One of the biggest and most recognizable models in the exotic and super car world today is the Ferrari 458 Italia. The Italian super car is the bread and butter model for Ferrari as it is responsible for a large portion of the revenue that Ferrari makes due to its larger sales numbers. The car is also an extremely fast and proficient model in almost any performance driving situation thanks to its design, construction, and layout. Now the Italian automaker has unveiled a new version of the super car that is aimed for those that want race car like performance for the public streets legally. The Ferrari 458 Speciale is a track day special model that features lightweight forged wheels, new technology aimed at making performance driving easier, and achieving faster lap times.
The starting point for Ferrari engineers with the new 458 Speciale was the exterior design and aerodynamic properties of the super car. Here, their goal was achieving lower drag figures and characteristics while generating more downforce for better overall stability. The team was able to increase cooling to the brakes and redirect air around the forged wheels to reduce drag while reshaping body work to generate greater levels of downforce for better overall performance.
After the aerodynamics were fine tuned for performance and speed, the engineering team then focused on the mid mounted V-8 engine. The naturally aspirated 4.5 liter V-8 was a hallmark of the factory 458 Italia, and has now been tuned for even more performance. The already high power output was increased even more and sends a total of 596 horsepower at 9,000 RPM and 398 lb-ft. of torque at 6,000 RPM to each of the rear forged wheels. This helps the super car accelerate to 62 mph in 3.0 seconds and to 124 mph in just 9.1 seconds.
Part of what makes the new Ferrari 458 Speciale so special is the new electronics system and chassis. The electronics that control the electronic E-Diff differential, torque vectoring, and suspension have been re-tuned to give drivers better control at their limits and make it easier to drive. The suspension was also sharpened and tuned to ensure maximum handling dynamics. The engineering team also installed new lightweight forged wheels and high performance Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 super sport tires for maximum grip characteristics and handling.
