Ferrari’s mid-engine V8 line has remained the brand’s best-selling vehicle since the debut of the line in 1975. With each new generation, the cars would get faster, easier to use, and usually more reliable, but few were truly revolutionary. The introduction of the 458 Italia represents probably the single largest leap forward for the mid-engine V8 Ferrari since the line’s introduction. First shown at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, the 458 introduced a smoother design language that progressively found its way into all of Ferrari’s models and featured lots of aerodynamic trickery to help the car cut through the air. Ferrari wasn’t talking about it at the time, but the 458 ended up being the brand’s final naturally aspirated mid-engine normal production road car. This engine was backed up by a stout Getrag 7-speed dual-clutch transmission that offered seamless shifting and was far more pleasant in daily use than the brand’s prior F1 transmission.
This 2014 Ferrari 458 Italia is a very nicely specified example, finished in Grigio Silverstone over a black leather interior. First sold in California, this 458 shows 17,253 miles and is offered in a desirable and subtle color combination that impressively fits the shape of the car. When new, this car was ordered with the highly desirable, optional 5-spoke wheels sized in 19” front and 20” rear, that are finished in a subdued gray color. This means that instead of focusing on the wheels, you are drawn to the yellow prancing horse center caps, the matching yellow brake calipers, and the beautiful Scuderia Shields on the front fender above them.
The black interior is equipped with the crucially important option of carbon fiber sports seats which both look stunning in the car and are incredibly comfortable, even for long journeys. Like on the exterior, the dark interior is accented with yellow stitching throughout and a set of striking yellow seat belts to round out the look. Additionally, carbon fiber was optioned throughout the interior and includes another desirable option, the Carbon Fiber Driving Zone- this fits the 458 with a carbon fiber top and bottom steering to the wheel with LED shift lights along the top rim which begin to illuminate as you approach the redline.
Powering the 458 is Ferrari’s now famous F136 flat plane crankshaft V8. Thanks to a special direct fuel injection system and variable intake runners, this motor is far more tractable around town than many prior Ferrari V8s. It produces 80% of its 398 lb-ft of torque at just 3,250 rpm. That said, maximum power is still right at the 9,000 rpm redline. This gives the car the ability to run from 0-62 mph in just 3.4 seconds and on to a top speed of over 200 mph. When you look at the selection of buttons and switches on the steering wheel, the most inconspicuous of them all is a small black button with a shock absorber graphic on it. Equipped with a set of advanced magnetic shock absorbers, at the push of a button, the car can go from stiff track-focused shock tuning to smooth touring suspension that would put many non-supercars to shame.
There is frequent debate amongst enthusiasts about future classic cars. Everybody has different thoughts on the matter, but one car that most people can agree on is the 458 Italia. Thanks to its stunning design, outstanding usability and its standing as the final naturally aspirated V8 Ferrari, the 458 will go down in Ferrari history as one of the brand’s most beloved cars. This example is presented in a fantastic color combination, with a great set of options and will provide years of enjoyable driving for whoever becomes its next caretaker.
