The Ferrari 458 Speciale is a supercar worth checking out if you like the 458 Italia or 458 Spider. Its naturally aspirated 4.5-liter V8 engine delivers 597 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque. The car accelerates from 0-60 mph in 3 seconds, about 0.4 seconds faster than the 458 Spider. The 458 Speciale is designed with aerodynamics in mind, featuring movable aerodynamic devices that balance downforce and cut drag, making it exceptionally agile and responsive on the road. The 458 Speciale is available in two trim levels: the 458 Speciale and the 458 Speciale A, where 'A' denotes 'Aperta' or 'open' in Italian, indicating a convertible variant. The 458 Speciale starts at around $300,000, making it a significant investment. This Ferrari 458 Speciale review will highlight the car's unique details.
The Ferrari 458 Speciale was introduced to the public at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show, following the success of its predecessor, the Ferrari 458 Italia. Ferrari aimed to create a more performance-oriented variant; thus, the Speciale was born. The Speciale brought numerous advancements over the standard 458, including a power increase, weight reduction, and aerodynamic enhancements. The production of the Ferrari 458 Speciale lasted from 2013 to 2015, with an estimated total of 3,000 units produced. This makes the 458 Speciale a relatively rare sight and a prized possession for any automotive enthusiast. Ferrari released two primary models of the 458 Speciale: the standard coupe and the 458 Speciale A (Aperta). The 458 Speciale A was launched in 2014 and offered the same high-performance features as the Speciale but with a retractable hardtop. The 'A' in its name stands for 'Aperta,' which means 'open' in Italian. The Speciale Aperta was a more exclusive model, with only 499 units produced worldwide, adding to its allure and desirability among collectors. Today, the Ferrari 458 Speciale and Speciale A remain iconic models in Ferrari's lineup.
Under the hood, the Ferrari 458 Speciale houses a naturally aspirated 4.5-litre V8 engine, regarded as one of the finest engines Ferrari has ever produced. This powertrain delivers an impressive 597 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque, a notable upgrade from the 458 Italia's 562 horsepower. The 458 Speciale also has a power-to-weight ratio of 2.13 kg/h. The engine's high-revving character contributes to its exhilarating performance figures. The 458 Speciale sprints from 0-60 mph in just 3 seconds and can reach a top speed of 202 mph, delivering a truly thrilling driving experience. This vehicle's fuel consumption is estimated at 12mpg/city and 17mpg/highway, which is quite respectable for a car of this performance caliber. Ferrari's engineers devised a host of technological advancements for this engine. These include a direct injection system and variable valve timing, contributing to its high power output and responsiveness. The engine also features Ferrari's proprietary Side-Slip Angle Control System (SSC), making it easier to achieve and control drifts. Regarding driving experience, the 458 Speciale's engine delivers smooth, linear power throughout the rev range, with reviewers often praising its sharp throttle response. The engine noise is a high-pitched roar that any automotive enthusiast would appreciate. The 458 Speciale's engine stands out for its high horsepower output and performance figures. It still retains the same smoothness and drivability, making the entire lineup a pleasure to drive. Compared to its direct competitors, such as the Lamborghini Huracán and McLaren 650S, they do not match the Speciale's natural aspiration and high-revving character.
Inside the 458 Speciale is a driver-focused interior with an F1-inspired steering wheel, housing numerous controls, including the Manettino dial as we saw on the other Ferrari 458 models, turn signals, the horn, etc. The design eliminates the need for a traditional stalk for some controls, keeping the driver's hands on the wheel at all times. The gauge cluster is dominated by a central tachometer flanked by two display screens, providing essential vehicle information and navigation at a glance. It's a setup that ensures the driver's focus remains on the road. The Speciale's seats offer comfort and support. They are made from top-quality materials - depending on what upgrades you choose. They feature four-point track-focused seat belts that are fully adjustable for various body types. At first, the seat belts will feel restrictive, but you'll get used to it with time. The 458 Speciale, being a two-seater, forgoes back seat space, instead focusing on providing the ultimate driving experience for two. The dashboard is sleek and refined, adorned in high-quality materials. Instead of traditional leather, Ferrari's use of Alcantara fabric gives the dash a sporty feel. Stitched seams provide a touch of elegance, accenting the design. The center console is nicely laid out, with a focus on functionality. It houses the F1-style gear selection buttons and a small storage area. Notably, the console lacks a traditional infotainment system — a decision made to keep the driver's attention on driving and, perhaps, to save weight. Opening the door from the inside involves a simple pull of the lightweight yet sturdy aluminum door handle. On the doors, you'll find a minimalistic storage area good enough for small items and speakers for the car's premium sound system. There's no glove box for storage. However, Ferrari makes up for that with the storage space on the shelf behind the seats. The cabin noise is minimal, and expectedly, the engine's roar is noticeable but not overpowering. The overall look of the 458 Speciale's interior is top-notch.
