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.