Ferrari 458 Speciale - The Most Special Car

Ferrari recently unveiled the latest addition to its range - the 458 speciale. The new, extreme sport supercar joins the coupe and spider in the 458 lineup.

The 458 Speciale boasts an array of technological innovations that include both Ferrari patents and world firsts, particularly with regard to the engine, active aerodynamics and electronic controls.

Ferrari says the technical differences between the 458 Speciale and the 458 Italia are unprecedented compared to the previous Challenge StradaJe and 430 Scuderia special series.

Ferrari 458 Speciale

Ferrari say the 458 Speciale's engine, built using the same machinery and processes as employed by the F1 team, is the company's most powerful naturally-aspirated V8 ever, punching out 605cv (445kW) at 9000 rpm and delivering an exceptionally high specific power output of 135 cv/l (99kW/l), comparable to power units designed exclusively for the racetrack.

New control logics in the F1 dual-clutch transmission deliver improved acceleration, while the 'Fast Downshift' makes response to commands even more prompt when shifting down through the gears.  Performance is quoted at 3.0 seconds for the 0-100 km/h sprint, with a Fiorano lap time of just 1 minute, 23.5 seconds. Overall weight is an extremely light 1290 kg, with a weight-power ratio of 2.13 kg/cv.

New control logics in the F1 dual-clutch transmission deliver improved acceleration, while the 'Fast Downshift' makes response to commands even more prompt when shifting down through the gears

New Ferrari-patented mobile aerodynamic solutions at the front and the rear allow different aerodynamic configurations to suit the maximum down-force required when cornering, or the reduced drag needed on straights. Ferrari quote a down-force (Cl) value of 0.53 and drag coefficient of 0.35cd. The 458 Speciale's Side Slip Angle Control (SSC) is a world first. Using a sophisticated new algorithm, which computes lateral acceleration, yaw angle, steering wheel angle and speed, SSC instantaneously calculates the car's side slip angle, allowing smooth, controllable power over steer, by optimizing both torque management via the 'F1-Trac' traction control and 'E-Diff' electronic differential.

The Brembo braking system is a development of that introduced on the LaFerrari unveiled earlier this year, while Michelin Pilot Sport Cup2 tires were specifically honed for the 458 Speciale, in an effort to boost performance over a single lap in the dry, consistency over multiple laps, and grip in the wet. Speciale's sporty character. A huge effort was lavished on fulfilling aerodynamic demands without diminishing Ferrari's signature styling features and aesthetic standards.

New Ferrari-patented mobile aerodynamic solutions at the front and the rear allow different aerodynamic configurations to suit the maximum down-force required when cornering, or the reduced drag needed on straights

The 458 Speciale's cockpit features a stripped-back racing-inspired atmosphere. Lightweight exclusive materials, such as Alcantara and carbon-fiber, dominate, while controls are either on the steering wheel or clustered around the driver, boosted by the bridge which puts the gearbox commands at an ideal angle to the driver.

Unveiled at September's IAA motor show in Frankfurt, the 458 Speciale shared the Ferrari stand with an F12 Berlinetta, a 458 Spider California30 convertible, and the four-seater, four-wheel drive FF with a panoramic glass roof.

Unveiled at September's IAA motor show in Frankfurt, the 458 Speciale shared the Ferrari stand with an F12 berlinetta, a 458 Spider California30 convertible, and the four-seater, four-wheel drive FF with a panoramic glass roof.