This is the Ferrari 458 Speciale, an extreme version of the Ferrari 458 Italia that also points the way to several technical innovations, described by Ferrari as being “a completely new, uncompromising, streamlined sports car concept”.
It’s called the 458 Speciale. Ferrari’s new sportscar, the forbidden fruits of the innovation and extreme technological research that have gone into a car as outstanding as the 458 Italia. Ferrari 458 Speciale will be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2013, while production will start soon after. And yes, this is the successor of the 360 Challenge Stradale and 430 Scuderia, and the hardcore version of the 458 Italia.
[infobox bg=”darkgray” color=”black” opacity=”on” subtitle=”“The Speciale is designed to boost performance and driving emotion to unprecedented levels, yet simultaneously guarantee smooth, effortless control in all kinds of situations”.”]According to Ferrari’s statement[/infobox]The result is what Ferrari claims to be the highest specific output of any naturally-aspirated engine on the market, plus the quickest response time. The engineers in Maranello can be damn proud this time. What they managed to harmoniously “marry” is the award-winning 4.5-liter V8 (that has been retuned to deliver 596 horsepower, up from 562 hp in the standard 458), with an extra mass they have cut out of the equation. See, the 458 Speciale’s dry weight is quoted at 1,290 kg , representing a significant drop from the 458 Italia’s 1,485 kg weight. This means that the Speciale has an official 0-62mph time of 3.0sec and a 0-124mph time of 9.1sec. Not too shabby (sigh).
Styling was largely dictated by aerodynamic requirements, according to Ferrari, although Pininfarina was involved in the Speciale’s final look, naturally. Ferrari says these aerodynamic aids give “instant confidence and control at high speeds, natural power oversteer management and precise response to [driver] commands”. But aside from the engine, other modifications include the fitment of bespoke Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres, the new electronics system called Side Slip Angle Control (SSC), plus changes to the aerodynamics.
