Ferrari 458 Italia review

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Ferrari 458 4.5 V8 Italia Road Test

Test date 12 August 2010 Price as tested £178,461

For Accessible performance, Excellent handling balance, The sense of occasion

Against Expensive - especially with options, No manual option, Ergonomic slips

There has always been a bit of a contradiction about the notion of a junior Ferrari. But, with a few notable exceptions, that is how the mid-engined V8-powered cars from Maranello have been known. So it was with the 308 GTB, and the line of cars that followed.

Now, though, things are changing at Ferrari. In the California, it has a fourth model line designed to cater for those wanting a slighter softer experience from their Prancing Horse.

Which has given the 458 Italia, the latest V8 Ferrari, the licence to move into more serious territory. There is nothing remotely junior about 562bhp or a top speed in excess of 200mph.

In fact, as you will see, the 458 is, in many ways, comparable with the bigger 599 GTB. Not only does it outpace its V12 sibling to 60mph and 100mph but, as our test car shows, with a before-options price of £169,546, the 458 Italia is also a car that can easily cost over £200,000.

Numbers are one thing, though. What we are here to find out is if the new junior has not just moved the game on, but also entered the rarefied ranks of the truly great Ferraris.