Ferrari 458 Italia at Frankfurt Motor Show

• Competes with: Lamborghini Reventon, Maserati Gran Turismo
• Looks like: Ferrari is actually getting adventurous with its design
• Drivetrain: 562-hp, 4.5-liter V-8 engine with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission
• Hits dealerships: 2010

Ferrari has been on an unusual tear of releasing new models. Last year, we were treated to the California convertible, and now we get the 458 Italia. This new mid-engine two-seater is radical looking no matter which angle you view it from. From the front, the trailing headlight LEDs and strange eyelit vents are completely original and quite outrageous. While they’re unique looking, they still speak to the Ferrari faithful.

Far more provocative, however, is the rear and its voluptuous fender. The profile — it’s hard to find a good profile image from the manufacturer — is probably the shot that’s most distressing to Ferrari fans because the back half looks enormous compared to the car’s hood. From straight on, the back’s protruding taillights and trio of exhaust pipes are also slightly bizarre. 

Pentastar wheels are the only traditional touch we can see.

Of course, it’s still a Ferrari and that means it can perform as well as strain gawkers’ necks. The V-8 engine is good for 562 horsepower and a zero-to-62 time of 3.4 seconds, which is about as fast as anyone can expect to go in a car today that doesn’t shoot flames out the back. A seven-speed dual-clutch transmission is controlled only by paddle shifters on the Formula One race-inspired steering wheel, and dual electronic gauges frame a center tachometer, which says this is a serious performance machine.

Because the engine sits behind the seats weight is balanced 42/58 front to rear, which should make for fun days on the track. More photos below.

Ferrari Unveils F430 Replacement: 458 Italia

Looking for a new sports car to plaster on your computer’s desktop? You now have the all-new Ferrari 458 Italia, which will surely make co-workers ask, “What the heck is that?” The 458 Italia is a replacement for the current F430, Ferrari’s mid-engine V-8 sports car.  

The 458 Italia has a few wild exterior features besides its already-Enzo-like appearance, including three exhaust tailpipes and winglets that create downforce, then deform at high speeds to reduce drag.   

The Italia’s name comes from what’s under the skin: a 4.5-liter V-8 that makes around 560 hp and 398 pounds-feet of torque. The F430 made 490 hp out of its 4.3-liter V-8, and despite the additional power and increased displacement of the new engine, Ferrari says it’s improved gas mileage as well.    

You may remember the recently introduced Ferrari California. Well, Ferrari calls that a “sports car with a practical edge,” but the 458 is a road car designed for owners who want track-day capabilities. The 458 goes from zero to 60 mph in less than 3.4 seconds and has a top speed of 202 mph. That should hold up well at the track, while the looks will ensure a space at the front of any valet line.

While pricing hasn’t been announced, the current F430 starts at $188,425 for the Berlinetta coupe.

NBA MVP LeBron James Gives Away His Kia

When Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James won his first NBA Most Valuable Player award this season, he also won a free Kia Borrego. This is somewhat akin to the local Subway offering you free sandwiches for a month after being elected president of the United States.

Not to knock Kia, but its cars are more likely to be the vehicles of NBA fans than of NBA players, who are well known for their extravagant taste in cars. Perhaps that’s why Kia, the sponsor of the award and an NBA partner, usually gives the vehicle directly to a charity of the award winner’s choice.

Last year’s MVP, Kobe Bryant, donated his brand-new Kia Borrego to the East L.A. Boys and Girls Club. This year’s Defensive Player of the Year, Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magic, has already announced that his Kia will go to the Orlando Day Nursery. James will give his SUV to the Akron Urban League.

Even though Kia would certainly love to see James behind the wheel of a Borrego, giving the car directly to charity avoids headaches for sports agents because of possible conflicting endorsement deals. We’d also guess the Borrego would cramp his style a bit. James arrived at the MVP award ceremony driving a Ferrari amid a police escort. We assume this is his Ferrari 430 Spyder, which cost more than $200,000 before it was customized to fit the NBA player’s tall frame. Check out the video of him taking delivery of it below.

NBA MVPs Don’t Keep Cars (CNBC.com)

Cops: Inept Criminal Drives Off in Ferrari, Leaves Brake On

Not that we're advocating the theft of a $130,000 Ferrari, but if you do decide to take that plunge, be sure to learn a few lessons from a Salt Lake City incident.

Last week, police say, Steve Syme, 50, stepped into a 2001 Ferrari 550 Maranello left idling on the dealership lot of Steve Harris Imports. As a practice, dealership employees keep very little gas in their vehicles, but even if the thief had had a full tank, he wouldn’t have done himself any favors by allegedly stopping to steal a $1,900 diamond ring from a local jeweler. Police arrested the suspect about 10 minutes after the ring theft, when he allegedly tried to take the ring to a pawn shop.

As Salt Lake City police suggested, being on the lookout for a Ferrari 550 Maranello didn’t exactly take heightened amounts of investigative prowess.

The Ferrari received minor damage, including the fact that the suspect conducted his crime spree with the Ferrari's emergency brake engaged for the entire trip.

Stolen Ferrari Quickly Recovered After Spree (Deseret News)

Ferrari California: A Dino for the 21st Century

People have been talking about a new “baby” Ferrari for the past two years. Small sports cars have been captured in a paparazzi-like fervor in Europe for months, but none of those shots could portray the beauty of the real thing. Today, Ferrari released the three pictures you see above and below of the new Ferrari California.

It’s a retractable hardtop coupe with a V-8 engine that’s capable of 0-60 times that are less than 4 seconds. We don’t have final horsepower numbers yet, but they will most likely be above 450 hp. 

The design is simply amazing. Ferrari has regained its elegant edge in the supercar market with both the recent 599 GTB and now the California. How it made the new car seriously modern while still invoking the classic Dino is mind-blowing. 

One big question with this smaller Ferrari will be the price. Many have called it an entry-level Ferarri, which would still mean prices in the $100,000-$200,000 range. We’re not sure at which end of the scale it will end up, but we’d guess the high end. Check below for two more photos.