At a first glance, it appears that there’s nothing really special about this 458 Italia other than it’s a new Ferrari and that it’s covered in dark grey vinyl wrap. However, take a closer look at the images in the gallery below and things start to get interesting…

This Italian supercar was themed after the notorious F-117 Nighthawk stealth attack aircraft, with the matte gray vinyl wrap incorporating a rivet-style design. Other notable features include the rivet graphics on the windows as well as numerous other aircraft-inspired labels, such as “Heater Exhaust”, “Beware of Jetblast” and “Pull to Open” signs.

Adapted from CarScoop

First look? Well, we’d like to think so after pictures surfaced online this week of a modified Ferrari 458 Italia, leading to speculation that it could be the first glimpse of Ferrari’s 458 Italia Challenge race car.

The modified 458 pictured here, featuring aerodynamic tweaks, a plexiglass window, tow hooks and centre-locking racing wheels shod with slick tyres, was reportedly spied at Italy’s Vallelunga race track.

There has been no word from Ferrari regarding a track-ready version of its latest model, so for now it remains unclear whether the spied car is an official Ferrari project, an aftermarket prototype, or a privateer racer.

The ‘regular’ 458 is motivated by a 4,5-litre V8, developing 425 kW and 540 N.m of torque, pushing the supercar to 100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds and on to a top speed of over 325 km/h.

Last month, the Italian supercar company, offered a glimpse of its new model schedule, which includes a convertible ‘Spider’ version of the 458, a replacement for the 599, and a successor to the company’s Enzo hypercar.

Back in September 2009 we tested Volkswagen’s latest generation Golf GTI. The Golf 6 GTI impressed us with its all-round abilities, despite being the least powerful of the major hot-hatches (Focus ST, Astra OPC, Renault Megane RS) in South Africa. We couldn’t really fault the latest GTI but we did have this to say about the DSG gearbox…

We couldn’t help feel that the efficiency of the DSG took some of the fun out of the drive. It can’t provide the connection to the engine and wheels like a manual gearbox can and in a hot-hatch that is part of the fun. Being responsible for the co-ordination of steering, brakes, throttle and gears is what a driver’s car is all about. It’s a rewarding feeling when you get it right and the reason why driving is so exciting for most. What we’re saying then, is that the DSG is excellent 90 percent of the time – in traffic it’s a joy – but for the remaining 10 percent, when you really want to have fun, the manual may coerce a bigger grin.

We decided to put our own theory to the test and spend some time with the 3-pedal version of the GTI. Before we deliver our findings though, let’s present the facts of where the two models differ.

Surprisingly, VW claim there is no weight difference, with both derivatives tipping the scales at 1 393 kg’s. Perhaps even more surprising are the identical 0 – 100 km/h sprint times of 6.9 seconds. In reality though, the driver of the manual GTI won’t be able to keep up with the DSG equipped car – as this video of quick shifter Tsuchiya Keiichi shows.

But the roads aren’t filled with drifting champions and racing drivers – although 80% of us males will claim otherwise – and any 10th’s of a second difference on paper quickly become 1 or more seconds with mere mortals behind the wheel. It’s really the driving experience then that becomes a more relevant measure and an important factor in the ‘relationship’ between you and your car.

So, manual or DSG? It’s a debate that will continue for a long time to come. Purists will scoff at the idea of an automatic gearbox in a performance car, sighting laziness, old age or maybe having had a lobotomy as reasons for such a buying decision. However, Ferrari has just introduced the 458 Italia, which is only available with a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox – you can’t really argue with Ferrari. And although we fear the day that Porsche install their PDK into their GT3 or GT3 RS models, as hard as we try to hold on to our purist ideals, we can’t deny the benefits of dual-clutch technology.

But back to the Golf GTI. The DSG is smooth, efficient, fast and even auto-blips the throttle when gearing down – it’s very, very good.

The manual offers fluid gear changes and a featherlight hydraulic clutch that dispels any arguments for an aching left leg in rush-hour traffic. The manual offers accurate changes and we never once missed a gear. If we had to nitpick, we’d say the Golf GTI offers a feeling of solidity in all tactile elements but the gear lever, which could be chunkier and stiffer in its feel and shift action.

Manual GTI’s are equipped with a gear change indicator that displays the recommended gear you should be using for the speed you’re traveling. This is a nice-to-have feature, with the idea that fuel consumption could be tempered by adhering to the recommendations. To be honest though, fuel economy is not top of mind in a hot hatch and running the car up and down through the gears always seems to be worth the few extra pennies at the pump. The foot pedals are well positioned, making the old heel-toe technique easy enough and when you’ve reached cruising speed there’s a comfy footrest to satisfy your left leg.