The exterior of the Ferrari 458 Speciale is slightly different from the other Ferrari 458 models. Starting at the front, the Speciale features a distinctively sculpted front fascia with a large central air intake flanked by two smaller intakes. These intakes channel the air efficiently to cool the high-performance engine and brakes. The front also includes bi-xenon headlights that offer excellent visibility at night, complemented by LED lights for a modern touch. The front grille displays the iconic prancing horse logo. Shifting to the side, you'll be pleased with the bold aerodynamic lines and muscular wheel arches that house sizeable 20-inch alloy wheels. The wheels come fitted with high-performance Pirelli PZero tires in the front and rear. As you look up from the wheel wells, you'll appreciate the sweeping roofline that gives way to 'buttresses' which channel air towards the car's rear. The side mirrors are also sleek, aerodynamically shaped, and flush with the car's body, like the door handles. Moving to the rear, the 458 Speciale's design is dictated by aerodynamic and cooling requirements. A large diffuser occupies the lower part of the rear, flanked on either side by the exhaust pipes. The tail lights are rounded LEDs and exude a futuristic aura. The engine cover features a glass panel that offers a view of the spectacular V8 engine. We saw a similar design in the Ferrari 488 GTB. The trunk is located at the front of the car — a common trait in mid-engine supercars. It offers surprisingly practical space for a vehicle in its class, capable of accommodating small luggage or a couple of overnight bags. The opening mechanism is simple and convenient, and if the "frunk" isn't enough, there's a bit of room in the back of the seats inside the car.
The Ferrari 458 Speciale has tech features that enhance the driving experience and performance. There's the sophisticated Vehicle Dynamics Assistance (VDA) system, which integrates an array of systems to ensure optimal performance in any driving condition. This system includes features such as Side Slip Angle Control (SSC), which aids in managing the vehicle's dynamic behavior during extreme driving maneuvers. You also have the engine's direct fuel injection design, which ensures higher compression ratios for improved efficiency without compromising performance. Handling is enhanced by the Magnetorheological Suspension Control system - a mouthful to pronounce. This advanced system adjusts the behavior of the shock absorbers, altering their firmness to match road conditions and driving style. The 458 Speciale also features an active aerodynamic system that automatically adjusts flaps at the front and rear of the car to balance downforce and cut drag as needed. Regarding media, Ferrari provides an optional upgrade with a premium JBL sound system, ensuring your journey's soundtrack is as impressive as the drive. And lastly, there's Ferrari's HELE (High Emotion Low Emissions) system for the environmentalist. It aims to reduce CO2 emissions without sacrificing performance.
The Ferrari 458 Speciale, a high-performance luxury vehicle, carries a price tag reflecting its exclusivity and advanced technology. When it was first launched in 2013, the Speciale had a starting price of approximately $300,000. In recent years, well-maintained second-hand examples typically range between $350,000 to $400,000. Rare versions, or those with extremely low mileage, can command prices exceeding $500,000. For many collectors, the 458 Speciale is an investment likely to appreciate over time due to its status as one of the last naturally aspirated V8 Ferraris.
The Ferrari 458 Speciale is undeniably a masterpiece Ferrari and is highly coveted for some of the reasons we've highlighted in this article. If you're in the market to buy or sell a Ferrari or other cars, consider using Exotic Car Trader. Their platform simplifies buying and selling cars online, eliminating many traditional hurdles associated with automobile transactions. As we conclude, it's worth reiterating that the 458 Speciale stands tall regarding performance, technical features, and design excellence. With its naturally aspirated V8 engine and captivating aesthetics, it's a vehicle that deserves a place in a collector's portfolio.
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