Ferrari 458 hits Australia at $527K

FERRARI’S new V8-powered 458 Italia will set buyers back $526,950 (plus delivery and statutory charges) – a hike of $66,000 over the model it replaces, the Ferrari 430.

While that’s cheaper than the $580,000 pricetag predicted for the 325km/h thoroughbred, buyers could still end up paying the higher figure by the time they add the on-road costs and obligatory accessories, such as $6650 for satellite navigation and $4400 parking sensors.

Ferrari importer Ateco Automotive already has more than 100 well-heeled sportcar lovers on a two-year waiting list for the volume-selling 4.5-litre, 425kW Prancing Horse, which will be rationed to markets around the world. First deliveries are expected in Australia next month.

The two-seat 458 Italia will be offered exclusively with Ferrari’s ‘F1’ seven-speed sequential double-clutch gearbox, dispensing with the six-speed manual that was also available on its 430 predecessor.

Weighing just 1380kg, the new coupe is 70kg lighter than the 430, propelling it from zero to 100km/h in 3.4 seconds, eclipsing the 430’s 4.0 seconds.

It is lighter and faster even that the stripped out 430 Scuderia model, for which there is no sign yet of a 458 replacement.

2010 Ferrari 458 Italia range pricing:
458 Italia	$526,950 (a)