Ferrari hits back at McLaren

Ferrari has fired back at the young pretender, McLaren, at the public unveiling of the Italian marque's new 458 Italia at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The Italian sportscar icon has revealed official fuel consumption and emissions figures for its latest offering, after McLaren claimed last week that it’s new MP4-12C would be class leading, but without revealing any data to back its claim up.

Despite pumping out 425kW at 9000rpm and 540Nm of torque at 6000rpm Ferrari claims the 4.5-litre V8 manages to use only 13.3L/100km and emit 307g/km of CO2 on a combined cycle. Ferrari claims this is the new benchmark in the supercar class, although we expect some of its rivals (not just McLaren) to take objection to that statement.

Credit for the 458's impressive economy and emissions is put down to a combination of reduced frictional losses inside the engine and the latest in aerodynamic developments. One example is 'aeroelastic' winglets at the front of the new Ferrari provide downforce at lower speeds but are able to deform as the speed rises to reduce drag therefore helping lower fuel consumption.

Two examples of the 458 Italia took pride of place on the Ferrai stand at Frankfurt alongside a pair of California convertibles, a 612 Scaglietti, a 599 GTB Fiorano with optional Handling GTE package and last year’s F2008 Formula One racer.

Sister-brand Maserati also had its new GranCabrio on display at its stand. The third model in the company’s line-up will sit alongside the GranTurismo and Quattroporte.

Check out the Carsales Network’s Frankfurt show preview and brand-by-brand summaries. And stay tuned for more Frankfurt show news and first drives in the days to come.

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