Ferrari 458 Italia (2013)

Launched at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show the 458 Italia marked a massive leap forward from the company's previous mid-rear engined sports cars. A two-seater berlinetta, as is now traditional for all Ferrari's road-going cars, the Ferrari 458 Italia, benefits hugely from the company's Formula 1 experience. This is particularly evident in the speed and precision with which the car responds to driver inputs and in the attention focused on reducing internal friction in the engine for lower fuel consumption than the F430, despite the fact that both overall displacement and power have increased.

However, Ferrari's track experience makes its presence felt in the 458 Italia not only in terms of pure technological transfer but also on a more emotional level, because of the strong emphasis on creating an almost symbiotic relationship between driver and car. The 458 Italia features an innovative driving environment with a new kind of steering wheel and dashboard that is the direct result of racing practice. Once again input from Michael Schumacher - who was involved from the very start of the 458 Italia project - played an invaluable part.