The list price, including all taxes, for the 458 in the UK comes out to £169,545. That’s a significant £40k increase over the F430 it replaces, but a few grand less than the top-of-the-line 430 Scuderia whose performance it more closely resembles. (The pricing also puts the 458 into perspective vis-a-vis its kid brother, the California convertible, which comes out to £143,325 on the 2010 price sheet.) Of course these are just starting points for eager buyers, with options like LED indicator lights on the steering wheel, Alcantara microsuede trim for the trunk, electric seats and a spare wheel all delving well into four figures. Nobody ever said buying a new Ferrari would be cheap.

The curvy accomplishment sitting before you is the newly-unveiled Ferrari 458 Italia, which will replace the F430. While the car won’t be shown in public until the Frankfort Motor Show in September, Ferrari has released the details and given us an intimate glimpse of what to expect with these stunning renderings. “Designed for owners for whom the priority is uncompromising on-road performance with occasional track day capability, but who still demand a car that is useable in day-to-day driving”, the 458 Italia features a direct-injected, mid-rear V8 good for 562 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque. A seven-speed dual clutch gearbox provides seamless shifting and control while a steering wheel with integrated controls keeps nearly every necessary adjustment at the driver’s fingertips. The 458 tops out at 9000 rpm and Ferrari redesigned the gear ratio so that 80% of its torque is available at the low 3250 rpm. The powertrain combines with the compact, aerodynamic shape and lightweight aluminum structure to provide a 0 to 62 time of 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 202 MPH.  The 458 gives