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2011 Novitec Ferrari 458 Italia Review

February 2011
Filed under: FERRARI Car News | FERRARI Headlines
NOVITEC ROSSO now also refines the new Ferrari 458 Italia. At the Geneva Motor Show 2011 the extensive program for the mid-engine sports car will celebrate its world debut. The high-performance program includes engine tuning that increases power output to 609 hp / 448 kW, propelling the two-seater car to a top speed in excess of 330 km/h. The NOVITEC ROSSO high-performance exhaust system, made from the same INCONEL material also used in Formula 1 racing, optimizes both power yield and exhaust note while weighing in at 21 kilograms less than the production exhaust. The NOVITEC ROSSO aerodynamic-enhancement kit was developed in the wind tunnel and is manufactured from carbon fibers. It also contributes to the lightweight-design concept of the NOVITEC ROSSO conversion. A custom-tailored tire/wheel combination with diameters of 21 and 22 inches, a modified suspension with front lift system and exclusive interior options round out the upgrade for the Italian sports car. The NOVITEC ROSSO specialists unleash an additional 39 hp / 28.7 kW of power from the 4.5-liter V8. A new carbon-fiber airbox with modified air routing is installed on the intake side. The NOVITEC ROSSO high-performance exhaust system was developed to improve exhaust-gas flow. The exhaust system consists of two high-performance manifolds, sport catalysts and a rear muffler with a control flap, whose sound can be adjusted by the Manettino button on the steering wheel.

The exhaust system features three tailpipes with a diameter of 90 millimeters and optimizes power yield while producing a more sporty exhaust note. But that's not all: It is manufactured from INCONEL, the same material used on Formula 1 race cars, making the NOVITEC ROSSO exhaust especially heat resistant and more importantly extremely light: Compared to the production exhaust it represents a weight saving of 21 kilograms.

The engine conversion also includes newly programmed engine electronics with newly calibrated mapping for ignition and injection.

After the conversion the engine of the 458 Italia produces 609 hp / 448 kW at 9,100 rpm. Simultaneously peak torque grows from 540 Nm to 569 Nm at 5,400 rpm. The engine also responds even faster to throttle commands and the slightly higher redline speed results in even better continuity during upshifts.

Powered by this engine the two-seater with NOVITEC ROSSO engine tuning reaches a top speed in excess of 330 km/h.

At these speeds favorable aerodynamic properties are essential. The NOVITEC ROSSO body components were fine-tuned in the wind tunnel of the University of Stuttgart. The components are made from especially light high-strength carbon fibers and give the car an unabashed racing look while reducing its weight.
The NOVITEC ROSSO front spoiler is attached to the production bumper and lends the car a more striking face. In combination with the flaps to the right and left of the central air inlet its sophisticated shape minimizes lift on the front axle, which benefits directional stability at high speeds. Wings and the fender-mounted ventilation louvers now made from carbon fibers add further sporty emphasis to the front of the car. Carbon-fiber mirror housings add the final touch.

Strikingly styled NOVITEC ROSSO rocker panels create optimal airflow between front and rear wheel wells.

To reduce lift on the rear axle for an optimal aerodynamic balance NOVITEC ROSSO upgrades the 458 Italia with a rear spoiler and a carbon-fiber diffuser. The racing look is rounded out with additional carbon-fiber applications such as ventilation louvers or the fog lamp surround. The roof panel of the car and the engine hood are also made from Carbon.

Custom-tailored versions of the three-piece NOVITEC ROSSO NF3 wheels were developed to make perfect use of the available space in the wheel wells. Choosing a staggered combination of size 9Jx21 wheels in front and size 12Jx22 on the rear axle further emphasizes the wedge shape of the two-seater car. Technology partner Pirelli supplies PZero high-performance tires custom-tailored for this car. On the front axle the tires are mounted in size 255/30 ZR 21. In the rear tires in size 335/25 ZR 22 provide optimal traction.

The NOVITEC ROSSO sport springs are precision-matched to these ultra-low-profile tires. The springs lower the ride height of the Ferrari by some 35 millimeters. At the same time the NOVITEC ROSSO specialists also developed a particular feature that further improves the everyday utility of the 458 Italia. The hydraulic NOVITEC ROSSO front lift system can raise the front of the car at the push of a button in the cockpit by some 40 millimeters, eliminating problems posed by speed bumps or parking garage ramps. At a second push of the button or automatically upon reaching a speed of 80 km/h the front reverts to its original position.

NOVITEC ROSSO fully caters to customer requests with perfectly crafted leather and Alcantara interiors. Customers can choose from an endless number of colors and a multitude of upholstery designs meticulously sewn to perfection. The racing theme of the NOVITEC ROSSO body kit is continued in the interior with a center console, scuff plates and longer shift paddles on the steering wheel, all made from carbon fibers.

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