Video: Paolo Pinifarina on Ferrari 458 Italia's Form & Function

Form versus function - it's a classic debate, and one with strong arguments on both sides. As much as sports cars are tools for going fast, they are dynamic works of art as well. In the case of the Ferrari 458 Italia, it is both, and in this video Pininfarina president Paolo Pininfarina explains why.

Along with the glut of new information and interior shots released this morning, Ferrari has also released a new video of the 458 Italia, explaining how the car's elegant styling and close attention to detail also perform real aerodynamic functions.



Though we'll take any excuse to get more close-up looks at a well-executed Italian supercar, it's also an object lesson that form and function aren't always mutually exclusive.

Check out the video to see for yourself, and pay attention around the 1:00 minute mark to see how F1 technology may have trickled down to the front wing/intake area, allowing the aerodynamic surfaces to deform under load to increase the angle of attack and improve downforce.