliser. The Spider was also fitted with a power-operated soft-top roof.

Inside, the F430 featured a steering wheel-mounted commutator switch (also known as the ‘manettino’) which enabled the driver to engage various drive settings (‘Ice’, ‘Low Grip’, ‘Sport’, ‘Race’ and ‘CST’).

The F430 Scuderia and Scuderia 16M were fitted with racing seats and while the F430 Scuderia omitted a sound system, the Scuderia 16M was fitted with a six speaker unit.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: Ferrari F430

Review: Ferrari F512 M (1995-96)

Overview

Released in October 1995, the Ferrari F512 M was a mid-engined, performance coupe. Manufactured in Maranello, the rear-wheel drive F512 M was powered by a 4.9-litre horizontally-opposed (or flat) twelve cylinder engine that was mated to a five-speed manual transmission.

Based on the 512 TR , the F512 M – ‘M’ for Modificata – had a more powerful V12 engine with an increased compression ratio (10.4:1, previously 10.0:1) and new titanium connecting rods and crankshaft for higher peak engine revolutions of 7500 rpm. As before, the V12 engine had double overhead camshafts per cylinder bank, four valves per cylinder and dry-sump lubrication to prevent oil starvation at high speeds and during hard cornering. The F512 M could accelerate from rest to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds and had a top speed of 315 km/h.

Compared to the 512 TR, dimensions for the F512 M were unchanged: 4485 mm long, 1976 mm wide, 1130 mm tall and a 2550 mm long wheelbase. Visually, however, the F512 M could be identified by its conventional headlights (replacing the pop-up lights of the 512 TR), twin bonnet ducts and revised tail-lights and bumpers. Inside, the F512 M featured a chromed gearshift knob, drilled aluminium pedals and Pininfarina and Ferrari flags on the dash board.

The F512 M had independent suspension front and rear with unequal length wishbones, coil springs, gas-filled telescopic shock absorbers and anti-roll bars.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Ferrari F512 M consisted of ABS. The F512 M was fitted with cross-drilled and ventilated disc brakes, measuring 315 mm (diameter) at the front and 310 mm at the rear.

Features

Standard features for the Ferrari F512 M included 18-inch alloy wheels with 235/40 ZR18 front and 295/35 ZR18 rear tyres, a six speaker sound system with a radio and cassette player, climate control air conditioning, leather upholstery, front fog lights, central locking, power windows and power mirrors.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: Ferrari F512 M

Review: Ferrari F12 Berlinetta (2013-17)

Overview

Available in Australia from mid-2013, the Ferrari F12 Berlinetta was a two-seat, grand touring coupe. Manufactured in Maranello, Italy, the rear-wheel drive F12 Berlinetta was powered by a 6.3-litre V12 petrol engine that was mated to a seven-speed dual clutch transmission (with an ‘E-Diff3’ electronic differential integrated into the gearbox).

The naturally aspirated 6262 cc 65-degree V12 petrol engine had double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, direct fuel injection (operating at 200 bar), a compression ratio of 13.5:1 and ‘Multispark’ ignition which generated three sparks of different durations and intensities in quick succession. The engine also had a ‘Stop&Start’ system which enabled it to shut down when the vehicle was stationary. The F12 Berlinetta could accelerate from rest to 100 km/h in 3.1 seconds and had a top speed in excess of 340 km/h.

Compared to its 599 Fiorano predecessor, the F12 Berlinetta was 47 mm shorter (at 4618 mm), 20 mm narrower (1942 mm), 63 mm lower (1273 mm) and had a 30 mm shorter wheelbase (2720 mm). More significantly, however, the F12 Berlinetta had an aluminium spaceframe chassis which was co-developed with Italian designers Carrozzeria Scaglietti. Relative to its 599 Fiorano, the spaceframe chassis contributed to a 70 kg mass reduction (dry weight of 1525 kg, with a 46:54 front:rear distribution) and 20 per cent increase in torsional rigidity. Furthermore, the F12 Berlinetta body had less drag (0.299 Cd) yet achieved a 76 per cent increase in downforce.

The F12 Berlinetta had double wishbone front suspension with lower L-arms and multi-link rear suspension. The F12 Berlinetta was also fitted with Ferrari’s newly developed ‘SCM-E’ magnetorheological dampers in which the viscosity of the fluid within the dampers could be altered by an electronically-controlled magnetic field that was generated inside the damper for faster response times and more precise bump control.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the F12 Berlinetta included dual front airbags, front side airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, electronic stability control, traction control (‘F1-Trac’) and front seatbelt pretensioners.

