Frankfurt supercar: Ferrari 458 Italia

You've probably already seen the pictures of the Ferrari F430 replacement by now, but we can officially confirm that the 458 Italia is indeed as stunning in the flesh as we'd hoped it would be.

What's all the fuss about?

Any new Ferrari is going to cause a stir, but the replacement for its 'bread and butter' model is about as exciting as it gets. The 458 Italia might be the most junior Ferrari lots of money can buy, but it's by no means a watered down supercar. Its top speed is 202mph and it will get to 100km/h (that's 62mph in old money) in just 3.4 seconds thanks to a 4.5-litre, 562bhp V8 engine and a shape more slippery than Ronnie Biggs. In fact, Michael Schumacher claimed during its unveil that it's quicker than an Enzo around Ferrari's Fiorano test track. Yikes.

Any new technology?

Ferrari is keen to stress that the CO₂ emissions the 458 doles out are the cleanest in the segment. Granted, that's arguably the same as claiming you're the most intelligent Big Brother housemate, but 320g/km of CO₂ and 20.6mpg are actually impressive considering the 9,000rpm V8 performance on offer.

Inside, traditional indicator stalks are eradicated too in favour of innovative wheel mounted units. And as for the rest of the cabin, we can confirm it's as wonderfully tactile as we'd hoped for - though it's asymmetrical air vents take some getting used to. We'd like the opportunity...

When can I buy one?

Sometime during Spring 2010 is the suggested release date for the 458 Italia, although Ferrari has put so much time and cost into developing the car that it will justifiably charge more for it than the F430 it replaces - expect around £150,000.

Mark Nichol