Ferrari 458 Italia - driven - Introduction

Ferrari has pretty much started afresh with the 458 Italia.

There's a new aluminium space-frame, or skeleton, that will underpin mid-engined Ferrari V8s for the next decade, a new 4.5-litre direct-injection engine and seven-speed twin-clutch semi-auto transmission, and multi-link rear suspension in place of the double wishbones traditionally favoured by Ferrari.

There's a new interface between car and driver, including a steering wheel that contains indicator, lights and wiper switches as well the engine on/off button, a switch to change the suspension's firmness and the manettino that lets you vary the level of assistance from the traction control.

The aerodynamics are said to be so sophisticated that even the silver prancing horse badge has a slight negative effect.

It will cost 'at least 10%' more than the equivalent F430. There'll be a convertible, or Spider, within two years and a hard-core replacement for the 430 Scuderia in about three.

Read on for the lowdown on Ferarri's latest supercar...