The F12 Berlinetta was also fitted with carbon-ceramic brakes (Ferrari’s ‘CCM3’ package).

Features

Standard features for the F12 Berlinetta included 20-inch alloy wheels with 255/35 ZR20 front and 315/35 ZR20 rear Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres, a 1280 watt JBL Professional sound system with 12 speakers, ‘Frau’ leather upholstery, power adjustable front seats (including bolsters), Bluetooth connectivity, voice recognition, bi-xenon headlights, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights, rear parking sensors, steering wheel gearshift paddles, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, power adjustable steering column (height and reach), trip computer, tyre pressure monitoring, a motion-sensing alarm and an immobiliser.

Related links

• Ferrari: Ferrari F12 Berlinetta
• Wikipedia.org: Ferrari F12 Berlinetta

Review: Ferrari F355 (1995-99)

Overview

Released in February 1995, the Ferrari F355 range initially consisted of the Berlinetta (coupe) and GTS (targa) sports cars, with the Spider (convertible) following in October 1995. Manufactured in Maranello, Italy, the rear-wheel drive F355 was powered by a 3.5-litre V8 petrol engine that was initially mated to a conventional six-speed manual transmission. From 1997, however, the F355 was available with an electrohydraulically-controlled manual transmission which omitted the clutch pedal and was controlled via Formula One-style steering wheel gearshift paddles.

The 3.5-litre V8 petrol engine had double overhead camshafts, five valves per cylinder, forged aluminium alloy pistons, titanium alloy connecting rods, dry sump lubrication and a compression ratio of 11.0:1. The F355 could accelerate from rest to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds and had a top speed of 295 km/h.

Compared to the Ferrari 348 , the F355 was 20 mm longer (at 4250 mm) and 6 mm wider (1900 mm), but height (1170 mm) and wheelbase length (2451 mm) were unchanged. The F355 had independent suspension front and rear with unequal length wishbones, coil springs over gas-filled telescopic shock absorbers and anti-roll bars; the F355 was also fitted with a multi-plate limited slip rear differential.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Ferrari F355 included dual front airbags and ABS.

Features

Standard features for the Ferrari F355 included 18-inch alloy wheels with 225/40 front and 265/40 ZR18 Pirelli tyres, an eight speaker sound system, air conditioning, contoured sports seats, leather trim, cruise control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, power windows, power mirrors and an adjustable steering wheel.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: Ferrari F355

Overview

Released in November 2004, the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti was a high-performance, two-door coupe. The 612 Scaglietti was powered by a 5.7-litre V12 petrol engine mated to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed ‘F1A’ semi-automatic transmission controlled via steering gearshift paddles.

Compared to the Ferrari 456M , the 612 Scaglietti was constructed with an all-aluminium space frame chassis which contributed to a 60 per cent increase in structural rigidity and a 60 kg weight reduction. The 612 Scaglietti could accelerate from rest to 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds and had a top speed in excess of 315 km/h.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the 612 Scaglietti included dual front airbags, ABS, electronic stability control and traction control.

Features

Standard features for the 612 Scaglietti included alloy wheels, a Bose sound system with CD player, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, power adjustable front seats (with driver’s seat memory settings), leather seats, cruise control, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights, leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, a tilt adjustable steering wheel, a motion-sensing alarm and immobiliser. The 612 Scaglietti was also fitted with a limited slip differential.

July 2008: 612 Scaglietti update

In July 2008, the 612 Scaglietti was updated as the ‘F1A’ transmission was replaced by the ‘F1 SuperFast’ semi-automatic transmission as used in the 599 GTB Fiorano, providing faster gearshifts; the manual transmission was discontinued. The electronic stability control system could also be controlled via the steering wheel-mounted Manettino switch.

Features were extended to include 20-inch ‘Challenge’ ball-polished alloy wheels, carbon-ceramic disc brakes and an electrochromatic glass roof with variable tinting (from five to ninety-five per cent). Furthermore, the previously optional GTS suspension tune as standard.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: Ferrari 612 Scaglietti

Review: Ferrari F149 California (2009-14)

Overview

Released in June 2009, the Ferrari California was a two-seat convertible with a power-operated, retractable hard-top roof. Manufactured in Maranello, Italy, the rear-wheel drive California was powered by a 4.3-litre direct-injection V8 petrol engine that was mated to a seven-speed dual clutch transmission which could be operated by steering wheel gearshift paddles. The California could accelerate from rest to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds and had a top speed of 310 km/h.

