Ferrari 458 Italia / Spider Steering Wheel Edition Tricolore

the Ferrari 458 “Edition Tricolore” Steering Wheel is one of the most sought-after interior upgrades for the 458 Italia and Spider. While not a standalone “model edition” like the 16M, the Tricolore refers to a specific, high-end personalization (Tailor Made) configuration that incorporates the Italian national colors into the steering wheel’s architecture.

1. Technical Identification & Features

A genuine “Tricolore Edition” wheel (often part of the Carrozzeria Scaglietti personalization program) typically includes:

• Carbon Fiber Upper & Lower Rim: High-gloss pre-preg carbon fiber.

• LED Shift Lights: The “F1-style” 5-LED display embedded in the top of the carbon rim.

• Tricolore Inlay: A hand-painted or lacquered Italian flag stripe ($Verde, Bianco, Rosso$) running vertically at the 12 o’clock position or along the bottom spoke.

• Tricolore Stitching: Contrast hand-stitching on the leather/Alcantara grips using green, white, and red threads.

• Integrated Controls: Manettino dial, engine start button, and suspension “bumpy road” button.

2. 2026 Market Pricing (Estimated USD)

Because these are often custom-ordered or produced in limited batches for Tailor Made cars, prices are significantly higher than a standard 458 carbon wheel.

3. The “Aftermarket” Warning

By 2026, many 458 wheels sold as “Tricolore Edition” are actually standard wheels that have been stripped and re-skinned by third-party upholstery shops.

• How to spot a fake: Genuine Ferrari carbon fiber has a specific weave density and a “deep” clear coat that does not yellow. Aftermarket wheels often have thicker grips that feel “bulky” compared to the slim, ergonomic OEM design.

• LED Functionality: Ensure the LED harness is compatible. Some 2026 aftermarket wheels use Bluetooth OBD dongles for the lights, whereas genuine wheels are hardwired into the steering column clockspring.

4. Installation & Airbag Compatibility

• The Airbag Transfer: The steering wheel is usually sold “bare” (without the airbag). You must transfer your existing 458 airbag module. In 2026, ensure the Clockspring (Squib) is not damaged during the swap, or you will trigger an “Airbag Failure” light.

• Paddles: Most Tricolore wheels are paired with the Extended Carbon Fiber Paddle Shifters. If your car has the standard aluminum paddles, they may look out of place against the Tricolore wheel.

• No Programming Required: If you are swapping a non-LED wheel for an LED wheel, the car usually recognizes the LEDs immediately (plug-and-play), provided the internal wiring harness for the LEDs is present in the steering column.

5. 2026 Collector Value

For a 458 to maintain its “Collector Grade” status, the steering wheel should match the Build Sheet (Modis). If you install a Tricolore wheel on a car that didn’t come with it, keep your original wheel. In 2026, “matching numbers” and “as-delivered” configurations are driving the highest auction prices for the 458.