Model: 458 Italia
Styles: Coupe (Berlinetta), Convertible (Spider)
Engine: 4.5-liter V8
Power range: 520 (GTB) to 570 hp (GTO)
Torque: 457 lb-ft
Gearbox: Seven-speed dual-clutch auto-manual
Configuration: Longitudinal midengine, rear-wheel drive
Claimed top speed: 202 mph
Description: With the 458 Italia, Ferrari has upped the game of its smallest and most focused model. With 570 horsepower propelling only 3,042 pounds, the 458 offers a power-to-weight ratio on par with the quickest cars on the planet. Ferrari will offer the 458 as a Spider for the 2012 model year, which should increase its aspirational value even further.
IL says: One of the world's genuinely gorgeous-looking, gorgeous-sounding supercars, the 458 is a thoroughly modern, thoroughly rapid piece of automotive art.
Model: 599
Styles: GTB Fiorano, GTO
Engine: 6.0-liter V12
Power range: 620 hp (GTB) to 671 hp (GTO)
Torque: 457 lb-ft
Gearbox: Six-speed single-clutch auto-manual, six-speed manual
Configuration: Longitudinal front engine, rear-wheel drive
Claimed top speed: 202 mph
Description: A classic Ferrari in every sense, the 599 is the quintessential GT car. Powered by a front-mounted 6.0-liter V12 cranking out almost 700 hp in GTO trim, the 599 is an incredible engine surrounded by a stunning car. For 2011, the addition of the GTO updates the now-aging 599 platform with carbon-fiber bits and a 220-pound lighter curb weight.
IL says: Don't bother with the piddly 458. This is the Ferrari to own. It makes crushing torque and crushing power. And unlike the 458, it's available with a real shift-it-yourself transmission.
Model: 612 Scaglietti
Styles: GT
Engine: 5.7-liter V12
Power range: 532 hp
Torque: 434 lb-ft
Gearbox: Six-speed auto-manual
Configuration: Longitudinal front engine, rear-wheel drive
Claimed top speed: 199 mph
Description: Ferrari's shot at the 2+2, the 612 Scaglietti is a Ferrari for four. Still a coupe, the Scaglietti claims to offer accommodations for its rear-seat passengers without compromising its supercar soul. It was the first all-aluminum 12-cylinder Ferrari and utilizes a panoramic glass roof above all four passengers.
IL says: If you need a four-passenger supercar, Porsche's Panamera Turbo will do just fine at half the cost. The 612 Scaglietti is not a lust-inducing Ferrari.
Model: California
Styles: Convertible
Engine: 4.3-liter V8
Power range: 460 hp
Torque: 357 lb-ft
Gearbox: Seven-speed dual-clutch auto manual or six-speed manual
Configuration: Longitudinal front engine, rear-wheel drive
Claimed top speed: 192 mph
Description: Inspired by the 1957 Ferrari 250 California, the modern version is a capable V8-powered open-top GT. Its retractable hardtop is available with a rear seat so your third passenger doesn't have to ride Cameron-style across the rear deck. Laugh all you want; this is still a 460-hp Ferrari available with a manual transmission.
IL says: It might not be as cool as a 458 or 599, but that wouldn't stop us from dropping the top and taking a tour of Chicago's finest eating establishments with Abe Froman.
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