(Tue 28 Jul 09)

Ferrari's latest model, due to be formally unveiled at the Frankfurt Show in September, has been designed partly with input from former F1 World Champion Michael Schumacher, so it's no surprise that Ferrari describes it as having "uncompromising on-road performance with occasional trackday capability".

The 458 Italia has a new five-litre V8 engine (the first direct petrol injection unit to be fitted in a mid-engined Ferrari) which produces maximum power of over 560bhp. Ferrari is being slightly vague about performance figures, but says that the top speed is over 200mph while the 0-62mph time is "under 3.4 seconds".

But the 458 Italia also has combined fuel economy of 20.6mpg and a CO2 rating of 320g/km. These are not figures that are going to cheer up the environmentalists, but they are better than those achieved by the slower and less powerful 430.

The power is taken to the rear wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. The differential, traction control system and ABS are all controlled by the same ECU, giving "a 32% increase in longitudinal acceleration out of corners compared to previous models" according to Ferrari.

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