MARANELLO, Italy — Enthusiasts craving more information on the new Ferrari 458 Italia ahead of the car's official debut next month at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show can check out a raft of new images and information on Ferrari's Web site.
Ferrari has now posted the first images of the car's "driver-oriented cockpit," which the company says was inspired in part by the Ferrari F1 racecars. Designed by Pininfarina, the interior does away with the familiar steering-column-mounted control stalks. Now, lights, signals and wipers are activated by pushbuttons on the steering wheel, with buttons for secondary functions located behind the wheel.
Pininfarina also lengthened the gearshift paddles to make shifts easier. Satellite pods on either side incorporate controls for such functions as the infotainment system, Bluetooth wireless connection, satellite navigation, rear parking camera and vehicle dynamic assistance (VDA) system, which monitors engine, gearbox, tires and brakes.
The Ferrari Web site also has posted exclusive interviews with Paolo Pininfarina on the design of the 458 Italia and with seven-time F1 World Champ Michael Schumacher on the car's dynamic characteristics.
Inside Line says: The Ferrari Web site is truly an enthusiast's dream. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent
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