Currently reading: Ferrari 458 'designed by aero'

Design chief said aerodynamic needs dictated shape

The Ferrari 458 Italia's exterior design was dictated by the demands of aerodynamics, according to styling chief and Pininfarina president Paolo Pininfarina.

The 458 Italia's body helps to create 365kg of downforce and, talking in a promotional video for the car, Pininfarina says: "All the design choices are driven by aerodynamics, but the final result is very light and essential."

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He highlights the car's front spoiler and rear design as examples of this, saying: "The mouth has one central pillar that is sustaining two fins that change formation in high speed to improve aerodynamic performance.

"The side fin is conveying air to the rear radiators for optimisation of the aerodynamics, while the main feature of the upper part of the rear end is the exit for air from the engine."

The Ferrari 458 Italia will be unveiled at the Frankfurt motor show next month.

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