Ferrari has released new images and details of the 458's interior to hold us over until it rolls onto its elaborate exhibit at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show in a couple weeks.

The "driver-oriented cockpit" is race-car inspired and designed by Pininfarina. The most notable feature is the demand of control stalks mounted to the steering column; the company instead opted to place headlight, turn-signal and wiper control functions on the steering wheel in button form. Secondary functions are located behind the wheel.

The Italian car design firm also prefabricated the gearbox paddles longer, making shifting cushy regardless of what angle the steering wheel is positioned. A satellite pod on the right side of the dash controls the infotainment system, Bluetooth, navi, digital speedometer and rear parking camera, while the left-hand satellite pod is where the controls for cruise control, the trip computer and Vehicle Dynamic Assistance (VDA) reside.

Those further interested in the prancing horse automaker's F430 successor can view all this as well as exclusive interviews with Paolo Pininfarina and Michael Schumacher on Ferrari's enthusiast-geared Web site.