The 458 Italia is equipped with a racing manettino switch which leads to a sportier setup and provides the driver more choice of electronic control parameters. The ICE saw setting on the F430 has been removed, while the CT setting has been added to disable traction control while maintaining stability control. There are five different manettino positions and conditions: Low Grip, Sport, Race, CT and CTS. The Low Grip setting provides maximum grip in all riding conditions, and is ideal for low grip surfaces. The emphasis is on comfort and stability without compromising handling. Sport is the best setting for everyday driving and guarantees the best safety under good grip. Race is ideal for track driving providing maximum performance and stability in optimal grip situations. CT helps drivers improve their driving skills safely, while keeping stability control active. This allows over-steer right to the edge of the car’s limits and guarantees greater driving pleasure and pleasure behind the wheel, particularly on the track. Under the CTS setting, the stability and traction control systems are disabled, giving the driver maximum freedom and control on the track. There are not any electronic systems that intervene in vehicle stability aside from E-diff3 and ABS.
On the 458 Italia, the driver can separate the suspension damping from the electronic configuration selected on the manettino. Suspension release buttons offer finer filtering on uneven road surfaces to improve performance and handling, such as those on the Nurburgring race track.
The launch control dial is instead designed to offer the best acceleration from a standstill. This provides the maximum possible torque to the ground and prevents wheel spin when the car is accelerating. Its activation is indicated on the instrument panel. To start using Launch control, the manettino must be selected in the race settings, CT or CTS. With the car still stationary, the driver then needs to put the gearbox into manual, select first gear, press launch control, depress the accelerator pedal, then release the brake pedal.
The fashionable interior options developed by Ferrari Centro Stile reflect a functional and ergonomic cockpit design. The driver is set amidst a slick and intuitive layout, which is very much in line with the marquee’s signature styling cues.
