Novitec-Rosso’s 458 Italia enhances upon the Enzo Ferrari tradition
This year at the Geneva Motor Show, Novitec-Rosso introduced a modified, Ferrari 458 Italia that has become a symbol of lightweight, exotic performance. The 458 Italia, a mid-engine car, has been geared, by Novitec, for advanced aerodynamics to a scale not achieved by many. In fact, the Novitec-Rosso body kit has been designed based on several trial-and-error tests in the University of Stuttgart’s wind tunnel, making for favorable design dynamics at particularly high driving speeds.1
Also characteristic of the Novitec-Rosso conversion is a new front spoiler, fender-mounted vent louvers and carbon-fiber mirror housings, all serving to reduce the car’s curb weight while giving it a “racier” look. The Novitec conversion also offers either 21 or 22” alloy wheels, fitted specifically with Pirelli, 255/30 ZR21 tires in the front, while the rear axle is fitted with 335/25 ZR22 meats. Novitec-Rosso chose this tire configuration for the 458 Italia in order to further advance the car’s stability while emphasizing the rounded-off style of its rear-end.2
Novitec-Rosso also utilizes an F1-inspired exhaust system that is unique in its composition, an INCONEL-based manifold with three tips, each measuring exactly 90 mm in diameter. The INCONEL material, known to be highly heat-resistant, is the same light and resistant material from which actual Formula One exhaust manifolds are manufactured. The Italia’s engine, a 4.5 liter V8, is dyno-tuned and tested by Novitec-Rosso to put out 609 BHP, a 39-horse increase over a stock 458 car. This horsepower boost is achieved through the use of a carbon airbox with modified routing on the intake, along with the signature three-point exhaust and the integration of a newly-mapped, electronic system to control the car’s ignition and fuel injection systems. With this kind of output, the mid-displacement V8 is capable of pushing the car to a top speed in excess of 330 km/h, in other words, in the just-over-200 range.3
An investigation of the Novitec-modified, 458 Italia reveals something of significance about the Novitec-Rosso company itself: they understand that the use of carbon-fiber in a high-output car is a sure recipe for sheer speed. The reason I pay respect to Novitec is because they have complimented, on a deeper level, the true sense of racing heritage that Ferrari themselves would have deemed much more than worthy of an Enzo factory certification and warranty.
- Sal Alaimo Jr., B. A. S. J. A.
