Cars

2010 Ferrari 458 Italia

Modern supercars are often badgered as being pointless specifically because you can’t use the speed in modern day traffic. The argument is a moot point even when discussing the most basic transportation on the market including Toyota Prius drivers being charged with speeding over 100MPH, trying to defend a Ferrari’s power or maximum velocity is rough. The Ferrari 458 Italia (see Review Roundup) specifically, Ferrari’s latest entry-level mid-engined supercar, has a top speed of over 200MPH while still achieving a respectable 17.6MPG in some tests. There’s a dealership in New York that wants to help you dream the dream before purchasing your next Ferrari.

Today’s eBay find is one of the first Ferrari 458′s on Ebay available in America for sale is listed for $354,995 and is available in downtown Chicago, IL. But the most interesting thing about this Ferrari 458 is the incriminating (or flattering) trip computer showing that even a supercar from Chicago can achieve over 100MPH even in the first 80 miles of ownership (the car is listed in “used” condition). It’s capable, yes, and without restriction and can be propelled on to another 100 after your bid of $355K.

2010 Lamborghini Murcielago LP670-4 SuperVeloce

Have you had your eye on one of those brand-new and shiny (does matte-gray paint shine?) Lamborghini Reventón? Can’t bring yourself to trade a kidney, sell your kids, or spend $1.25-2.5 million for one of the 20 coupes produced? Well good news! You can get same puckered-up bung-hole seat-of-the-pants rocketship feelings, that same “look at me” announcement at every traffic light, same Joie de vivre feelings and even more thrust for less than half the cost (no organ transplants required).

Whereas the 2009 Reventón was based on the 2006 Lamborghini Murciélago LP640 with a measly 640 HP, today’s eBay find has the same chassis with even more oomph, pushing out 670 HP. The 2010 LP670-4 SuperVeloce is what they call it 0-60 in 3.2 seconds is what it does. All. Day. Long. This Murciélago can reach 213 MPH, it has a lighter exhaust system, improved brakes, modified intake and valve timings and several interior parts have been modified for either lightness or to resemble the Reventón. This Murciélago is the swan-song for the Murciélago line (tears from the peanut gallery) the LP670-4′s production run is limited to only 350 cars rather than the Reventón’s 20.

Today’s eBay find is an LP67-4 SuperVeloce in Bianco Isis with a claimed 299 miles on the clock and its list of features include the cabon fiber interior package, carbon ceremic brakes, and an optional large rear wing for stability. Bidding hasn’t met a reserve but the Buy-It-Now price of $484,045 sounds like a bargain compared to what Reventón’s are fetching these days. Take a look here and happy bidding!

[wordbay]Lamborghini (LP670, , LP650, LP640)[/wordbay]

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)