F430 replacement gets model name

If your mouth's not watering or your heart isn't beating just a touch faster, then you best head for the doctor quick smart… Ferrari has launched its much-anticipated F430 replacement – and these are the very first official pictures.

Now boasting a name as well as its numerical designation, the Ferrari 458 Italia joins the prancing horse's line-up positioned as an even harder, "even more focused" two-seater sportscar to supersede the F430.

Unveiled official in Europe this evening (Tuesday, July 28), the car will make its public motor show debut at Frankfurt in September.

As the photos reveal, the Ferrari 458 Italia's exterior style is an evolution of the F430 design that incorporates elements of the Enzo and FXX designs. One of the standout styling cues is the unorthodox 'triple barrel' central exhaust at the rear.

Though the Carsales Network is still waiting for full mechanical details of the new V8-powered Ferrari (we'll get them online asap), we can confirm local deliveries will commence in mid-2010. Indeed, local Ferrari dealers are holding orders numbering "well into double figures" says local distributor, Ateco affiliate, European Automotive Imports.

The Ferrari Italia 458 will be sold alongside the recently released folding roof California. The launch of the gran tourismo 2+2 has allowed Maranello to hone the 458. Insiders say the performance positioning of the new car will be comparable to the Scuderia version of the outgoing 430.

While local pricing is yet to be confirmed, it is expected the 458 Italia will be more expensive that the $472,000 California. Don't expect any change from $500K is our tip.

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