New Ferrari 458 Italia looks to deliver 17-mpg fuel economy as well as 201-mph performance

For what seems like ages, Ferrari has focused on taming the world's most sophisticated engines to make their machines the fastest and most agile on the planet. Now, just in time for global warming, Ferrari's engineers have added a new element: efficiency.

The just-unveiled 458 Italia will rate 17 miles a gallon, which may not sound like a lot unless you consider that it's more powerful than the V-8s that preceded it. It aims to reduce CO2 emissions as well. The mid-rear engine italia is due to be shown this fall at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Price? We're not there yet.

The two-seater is powered by a new 4499-cc V-8, which is Ferrari's first direct-injection engine to be mid-rear mounted. Best of all, it still sounds like a Ferrari. The 458 Italia will come with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. It has an aluminum chassis, with nearly 60% of its weight over the rear wheels. Weighing in at 3,042 pounds, the car will be able to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under 3.4 seconds. Maximum speed is more than 201 mph.