There has been speculation about the arrival of a lighter and stronger version of the 458 Italia coupe for quite some time. At first it looked like we would see a 458 Monte Carlo, Scuderia or Stradale, but the opposite is true! Ferrari will reveal the 458 Speciale in Frankfurt.
And it is supposed to be the most powerful model with an atmospheric eight-cylinder under the hood in the entire history of Ferrari. The 458 Speciale will thus offer 605 horsepower at 9,000 rpm and a torque of 540 Nm at 6,000 rpm from the 4.5-liter engine. It means that the new version of the 458 offers 135 horses and a liter ! The transmission of power to the road is handled by the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission F1, which is assisted by launch control.
The dry weight of the new stallion is 1290 kg (the power-to-weight ratio is 2.13 kg/hp), thanks to which the coupé reaches 100 km/h in exactly 3 seconds, 200 km/h in 9.1 seconds and the Ferrari circuit in Fiorano it passes in 1 minute and 23.5 seconds. This makes the Speciale 1.5 seconds faster than the 458 Italia. The maximum speed is 325 km/h.
Body styling, which is mainly focused on better aerodynamics (drag coefficient cx = 0.35) and higher downforce, was created in collaboration with Pininfarina. Thanks to its aerodynamic focus, the 458 Speciale may not win competitions for the most beautiful car, but everything is functional and you will definitely appreciate it on the circuit. At the front and at the rear, we can find new movable aerodynamic flaps that automatically adjust to reduce air resistance and balance the downforce of the car. The dimensions of the Speciale rank above the classic 458, which it surpasses by 44 mm in length, 14 mm in width and is 10 mm lower.
Other changes went through the front hood, both bumpers, the rear diffuser or the rear engine hood, which was slightly raised. Instead of the classic trio of exhaust tips, only a pair of tips are removed in the rear, and there are also ventilation holes in the front fenders. The SSC (Side Slip Angle Control) system is new.
The Michelin tire company has even developed special Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires for the new 458, which should provide maximum grip even in the wet. Behind them are carbon-ceramic brakes with a diameter of 398 mm at the front and 360 mm at the rear.
Source: Ferrari
