After being talked about ever since the Ferrari 458 Italia first debuted way back in 2009, the stripped-down hardcore version of the 458 has finally been revealed in the form of the Ferrari 458 Speciale! Contrary to previous reports, the car does not carry the much-rumored Monte Carlo nameplate.
Set for an official debut at the upcoming IAA Frankfurt Motor Show 2013 next month, the Ferrari 458 Speciale has been described as “completely new, uncompromising, streamlined sports car concept” according to Ferrari. As long expected, the Ferrari 458 Speciale features a selection of performance, visual and aerodynamic improvements.
Starting on the powertrain, the Ferrari 458 Speciale features a modified variant of the regular 458 Italia’s 4.5-liter V8 engine. In Speciale guise, it delivers a total of 597hp and 398lb-ft of torque thus making it the most powerful naturally aspirated V8 engine ever produced by Ferrari. What’s more, Ferrari claims that thanks to it delivering 133hp per liter, it has the highest ever per liter output of a road-going naturally aspirated engine. Maximum power is achieved at 9000rpm while max torque is reached at 6000rpm.
The Ferrari 458 Speciale tips the scales at just 1290kg and Ferrari consequently claims a sprint time to 100km/h in just 3 seconds and the car can then hit 200km/h in just 9.1 seconds. What’s more, Ferrari claims that the Ferrari 458 Speciale can sprint around the Fiorano test track in just 1:23.5 seconds thus making it 1.5 seconds faster than the standard car and just .5 seconds slower than the Ferrari F12 Berlinetta.
From a styling and aerodynamic perspective, the design of the Ferrari 458 Speciale was largely dictated by aerodynamics but Pininfarina was involved in creating the Italian supercar’s completed look. That ‘look’ consists of new front and rear bumpers, new side sills, new rear diffuser and redesigned rear grille as well as dual exhaust pipes rather than the three of the regular Ferrari 458 Italia. The Ferrari 458 Speciale then features a dramatic blue and white stripe stretching down the middle.
As mentioned, these changes also act to improve the aerodynamics of the Speciale. In fact, Ferrari claims that the Speciale has the best balance between drag and downforce of any regular production car.
Another new piece of technology featured on the Ferrari 458 Speciale is the Side Slip Angle Control system. Abbreviated as SSC, the electronic system uses a special algorithm to analyse the slip angle of the Ferrari 458 Speciale. It then compares it to a target figure and then helps optimise torque distribution between the two driven wheels.
Completing the changes of the Ferrari 458 Speciale are a new set of Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires which offer great consistency and all-weather grip. As a matter of fact, the Ferrari 458 Speciale has achieved the highest lateral g-force recorded by any Ferrari. What’s the figure? Well, an impressive 1.33g!
No pricing details for the Ferrari 458 Speciale have been released just yet.
looking so promising though is this the real Scuderia version.
It is :)
super masina chiar mai rapida ca si F12.