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Home / New Zealand

Is this the world's best driver's car?

Herald online
13 Sep, 2011 04:09 AM2 mins to read

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Motor Trend magazine has claimed the Ferrari 458 Italia is the best driver's car available, by a long shot. Photo / Supplied

Motor Trend magazine has claimed the Ferrari 458 Italia is the best driver's car available, by a long shot. Photo / Supplied

Top US motoring magazine Motor Trend has labeled Ferrari's stunning 458 Italia "perfect" after a week of testing, and said "nothing else even comes halfway close".

It pitted the Italia against a wide range of top rides, including the BMW 1M Coupe, Lexus LFA, Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, Audi R8 GT, Lotus Evora S, Nissan GT-R, Porsche Cayman R and 911 GT3 RS, Ford Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca edition and the Chevrolet Corvette Z06.

Motor Trend gave the Ferrari the honours, proclaiming "there aren't any flaws" and that it raised "the supercar bar to never before seen heights".

"The 458 has the best seats, the best steering feel, the best engine sound," it continued.

"It even has the best ride. Climbing out of the Nissan and into the 458 Italia on our road loop was eye-popping. Compared with the Ferrari, the GT-R rides like a garbage truck. Everything is harsh, uncomfortable, and rackety.

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"The 458 feels polished, cozy, almost relaxed.... whereas the GT3 RS and the GT-R seemed determined to knock the filling from your cannoli.

"The Best Driver's Car shouldn't beat up its driver. The Ferrari doesn't. It cossets you, begging you to drive harder, faster, and for longer."

- NZ HERALD STAFF

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