by Turo
posted on May 27, 2019
10 years of supercar magic
A lot can happen in ten years. Take technology for example.
In the last decade alone, people have gone from hailing cabs with their hands to booking Ubers on their phones and opting to stay in strangers’ homes instead of hotels. Snapchat and iPads didn’t even exist. Hard to imagine, right?
So how does the Ferrari 458, a supercar that debuted back in 2009, still catch the attention of gear heads and fans, without making any significant changes? The short answer?
It’s a Ferrari.
Ferrari 458 specs
When the iconic brand unveiled the Ferrari 458 at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2009, it did so with much fanfare. Ferrari’s state-of-the-art technology was so ahead of the game, the competition was awestruck with envy.
With a 562 hp V8 engine featuring direct fuel injection, paired with the innovative F1-inspired suspension and seven-speed dual-clutch, the Ferrari 458 can go a thrilling zero to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds.
But it isn’t just a fast car. Double wishbone suspension and traction control systems reduce wind resistance and keep drivers close to the road, resulting in a smooth driving experience, even while flying at a top speed of 202 mph (325 kph).
Ferrari’s long legacy of competing in Formula One races has given the Ferrari 458 the inspiration not only to drive fast, but look fast, too.
As fast as it looks
You know that saying, “faster than it looks?” Well, it doesn’t apply to the Ferrari 458.
Ferrari’s exceptional design both inside and out will take your breath away; that is if going zero to 60 in 3.4 seconds isn’t enough. Designed by Pininfarina, an Italian car design firm with clients like Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, Peugeot, Fiat, GM, Lancia, and Maserati, the Ferrari 458’s body keeps aerodynamics and speed at the forefront.
The front of the Ferrari 458 features a single opening for the front grille and side air intakes. Aerodynamic sections and profiles direct air to the coolant radiators and the new flat underbody. Meanwhile, the car’s nose cuts wind resistance, or drag, as speed rises. The Ferrari 458’s design is simple, efficient, and light.
458 SPECIALE
From 2013 to 2015, Ferrari also released several variations of the Ferrari 458 to reduce drag and make the car even more aerodynamic. Ferrari gave these vehicles the name 458 Speciale and 458 Speciale A to separate them from the “regular” Ferrari 458.
It’s what’s inside that counts
The interior of the Ferrari 458 is equally impressive. Blending function and ergonomics, Bertrand Rapatel, the Director of Ferrari Interior Design — with input from former Ferrari Formula 1 legend Michael Schumacher — designed an interior that is sure to transport you to the race track of the Indy 500.
The design of the interior keeps everything within easy access for the driver. Similar to a racing car, the steering wheel features many controls including the car’s navigation, high beams, turn signals, and radio. Even the leather seats make you feel like you’re getting ready to claim pole position.
And if driving with a roof keeps you from enjoying real freedom, you might want to try a Ferrari 458 Spider, the convertible version of this incredible sports car.
Ferrari 458 special editions
In about five years of production, there were few changes made to the Ferrari 458, the most significant difference being the maintenance package in 2012. However, there have been several special editions produced since then to offer owners a little something extra including the 458 Italia China Edition (2012). For the twentieth anniversary of Ferrari’s entry into the Chinese market, the luxury carmaker produced 20 red 458 Italia China Editions, which sold out quickly.
FERRARI SP12 EC (2012)
What do you get when you take the best of the Berlinetta Boxers and the awesomeness of Ferrari 458 Italia? It’s the Ferrari SP12, a collaboration between Eric Clapton, Ferrari’s Centro Stile, and Pininfarina.
PININFARINA SERGIO (2013)
To pay homage to the work of Sergio Pininfarina, Ferrari’s defacto designer since the 1950s, six Pininfarina Sergios were produced. Based on the Ferrari 458, the Pininfarina Sergio brings together Ferrari’s iconic style from the 1960s and 1970s.
458 MM SPECIALE (2016)
Probably the latest of the one-off designs based on the Ferrari 458 is the 458 MM Speciale. The MM takes the Speciale but adds a few visual tweaks to the car, including a handcrafted aluminum body complete with carbon fiber front and rear bumpers.
Ferrari 458 price
Ferrari officially discontinued production of the Ferrari 458 in 2015, replacing it with the excellent Ferrari 488 GTB. But that hasn’t stopped interested buyers from asking how much a Ferrari 458 goes for these days.
Well, it depends. Several factors, including the year of the car, the upgrades added, and the level of uniqueness the Ferrari 458 has beyond the stock features impact its price. A quick search on Ferrari’s pre-owned listings for 458s brings up prices from the low $100,000s to POA (price on application), not bad for a car that hasn’t been in production since 2015.
And if you really want to splurge, some of the special editions are priced in the millions. Yes, you read that correctly.
Driving a Ferrari 458 on Turo
So if you’re wondering how to get behind the wheel of a Ferrari 458, forget about buying one. Just hop on Turo, filter your search for Ferrari, and get to ogling.