The California had an aluminium chassis and was 4563 mm long, 1902 mm wide, 1308 mm tall and had a 2670 mm long wheelbase. With its roof in position, the California had a coefficient of drag of 0.32 Cd. In Australia, the California was strictly available as a two-seater with a rear bench (which could accommodate two roller suitcases or golf bags). Furthermore, the power-operated hard-top roof could open or close in fourteen (14) seconds.

The California had double wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear suspension.

2012: Ferrari California update

An updated version of the California was available in Australia from late 2012 which was more powerful due new exhaust manifolds and engine mapping; dry weight was also reduced by 30 kg to 1600 kg. As a result, the 2012 California could accelerate from rest to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds.

The updated California was also available with a ‘Handling Speciale’ package which included Delphi Magnaride magnetorheological dampers, stiffer springs, a faster steering ratio and a more responsive ECU.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the California included dual front airbags, front side airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control (‘F1-Trac’), front seatbelt pretensioners and an automatically deploying pop-up roll bar.

The California had 390 mm by 34 mm front carbon-ceramic brake discs with six-piston calipers and 360 mm by 32 mm rear carbon-ceramic discs with four-piston calipers.

Features

Standard features for the California included 19-inch alloy wheels with 245/40 ZR19 front and 285/40 ZR19 rear tyres, a sound system with CD player, MP3-compatibility, auxiliary inputs (iPod/USB) and hard-drive, climate control air conditioning, leather seats, satellite navigation with a 6.5-inch touchscreen display, voice recognition, Bluetooth connectivity, bi-xenon headlights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a folding rear backrest, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, a tilt and reach adjustable steering wheel and immobiliser.

From 2011, the California was available with an optional HELE (‘High Emotion Low Emissions’) option pack which combined an idle stop system with a demand-sensitive fuel pump, air conditioning compressor and engine fans to minimise fuel consumption.

Review: Ferrari F149 California T (2014-17)

Overview

Released in Australia in June 2014, the California T was powered by a 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine. Visually, the Califronia T could be identified by its reshaped flanks (said to be inspired by the 250 Testa Rossa’s pontoon-fender styling), extended front wing line and triple-fence rear diffuser for improved aerodynamics.

The 3855 cm3 V8 90-degree engine had an aluminium alloy cylinder block and head, double overhead camshafts (chain-driven), direct fuel-injection (operating at 200 bar), twin-scroll IHI turbines (one per cylinder bank), air-to-air intercoolers, four valves per cylinder, high-tumble cylinder heads with four cam phasers (two per cylinder head) for variable intake and exhaust valve timing, and a compression ratio of 9.4:1. As a result, the California T could accelerate from rest to 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds and had a top speed of 316 km/h.

Other mechanical changes for the California T included a new steering box and revised suspension which included new springs and Magnaride dampers which responded 50 per cent faster than previously.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the California T was largely unchanged, although the ‘F1-Trac’ traction control system was updated. The California T was also fitted with ‘new generation’ Carbon Ceramic Matrix brake discs.

Features

Inside, the California T featured a new infotainment system with a 6.5-inch high resolution touch screen and a Turbo Performance Engineer (TPE) touch-screen display – positioned between the two dashboard air vents – which provided information about engine performance.

Related links

• Ferrari: Ferrari California
• Wikipedia.org: Ferrari California

Overview

Released in June 2002, the Ferrari 575M was initially available as a two-door coupe (the 575M Maranello). Manufactured in Maranello, Italy, the 575M was powered by a 5.7-litre V12 petrol engine that was mated to either a conventional six-speed manual or an electro-hydraulic semi-automatic ‘F1’ transmission which had fully automatic and manual modes and was controlled by steering wheel gearshift paddles.

The 5.7-litre V12 petrol engine had double overhead camshafts (per cylinder bank), four valves per cylinder, dry-sump lubrication and a compression ratio of 11.0:1. The 575M Maranello could accelerate from rest to 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds (4.25 seconds with the manual transmission) and had a top speed of 325 km/h.

Compared to the Ferrari 550 , the 575M Maranello was the same length (4550 mm), width (1935 mm) and height (1277 mm); wheelbase length was also unchanged at 2500 mm. The 575M had independent suspension front and rear with double wishbones, coil springs, anti-roll bars and electronically-controlled dampers which provided independently controlled damping for each wheel and included two selectable modes: ‘Comfort’ and ‘Sport’.

