Ferrari is upping the performance ante on its already high-performing 458 Italia in the form of a new 458 Speciale model, which will make its world debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.
The 458 Speciale incorporates powertrain, aerodynamics and vehicle dynamics advances that transform the 458 Italia into a car worthy of the "Speciale" moniker, the company says.
Power for the Speciale comes from the most powerful naturally aspirated V-8 engine in Ferrari's history. It is a further development of the Italia's 5.0-litre V-8, twice named "Best Performance Engine" at the International Engine of the Year Awards. It boast an output of 596 horsepower and an exceptional specific power figure of 133 hp/litre.
According to Ferrari, the 458 Speciale can accelerate from 0-to-100 km/h in 3.0 seconds, and to 200 km/h in 9.1 seconds.
Aerodynamics were a priority in fine tuning the 458 Speciale's form, resulting in front and rear movable aerodynamics that balance downforce and reduce drag. As a result, Ferrari says the 458 Speciale is the most aerodynamically efficient range production car in Ferrari history.
One of the cars innovative features is a Side Slip angle Control system (SSC) which makes it easier to maintain car control on the limit. A new SSC algorithm performs instant-to-instant analysis of the car’s side slip, comparing it with the target value and optimizing both torque management and torque distribution between the two wheels.
Other features include Michelin Pilot Sport Cup2 tyres that were conceived specifically for the 458 Speciale.
The combined result is that the 458 Speciale achieves the fastest response time and highest lateral acceleration (1.33 g) ever achieved by a car in the Prancing Horse range.