Ferrari unveiled the details of the new 458 Italia in late July after months of spy shots, rumors, and performance speculation by the media and fans. Although the 458 won’t be officially unveiled publically until the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, we can finally give you all the details of the F430 replacement. Since it’s a Ferrari, we’ll start with the engine, of course. The new direct injected 4.5 liter V8 screams like a race engine up to a stratospheric 9,000 RPMs, and pumps out an impressive 570 horsepower and 398 ft-lbs of torque. The engine uses its high 12.5:1 compression ratio to achieve a remarkable 125 horses per liter.

The 458 Italia will receive the new seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, which Ferrari specifically tuned to match the horsepower and torque curves of the new V8. Further engine tuning allows the V8 to deliver over 80 percent of its maximum torque at a low 3,250 RPM, while maximum torque arrives at 6,000 RPM and maximum horsepower at a racecar-like 9,000 RPM. A lot of work was done to reduce internal friction inside the new V8, which helped to achieve the increased power and torque figures.

The combination of all of these improvements allows the 458 to achieve a top speed of 202 mph, making it the first production V8 Ferrari to surpass the 200 mph barrier. As with all Ferraris, acceleration is violent; the 458 Italia hits 62 mph (100 km/h) in a quick 3.4 seconds. While most of the weight reduction and wind tunnel testing was intended to benefit acceleration, top speed, and handling, it also helps at the pump. Emissions have been cut and mileage increased (17.1 mpg on the EU test cycle). Ferrari has talked about using a type of mild hybrid to boost mpg ratings, but this technology won’t be present on the 458.

The chassis and suspension have also been tuned to continue to improve handling dynamics beyond that of the already impressive F430. The chassis, which was once all-aluminum, is now a mixture of advanced alloys, keeping the 458 Italia to a dry weight of 3,042 pounds. The suspension features double wishbones up front and a multi-line setup in the rear. Ferrari claims the integration of the E-Diff and F1-Trac results in a 32 percent increase in longitudinal acceleration out of corners compared the outgoing F430. The 458 now has even quicker turn-in and body control, yet maintains a comfortable ride allowing owners to drive the car day-to-day without too much fuss.

Unlike the new Ferrari California, which was designed to give owners a more practical vehicle, the 458 was race inspired and designed to maximize road and track performance. This is really a true Ferrari in all its meaning. We look forward to the official public release at the Frankfurt Motor Show this September. Photos are below the video.

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