2005 Ferrari 575M Superamerica convertible

In October 2005, the more powerful 575M Superamerica convertible variant was released and offered solely with the F1 transmission. The 575M Superamerica featured a power-operated, electrochromic glass panel roof (‘Revocromico’) which could rotate rearward to sit on top of the boot in less than 10 seconds; the electrochromic glass also enabled the driver to select from five different tint levels.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment included for the Ferrari 575M dual front airbags, ABS and traction control.

The 575M had 330 mm ventilated front and 310 mm rear disc brakes; the 575M was also fitted with a limited slip rear differential.

Features

Standard features for the Ferrari 575M included 18-inch alloy wheels with 255/40 ZR18 front and 295/35 ZR18 rear tyres, a six speaker sound system, climate control air conditioning, six-way power adjustable front seats, leather upholstery, cruise control, low-beam xenon headlights with washers, front fog lights, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, a tilt adjustable steering wheel, driver’s seat memory settings, tyre pressure sensors and an immobiliser.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: Ferrari 575M

Overview

Released in July 2006, the Ferrari F141 599 Fiorano was a high-performance, two-seat coupe. Manufactured in Maranello, Italy, the rear-wheel drive 599 GTB Fiorano was powered by a 6.0-litre V12 petrol engine that was mated to either a six-speed automatic or ‘F1 Supershift’ sequential manual transmission (the latter controlled via steering wheel gearshift paddles).

The 599 GTB Fiorano had an all-aluminium chassis and Magnetorheological Suspension Control (‘SCM’) which could vary the viscosity of the fluid within the dampers – and therefore damping rates – by applying an electric current. The 599 GTB Fiorano could accelerate from rest to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds and had a top speed in excess of 330 km/h. In January 2011, the limited-run 599 GTO Fiorano was released.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment included dual front airbags, front side airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, electronic stability control, traction control (‘F1-Trac’ ) and front seatbelt pretensioners.

Features

Standard features for the 599 GTB Fiorano included alloy wheels, a six speaker sound system with a six-stack CD player, MP3-compatibility and auxiliary inputs, leather upholstery, power adjustable front seats (including bolsters), Bluetooth connectivity, voice recognition, bi-xenon headlights, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights, rear parking sensors, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, power adjustable steering column (height and reach), trip computer, tyre pressure monitoring, motion-sensing alarm and immobiliser. Semi-automatic models were also fitted with steering wheel gearshift paddles.

2011 Ferrari 599 GTO Fiorano

Released in January 2011, the 599 GTO (‘Gran Turismo Omologata’) Fiorano had a more powerful engine due to a redesigned crankshaft, reduced internal friction and a racing-type intake system with a new manifold. Furthermore, the 599 GTO Fiorano was fitted with new springs, a stiffer rear anti-roll bar, a second generation SCM system (‘SCM2’), upgraded carbon-ceramic Brembo brakes, aerodynamic enhancements, Supersport tyres developed by Michelin and a Virtual Race Engineer system which provided instantaneous performance information. The 599 GTO Fiorano also achieved an 85 kg weight saving through the use of thinner gauge aluminium and thinner glass. As a result, the 599 GTO Fiorano could accelerate from rest to 100 km/h in 3.35 seconds and had a top speed in excess of 335 km/h.

Handling Gran Turismo Evoluzione package

From September 2009, the 599 GTB Fiorano was available with an optional Handling Gran Turismo Evoluzione (‘Handling GTE’) package which included a new calibration for the magnetorheological suspension, stiffer springs, a lowered ride height and a stiffer rear anti-roll bar. Performance was also revised with new engine mapping for improved throttle response, a modified exhaust silencer and faster gearshifts for the F1 Supershift sequential manual transmission in ‘high performance’ mode.

Visually, models fitted with the Handling GTE package could be identified by their diamond-cut 20-inch split-rim wheels with matt silver finish and softer-compound tyres. Inside, the seats had a two-tone combination of leather with black Alcantara inserts while the seat backs were made from carbon-fibre.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano

Overview

Released in June 2010, the Ferrari F142 458 was initially available as a two-seat coupe (the 458 Italia), with a two-seat convertible (the 458 Spider) following in 2012. Manufactured in Maranello, Italy, the rear-wheel drive Ferrari 458 was powered by a 4.5-litre direct-injection V8 petrol engine mated to a seven-speed Getrag dual-clutch transmission controlled via steering wheel gearshift paddles; an electronically controlled differential was also incorporated with the transmission housing. The 458 had double wishbone front suspension, a multi-link rear configuration and adaptive magnetorheological dampers.

