Ferrari 458 Italia - in the flesh

New Ferrari 458 Italia out testing

It’s only just over a week since we reported on the details of Ferrari’s F430 replacement – the Ferrari 458 Italia. But it’s been a busy few days as we’ve seen the Ferrari 458 Italia Wallpaper downloads running in to the thousands already, such is the interest in Maranello’s new toy.

And today we’ve had drop in to our inbox a picture of a 458 Italia in the flesh, which gives far more idea of perspective than the artfully-lit studio shots Ferrari released.

It’s no real surprise that 458s are running around, with the official reveal only a matter of weeks away at the Frankfurt Motor Show. And Ferrari hasn’t gone to huge lengths to disguise this car – just some black and white paintwork.

The 458 Italia features a V8 4.5 litre engine, which produces 570bhp and a 0-60mph of around 3.2 seconds, with a top speed of over 200 mph. Updates to the F1 Trac and E-diff claim to give truly exceptional handling and roadholding.

But I don’t know about you – maybe it’s just the angle of the shot – but the 458 in this picture does seem to ride an awful lot higher than the official images we’ve seen. That would make it more ‘practical’, but it doesn’t exactly add to the appeal. Still, it could just be the way it’s parked.

I’m sure we’ll get more bits and pieces as Frankfurt approaches.