Ferrari 458 Italia
The glorious soundtrack of its V8, sharp responses and incredible gearbox help the 458 clinch its second consecutive PCOTY title
What a year it’s been for the Ferrari 458. A stunning new Spider version has just joined the line-up, and the Italia coupe has become only the second car in the history of Performance Car Of The Year to retain its title.
Twelve months ago, the Ferrari amazed us with the breadth of its abilities and confirmed its status as one of the most talented cars the firm has ever produced. Beautiful, fast and packed with character, it impresses on road and track in equal measure.
And when we returned to the Anglesey circuit this year, we were left open-mouthed once again, as the 458 shaved nine- tenths of a second off its 2010 lap time to pip its arch-rival the McLaren MP4-12C (by one-tenth) with the fastest lap we’ve ever achieved around the track.
The only change to the Italia has been a minor software upgrade, which will be added to existing customer cars by dealers.
There’s far more to this Ferrari than sensational pace, though. The glorious soundtrack of its high-revving naturally aspirated V8 engine, razor-sharp responses and incredible double-clutch gearbox work together to deliver an intoxicating driving experience at any speed.
Using the wheel-mounted Manettino switch, you can tailor the Ferrari’s dynamics to your mood and experience. In normal driving, the 458 is reassuringly sure-footed, but when you turn off the electronics, it’s playfully adjustable on the limit.
On the track, the McLaren has tighter body control and a fraction more front-end grip, but the Ferrari is more engaging and entertaining to drive. All of the controls are alive with feedback, the steering is extremely positive and the twin-clutch paddleshift gearbox raises a smile every time you hit the road.
It delivers perfectly judged gearchanges time after time, and downshifts are accompanied by a delicious blip of the throttle.
Standard ceramic brakes provide serious stopping power, while the composed ride and sharply executed cabin wrap up a near-perfect package.
One year on, the 458 is still one of the finest cars in the world and a worthy winner of Performance Car Of The Year.
Facts & Figures
- Price|Total as tested: £173,182
- Engine|capacity: 4.5-litre V8
- Peak Power: 562bhp at 9,050rpm
- Peak Torque: 540Nm at 6,000rpm
- Kerbweight: 1,485kg
- 0-60: 3.4secs
- Top speed: 202mph
- Lap Time: 59.2 seconds
