The 2011 Ferrari 458 Italia Spider, two-seater, 8-cylinder Berlinetta, is truly a magnificent vehicle. Breathtaking to see, and power beyond comprehension, are the first thoughts when viewing this super elegant vehicle. Certainly, it should be all those things and more for just under $300,000 US. Introduced to the public at the IAA Frankfurt Motor Show 2009, and having replaced the F430, the 458 continues to thrill the masses. Of course, not everyone can drive a Ferrari, but everyone can certainly dream, and this model delights its most ardent fans.

With top speeds clocked at 202 mph, the 458 is a contender on the race track. What the average driver could do with those specs on the road remains to be seen, but what is known is that most would likely face costly fines, and maybe a stint behind bars. But, then again, only the 458 can arouse the senses and coax the “badboy or badgirl” image to the forefront even more than the already gorgeous ’10 Ferrari California. How could anyone test the real merit of this fine vehicle without driving it to the max?

With precision tooling, aerodynamic specifications, racing technology, and increased fuel efficiency, the 458 is built on a Pininfarina design. Efficiency and lightness are the crucial elements of a sports car, and this design is one of the best. Smooth, sleek, aluminum chassis, and strategically placed air vents give this model the necessary features to reduce drag and increase performance. Pininfarina’s and Ferrari’s association has been a long-standing tradition, both parties seeking the same goals of simplicity, efficiency, technology and superiority in a luxury vehicle. Reaching these goals, while at the same time reacting to environmental trends, was an incredible undertaking. Typically, fast cars burn plenty of gas and produce toxic emissions. That has dramatically changed, however, with the 2011 Ferrari 458 Italia Spider.

In addition to its racing performance, the 458′s interior is impeccably crafted with sumptuous, soft leather combined with immaculate detailing on the dashboard and throughout. Because of Ferrari’s Formula One expertise, the 458 Italia Spider will sport a new downward-sloping steering wheel and dashboard configuration. As standard in race cars, the 458 will have all of the controls centralized on the steering wheel. In addition, like other vehicles in its class, the 458 will incorporate features that reduce gas consumption and CO2 emissions. According to Ferrari press information, this will be accomplished through the use of direct injection technology along with a dual-clutch transmission. They have also reduced the total weight of the vehicle.

Other specifications include aluminum chassis, aeroelastic winglets, seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, twin wishbone front suspension, multi-link rear set-up, advanced direct steering system, advanced braking system, and upgraded E-Diff and F1-Trac systems. Some people have remarked that the 458 is more compact than similar exotic cars, but in fact, it is a tiny bit longer and wider than its predecessor the F430.

When the 2011 Ferrari 458 Italia Spider was announced in 2009, the company’s CEO said that the 458 would be a tribute to Italy. He felt that the country was characterized by “excellence, creativity, and quality”. And these were the qualities he envisioned for the new 458.