Cars

2011 Ferrari 458 Italia

A brand new dual clutch 7-speed automated-manual transmission, triple exhaust outlets, body by Pininfarina, F1-spec traction control system, and 9000 RPM’s pulled from a mid-ship mounted 4.5L direct injected Ferrari V8. This list of standard specifications of the Ferrari 458 Italia offer an exitic brainstorm of what the new entry-level mid-engined Ferrari is like. Built to replace the long-running F430, the newest member to the Ferrari lineup seperates itself from the entry-level California.

Offering one of (if not the) most powerful naturally aspirated production V8′s and pushes an astonishing 562 HP at redline or 9000 RPM. And whether you like it or not, its attached to an automated-manual F1-style 7-speed transmission. Interestingly, according to Ferrari (and many other luxury/sports marques) purists complaints don’t represent the actual buying public so a proper manual won’t be offered. Owners will, however, be satisfied knowing body panels are crafted using aerospace technology allowing impossibly thin paneling.

Being a modern Ferrari, reviewers seem to be mostly impressed by the 458′s technological aspects rather than styling or performance. Read on to some of the reviews to see how the chassis aerodynamics are a particular area of interest.

• Automobile Mag (Review)
• Car and Driver (First Drive)
• Motor Trend (First Drive)
• Popular Mechanics (Test Drive)
• Autocar (YouTube)
• evo Magazine (YouTube)
• Fifth Gear (YouTube)

2009 Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione Convertible

The name really says it all, Alfa’s eight-cylinder competition convertible with parts cobbled together from all over the Fiat group. Alfa Romeo’s 8C Competetizione Convertible is derived from the previous generation Maserati GranTurismo and covered in unique Alfa inspired carbon fiber bodywork. Powered by a Ferrari engine pushing 444 HP @ 7000 RPM from the 4.7L front-mounted V8 (also found in the Ferrari Califonia and several Maserati’s) propels this svelte beauty to 60 in a respectable 4.2 secs on to a top speed of 181 MPH.

Although the 8C was always produced in low sums, today’s car is quite special because its a convertible. The limited production run included only 500 coupes of which 90 cars (the most slated for a single market) were earmarked for America. However, this red-on-white convertible is one of only 35 8C convertible’s coming to the colonies. With an abused 96 miles on the clock this rare beauty can be yours for a trip to Miami, FL and an offer somewhere south of $359,000.

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