Our hypothesis was that 10 percent of the time, when you really want to have fun with your GTI such as at a trackday, the manual could produce a bigger smile. Well, through the corners there is no doubt that the DSG gearbox makes for a smoother and safer ride – with both hands firmly on the wheel at all times and smoother shifts that don’t unsettle the car like a manual change might. Manually blipping the throttle to match the engine speed while on the brakes for  a corner is a satisfying element of performance driving, as is engaging the next gear with all the speed and accuracy of your favourite motorsport hero.

We have to make a decision though, and so if it was our money on the table we’d opt for the DSG. We battled to admit this to ourselves but we have quelled our fears of our reasons being due to old age, laziness or anything else. The thing is, the GTI is not a stripped out road racer like a Lotus Exige Scura – it’s a family hatch with sporting credentials. In our opinion, the dual-clutch DSG compliments the GTI’s all round ability, whether commuting to and from work, or upping your heart rate at the odd trackday.

Is the extra R14 500 commanded by the DSG worth it? Without a doubt, although this is not the only premium you’ll pay because the service and maintenance plans are a bit more expensive too. Reliability shouldn’t be an issue though, as the Golf 5 GTI was never known for problems with its auto box and, as an added vote of confidence, VW’s Scirocco GT24 race cars also use the DSG box in the 24-Hour GT series.

Ferrari unveiled the brand new 458 Italia at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show yesterday. The 8-cylinder two-seater berlinetta with a mid-to-rear mounted engine is a milestone in Maranello’s manufacture of high-performance sports cars. The Ferrari 458 Italia’s technological innovations inspired directly from the race track, and Michael Schumacher’s contribution right from the early stages of the project, speaks for a vehicle ready to fulfil the expectations and ambitions of even the most passionate clients.

With its newly developed 4,499 cc V8 engine, which produces 425 kW at 9000 rpm, the F1 dual-clutch gearbox and a 1 380 kg dry weight, the Ferrari 458 Italia boasts an extraordinary weightpower ratio of 2,42 kg. The 0 to 100 km/h sprint is dealt with in less than 3.4 seconds and the maximum speed is around 325 km/h.

Ferrari took care of 458 Italia’s superb vehicle dynamics by reaching an ideal weight balance for a mid-to-rear engined sports car – 58 per cent rear, 42 per cent front. The evolved electronic control systems also guarantees the vehicle optimal performance in all driving conditions. The new suspension and the more direct steering ratio, ensures the car is extremely responsive whilst maintaining superior ride comfort. Ferrari 458 Italia produces only 307 g/km of CO2 and has a fuel consumption of just 13.3 l/100 km (combined cycle).

Adapted from AutomobilesReview

The International Motor Show, or Frankfurt Motor Show, is the world’s largest motor show. It is held every two years in Frankfurt, Germany and this year, from 17 – 27 of September, the 63rd exhibition takes place.

The 2010 Volkswagen R20 Golf, Mini Coupe Concept, Fiat Punto Evo, Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG and brand new Bugatti Bordeaux car are just a few of the top cars making up Frankfurt’s stellar line-up. But are any of them good enough to make it into our Top 10 cars hitting the showroom floor?

Join us as we run through ten cars you should take note of at the 2009 International Motor Show.

(Click to reveal...)

Adapted from Orange

We’ve already shown you around the outside of Ferrari’s new 458 but here’s a closer look at the inside. Plus, we’ve found the first pictures of the fastest Ferrari ever on the move.

Debuting at Frankfurt in 3 weeks the pictures provides the most detailed look yet at the 458’s instrument layout. According to Ferrari the new layout represents a significant step forward in the concept of the ergonomic interface between driver and car.

Changes mean the 458 has eliminated all steering-column mounted controls, with the indicators, full beam, flash and windscreen wiper functions now being activated by buttons on the steering wheel. Behind the steering wheel lie a number of secondary functions, such as the stereo, while the gearbox paddles are now longer, making shifts even easier from any steering angle.

The right-hand section of the dashboard incorporates controls for the infotainment unit and sat-nav. While on the left-hand side you’ll find buttons for choosing the video setting of the TFT screen and the on-board computer interface.

Driver control of the Vehicle Dynamic Assistance (VDA) means you can control the operating parameters of the most important areas of the car – engine/gearbox, tyres and brakes. The driver is able to choose from three different VDA settings – Race, CT Off and CST Off – allowing the driver to correctly identify the best operating conditions for the car. There are also three status settings on display: WARM-UP (operating temperature too low), GO (ideal operating conditions) and OVER (one or more components are no longer at their optimum level and need cooling).

Of course, Ferrari already assured us the design and feel of the interior have been enhanced with the help of Michael Schumacher and the above described dashboard layout is “the direct result of racing practice.”

Adapted from 0-60Mag