Ferrari 458 goes hard

  This is the Ferrari 458 Speciale, an extreme version of the 458 Italia that also points the way to technical innovations destined for all future Ferrari road cars. Ferrari 458

  The 458 Speciale will be unveiled at the Frankfurt motor show in September.  It is described by Ferrari as being “a completely new,  uncompromising, streamlined sports car concept”.Ferrari 458

  Modifications focus on its powertrain, dynamic capabilities and aerodynamics.  In particular, the active aerodynamic technology is said to have been developed for use on all future Ferrari road cars.Ferrari 458

  Power comes from a modified version of the 458 Italia’s V8. It has 398lb ft and 597bhp, which is 35bhp more than the standard 458. This makes it the most powerful naturally aspirated V8 that Ferrari has built.Ferrari 458

  It has a specific output of 133bhp per litre, which, Ferrari says, is the highest ever achieved by a naturally aspirated road-going engine. Peak power arrives at 9000rpm, peak torque at 6000rpm.Ferrari 458

  With a dry weight of 1290kg — 90kg lower than the standard 458 — the Speciale has an official 0-62mph time of 3.0sec and a 0-124mph time of 9.1sec.  Ferrari says it has also lapped its Fiorano test track in 1min 23.5sec — 1.5sec faster than the 458 Italia and just half a second slower than an F12.  Emissions are 275g/km.Ferrari 458

  Although Ferrari hasn’t gone into details about the weight loss, the stripped-out interior,  lightweight race seats (with four-point harnesses) and revised centre console (with a carbonfibre stalk to house the buttons for functions such as launch control) are all likely to contribute significant savings.Ferrari 458

  Styling was largely dictated by aerodynamic needs,  although Pininfarina was involved in the Speciale’s final look. The most significant changes over the stock car are movable aerodynamic flaps on the front and rear that adapt to balance downforce and reduce drag, as required.Ferrari 458

  Ferrari says these aero aids give “instant confidence and control at high speeds, natural power oversteer management and precise response to  [driver] commands”.Ferrari 458

  With the aero aids in their most streamlined position,  Ferrari says the Speciale has the best relationship between downforce and drag for a production car in its history. Ferrari traditionally does not consider its limitededition cars, such as the Enzo and LaFerrari, as standard production vehicles.Ferrari 458

  The Speciale also has a new electronic system to make it easier to control on the limit. It is called Side Slip Angle Control, which Ferrari abbreviates to SSC. The SSC analyses the Speciale’s slip angle, compares it with a target figure and optimises torque management via the traction control and torque distribution between the rear wheels.Ferrari 458

  The new Ferrari rides on specially developed Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres, which are said to deliver “a boost in performance” over one lap, plus greater consistency thereafter and all-round wetweather grip. Ferrari says the Speciale has achieved the highest lateral g-force recorded by any Ferrari of 1.33g.Ferrari 458

  No pricing information has been released yet, but the 458

Speciale is likely to cost in the region of £210,000 — up from the base 458’s £178,526.