Drove the 458 in Maranello

While planning my honeymoon I decided to schedule a stop in Maranello to take the Ferrari tour. I had reserved before hand (thanks to a fellow F-chatter) renting a 430, Scud, and a 458. Keep in mind, the only other Ferrari models I've driven are the California, a Monidal QV cabrio, and my 348 spider, which I love.

I started in the 430. The car was rosso with nero interior, F1. I was very excited to finally drive this car. I had 20 minutes to drive around town which is difficult due to the turn abouts, traffic, ect. I can say it drove wonderfully, sounded fantastic and didn't want the ride to end.

The owner of the shop suggested I drive the 458 next so I took his recommendation. I wasn't expecting much of a difference from the 430 except for maybe more speed due to the increase in horsepower.

The 458 was rosso w/ tan interior and red calipers. As I sat down, I familiarized myself with the interior. The seats were much more comfortable than the 430. They weren't the sport seats, just the basic seat. There was a back up camera which was very nice and helpful when backing out, and a navigation screen. There was a little speedometer on the bottom left corner about a half inch high by one inch long. I read after I came home, you can switch the navigation screen to a speedometer if you wish.

I started the car and proceeded to drive. The paddles are a little bigger than the 430's for starters. I kept reaching for the turn signal and kept having to remind myself it was on the steering wheel.

There is a big Tach in the middle of the screen. The first thing you notice is the acceleration this car has. It just goes and goes. There is no lag time. I had barely touched the throttle and I was at 8500 rpm's before I new it. The engine sound is intoxicating, literally. It almost sounds like an Formula one car. I just couldn't believe how great the sound was. It was hard to really push the car but every chance I had, I did. And the sound it made!

It seemed like you would run out of road before you ran out of power. There was power at any range, any time.

The brakes were fantastic as well. They gave you a lot of confidence when you pushed the car, knowing there was no trouble slowing down in an instant if need be. I bet this would make a fantastic track car.

I loved driving this car! I didn't want to give it back. I reluctantly drove back because it was time to drive my final car of the day. The Scuderia. A giallo with black stripe.

The scud was amazing as well with a great sounding engine. The difference between the two would be how much more refined the 458 is compared to the scud. The Scud would jerk you around all day. Every time you pressed the paddles it would snap your head back. A more strenuous ride, I was sweating while I was driving the scud. You really had to be on top of the scud, at least that's how I felt.

As I made the drive back, I almost set up another drive in the 458 but since my new wife was getting tired of me driving all day I decided to stop there. She did get to drive the California which she loved. All I could think of is what do I have to sell to be able to afford a 458.

I know people with 430's are thinking there is no reason to trade their cars and spend another $100k for a 458 but I can tell you it is worth it. Once you drive it you will be a believer. I envy those who will be getting a 458. You are getting a Fantastic Car!!

One more thing. I was talking to my co pilots about the Scud replacement. They say it will be called the Evo. It will most likely have a turbo type engine. I can't even imagine what driving that car will be like.

Here's a few pictures.
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I waited till I returned from my honeymoon to do the write up. I was in Maranello on June 3. We just stayed in Maranello for one day. There's not much to do there.

 

Yes, I agree with the standard wheels looking nice. I wasn't a big fan of them till i saw them in person. Also, rosso is a great color for this car. I know others have thought a darker color looks better but I think rosso is still the way to go for me after seeing all the different colors while touring the factory.

 

In my opinion, the 458 makes a great daily driver!