Finally! A truly beautiful modern Ferrari

It's stunning! The perfect homologation of classic and contemporary Ferrari design elements. One of the most beautiful pieces of artwork I have ever laid eyes on. Me likey!

 

I was just staring at the front end picture from the Ferrari website (again) and noticed that the roof gets thinner/shorter in the middle. Does anyone have an idea as to why? Aerodynamics? Maybe the sides are more structural and then, to save weight, they thinned out the middle? Looks neat in this picture, but I don't know how it will look in person.

 

SO IS IT NOT JAPANESE :s
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I noticed on your car the wheel wells curve in to match the curve of the wheel at the bottom. I don't think I have ever seen a car where this is as prevalent as it is on your car Jim. I like it. It really completes the transition between the wheel and the wheel well.

 

Awesome.... I reiterate: 458 Italia exists (as it is) because of P4/5... I'd say that adds another notch or two to P4/5's historical significance. Jim, that's pretty damn cool.

 

Much more aerodynamic. We borrowed it from the Speed 8 and the 8C Spyder borrowed it from us.
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If you Google "P 4/5 458 Italia" you'll see pages of people who notice the cues.

 

Jim, I think Ferrari should write you a check for a few $Million$ dollars. Think of all the money they saved on development time on the 458.

 

Jim

You of all people know that the single nose opening style goes back much further than the P4/5. Thats a Ferrari tradition (I am glad they went back to). LED's in headlights are simply a current technology/styling trend seen on cars as mundane as an Audi. I cant imagine anyone didnt expect to see that. Flats on wheel openings have also been done before...TR and others have them.

Having said that it is clear Ferrari/Pin used the P4/5 for inspiration on the overall stance of the Italia.

 

For sure single nose openings were used before on Ferrari's but the F1 design direction had moved away from that.

P 4/5 had the first road legal LED headlights.
Our use of them was an Hommage to the Audi R8 Le Mans car.

Everyone borrows from everyone but IMO there's a lot of P 4/5 in the 458 frankly much more than I expected.

 

So far I really like it. My favorite aspect is the side profile: very aggressive and Enzo-like. The sharp nose is outstanding, and I like the clean front end configuration. The rear end is perhaps the least cohesive part of the car, but I still like it. The triple exhaust outlets could have been messy, but were handled very well. The lines running along the side are complex but elegant, much better done than the California IMO. I can't make a final decision until I see this bad boy in person (California looked much better IRL than in pics) but so far I like what I see. Well done, Ferrari.

 

Each to their own but I have to say, I strongly disagree in your opinion. The examples you've shown are definately NOT what I think of when I think Ferrari.

 

Totally agree. The twin nostril look has been a cliche ever since the McLaren F-1. Going back to a single blacked out grill makes the car look much more interesting and aggressive.

 

I love the nostrils, it was off of the 156 F1 Sharknose, so it was a great design
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Do the obvious similarities make you proud or upset?

 

The 'inside' wasn't an 'outside' job. Instead the interior including the dash was designed by Ferrari's own design chief Donato Coco.
CH

 

No, I like that too. It's just that we need to move forward. What I mean is that the two separate radiators has been overdone and it's refreshing to see something get rid of it.

 

I think it's pretty cool although I am a bit surprised.

 

Best since 355. Finally a Ferrari that won't have to grow on me The front is a bit wonky, but that rear/profile is just bliss!!!

 

Got it!

 

I am just overwhelmed by the beauty of this car. The last Ferrari that was this sexy was the Testarossa. There is just something about the mid-engined configuration that lends itself to such balanced proportions.

 

I love this car. I like that they went back to a sleeker design. This is one of the better designs I've seen in some time....and I love the torque numbers!

 

i guess the similarites is in the eye of the beholder. I see a modern baby of a 360 and enzo affair.

 

I see the same thing. The top window/roof line is the 360 and the rear is a baby Enzo. The wheels also kind of remind me of 360 wheels, just flatter.

 

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/exotic/112_0907_ferrari_458_italia_first_look/index.html