Compared to the F430 which preceded it, the 458 Italia was 15mm longer (at 4527 mm), 14 mm wider (1937 mm), 1 mm lower (1213mm) and had a 50 mm longer wheelbase (2650 mm); with its all-aluminium chassis, however, the 458 Italia was also 70 kg lighter (with a dry mass of 1380 kg). Furthermore, the 458 Italia could accelerate from rest to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds and had a top speed of 325 km/h.

Relative to the 458 Italia, the 458 Spider had revised accelerator pedal mapping and damping for its multi-link suspension and modified engine intake and exhaust systems. The 458 Spider was fitted with a fully retractable, two-piece aluminium roof with fixed rear buttresses. Furthermore, the roof could be opened or closed in approximately 14 seconds. The 458 Spider weighed 50 kg more than the 458 Italia.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Ferrari 458 included dual front airbags, front side airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control (‘F1-Trac’) and front seatbelt pretensioners.

Furthermore, the Vehicle Dynamic Assistance (VDA) system controlled settings for the engine, transmission, tyres and brakes and had five settings: Normal, Sport, Race, CT off and CST off.

Brakes

The 458 Italia and Spider had 398 mm by 36 mm front brake discs with six-piston calipers and 360 mm by 32 mm rear discs with four-piston calipers.

Features

Standard features for the Ferrari 458 included 20-inch alloy wheels, a six speaker sound system with a six-disc CD player and MP3-compatiblity, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, power adjustable and heated front seats, leather trim, Bluetooth connectivity, directional bi-xenon headlights, automatic headlights, rear fog lights, a leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, a tilt-adjustable steering wheel, driver’s seat memory settings, alarm and immobiliser. Options included satellite navigation and parking sensors.

From late 2011, the 458 Italia was available with an optional HELE (‘High Emotion Low Emissions’) option pack which combined an idle stop system with a demand-sensitive fuel pump, air conditioning compressor and engine fans to minimise fuel consumption.

458 Speciale and 458 Speciale A

The 458 Speciale coupe was released in December 2013 as a special edition model with Australian and New Zealand deliveries limited to 60 vehicles. Released in late 2014, the 458 Speciale A adopted the same modifications as the Speciale, but with the Spider body.

The 458 Speciale and Speciale A had the most powerful naturally aspirated road-going engine ever produced, with changes including:

• A higher compression ratio of 14.0:1 (12.5:1 for the standard 458 engine);
• New geometry intake valves with 10 mm shorter inlet ducts and 5 per cent higher valve lift;
• A new camshaft profile for increased valve lift and reduced average pressure during the pumping cycle;
  Reduced internal friction;
• Lighter pistons; and,
• A redesigned crankshaft

As a result, the 458 Speciale could accelerate from rest to 100 km/h in 3.0 seconds and to 200 km/h in 9.1 seconds; top speed was 325 km/h.

The 458 Speciale had a dry weight of 1290 kg, 90 kg lighter than the 458 Italia. To achieve this, mass reduction measures included:

• 20-inch forged wheels which were 12 kg lighter;
• A Lexan panel instead of a glass rear window;
• Carbon fibre engine bay panels;
• Composite bumpers;
• Carbon-fibre shells for the Sabelt seats;
• Alcantara and carbon-fibre interior trim; and,
• The infotainment system was omitted.

To improve aerodynamic efficiency, the 458 Speciale was fitted with two vertical flaps at the front of the car and a lower horizontal flap. At low speeds, the vertical flaps would close to channel air into the radiators. At speeds above 170 km/h, however, the vertical flaps would open to reduce drag. At speeds over 220 km/h, the horizontal flap would lower to balance downforce between the front and rear axles. Other aerodynamic measures included turning vanes at opposite ends of the front bumper, a larger rear spoiler and a new rear diffuser (with repositioned tailpipes).

Other changes for the 458 Speciale included:

• An upgraded braking package with HT2 brake discs, Extreme Design calipers and brake pads made from HY hybrid material;
• Specially-produced Michelin Pilot Sport Cup2 tyres;
• New control logic for the DCT; and,
• A Side Slip Angle Control (SSC) function which permitted ‘controllable oversteer’.

Related links

• Ferrari: Ferrari 458 Italia
• Ferrari: Ferrari 458 Spider
• Wikipedia.org: Ferrari 458