Confirming CarShowroom’s report from a few days back, Ferrari used the Frankfurt Motor Show to unveil the stunning 458 Speciale.
Under the bonnet is Ferrari’s most powerful naturally-aspirated V8, produced in-house by the same foundry which produces the F1 Grand Prix engines and delivering 445kW at a screaming 9000rpm.
Drive is via the F1 dual-clutch transmission with new mapping for faster acceleration and Fast Down-shift.
A real talking point is the Ferrari 458 Speciale’s active aerodynamics front and rear which deliver maximum drag (downforce) when cornering and retract for a slipperier shape when going straight-ahead.
In the electronics, the 458 Special premiers a world-first called Side Slip Angle Control (SSC). This Ferrari exclusive uses sophisticated algorithms from lateral acceleration, yaw angle, steering wheel angle and speed to allow controllable power oversteer, optimizing torque management via Fi-Trac traction control and the electronic differential.
The Brembo brake system comes from the LaFerrari and the 458 Speciale runs unique Michelin Pilot Sport Cup2 tyres.
Lighter than the regular 458 at 1290kgs, the 458 Speciale has a blistering zero to 100km/h time of 3.0 seconds and has lapped the famous Fiorano test track in 1 min 23.5 secs.
Inside the race-inspired interior features Alcantara and carbon fibre.
