The 458 Italia is equipped with a racing manettino switch leading toward more sporting
set ups and giving the driver a wider selection of electronic controls parameters. The
ICE setting saw in the F430 has been removed, while the CT setting has been added in
order to deactivate the traction control and at the same time maintain the stability
control. There are five different manettino positions and conditions: Low Grip, Sport,
Race, CT and CTS. Low Grip setting provides maximum grip under all driving
conditions, and it is particularly suited for low grip surfaces. The emphasis is on comfort
and stability without compromising the handling. Sport is the best setting for day to day
driving and guarantees great safety under good grip. Race is particularly suitable for
track driving providing maximum performance and stability in optimal grip situations.
CT helps the driver improving his driving skills in safety, by keeping active the stability
control. It allows over-steer right to the edge of the car’s limits and guarantees
enhanced driving pleasure and fun behind the wheel, particularly on the track. Under
CTS setting, both stability and traction control systems are deactivated, giving the
driver maximum freedom and control on the track. No electronic systems intervene on
the vehicle stability with the exception of E-diff3 and ABS.
On the 458 Italia, the driver can decouple the suspension damping from the electronic
configuration selected on the manettino. The suspension decoupling button offers
improved “filtering” of uneven road surfaces in order to improve performance and
handling on uneven broken surfaces, such as the ones at the Nürburgring race track.
The launch control button is instead designed to offer the best possible acceleration
from standstill. It delivers the maximum possible torque to the ground and prevents
wheel spin as the car accelerates away. Its activation is indicated in the instrument
panel. To start using the Launch control, the manettino must be selected on race, CT or
CTS setting. With the car still at standstill, the driver then needs to put the gearbox in
manual, selects first gear, pushes the launch control, presses the accelerator pedal and
then releases the brake pedal.
The stylistic interior choices developed by Ferrari Centro Stile reflect a functional,
ergonomic cockpit design. The driver is set in the center of a streamlined and intuitive
layout, which is very much in line with the marquee’s signature styling cues.