The Ferrari 458 needs no introduction. It’s by far the most common Ferrari out on the road. Teenagers and the vast majority of millennials must’ve seen quite a lot of them out and about. After the surge of platforms like YouTube and Instagram, the popularity of the 458 has surged quite a bit.

Amongst enthusiasts, the 458 is by far the most popular V8 Ferrari. With an estimated count of more than 15,000 units produced, the Ferrari 458 could possibly be the most sold V8 by far. Although, the number is more of a guesstimate after taking into consideration the average amount of cars Maranello has churned between 2010 and 2015.

The Ferrari 458 was one of the most sought-after V8s to come out of Maranello in recent years. Aside from its screaming V8, the sumptuous looks of the mid-engined Ferrari made it an irresistible buy for the well-heeled.

We’ll go as far as to say that the 458 is the best modern mid-engined V8 Ferrari. Considering how the 488 GTB is more of a hoover with a Ferrari skin, we’re confident about our claim. Here’s a bit more info just to solidify the statement.

Ferrari 458 Italia: A Gorgeous Automobile

If you’ve ever seen a 458 on the road, there’s every reason for you to stand and stare. We won’t blame you since Ferrari’s boss at the time Luca di Montezemolo called it the very definition of Italian motoring. That’s a bold claim from somebody who’s been at the top since 1991. According to the Montezemolo, “458 Italia” is an appropriate name for the mid-engined V8 Ferrari. The 458 has taken several design cues from its predecessors. For instance, the triple exhaust tips are a nod to the legendary Ferrari F40. Also, the overall styling has had enough inputs from Pininfarina to make it all the more appealing than the F430 it replaced.

Ferrari 458 Italia
Via Ferrari

The 458 Italia was a significant step on from the Ferrari F430; both in terms of performance and aesthetics. Exterior shapes have a purpose and that’s to keep the car glued to the road while simultaneously allowing it to slip through the air. The ingenious engineering exercise was inspired by Formula One technology wherein, the front bumpers housed a pair of aeroelastic winglets. The aerodynamic add-ons help generate downforce and as speed increases deform to reduce drag. The air is then accelerated below the underside to create a suction effect thereby increasing road grip. Of all the road cars that were common in the mid-2000s, the Ferrari 458 was one of the most sophisticated automobiles. The clever incorporation of all these technologies was done in a manner that’s extremely timeless and eye-catching.

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Ferrari 458 Italia: Incredible Performance To Match Its Looks

Ferrari F8 Tributo engine bay view
Via: Motortrend.com

Here’s another department where the 458 Italia outperforms its predecessors; Its engine. The Ferrari 458 houses a 4.5-liter V8 up from 4.3-liter in the F430 to make 562 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque. A strict rear-wheel-drive supercar, the Ferrari 458 with the sole option of a dual-clutch transmission; making it the first production Ferrari V8 to be not offered with a manual. The engine unlike the F430 revs to 9000 rpm in what makes it one of the best sounding engines to come out in recent years. Unfortunately, this gem of an engine was replaced with a more powerful but soul-less turbocharged V8 in the 488 GTB. Even today enthusiasts much prefer having the 458 instead of the more advanced 488.

Ferrari 458
Via Driving UK

Aside from having a screamer nestled inside the aluminum architecture, the 458 showed extreme poise when driven with intent. The steering although making way for an electrically-assisted unit is one of the quickest in terms of directional changes. Coupled with the lightweight internals, the 458 Italia is a rather agile supercar; generations ahead of the Lamborghini Gallardo. The 458 has all the modern tech whilst staying true to its roots. Unlike the 488 which was technologically ahead, the 458 had character; one of the reasons for its increased acceptance among enthusiasts.

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Ferrari 458 Italia: Now A Lot Cheaper Than List

via Motor Authority

The Ferrari 458 Italia is a lot more affordable than it was 10 years ago. Now, the asking price of a 458 with relatively modest options and decent miles on the clock range between $175,000 to $200,000. This is a significant discount over the 458’s list price of $240,000 back when it was new. Many of these used 458s are heavily optioned taking the MSRP to well over $300,000. Considering how the 488 GTB has tanked over the years, the 458 is a much better buy. Low mileage examples of the 488 sell for a $30,000 premium which in the grand scheme of things is not a lot of cash. This shows how well the Ferrari 458 has retained its value over the years. Losing 35-40% over a span of 10 years is a massively impressive feat in supercar country. Its hardcore sibling the 458 Speciale is already a great investment. A decently specced 488, on the other hand, has lost nearly $100,000 in just 3 years. This equates to roughly 30% depreciation if we consider the car’s original MSRP of around $340,000.

Sources: YouTube, Top Gear

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