Ferrari: New Cars 2014

Ferrari 458 Speciale (mid 2014)

The first examples of Ferrari's pumped up, lightweight, 458 Speciale are on track for local delivery in mid 2014, with just 50-60 examples produced for Australia and NZ; each wearing a $550K price tag. Following in the stripped out footsteps of the 360 Challenge Stradale and 430 Scuderia, the 458 Speciale is powered by an upgraded 445kW/540Nm version of the ‘standard’ Italia’s 4.5-litre naturally aspirated mid-mounted V8 engine. Capable of soaring to 9000rpm, Ferrari claims the engine’s 99kW per litre specific power output is the highest ever achieved by a road-going, naturally aspirated engine.  A range of weight-saving measures, including increased use of carbonfibre, has lowered weight by 195kg (to 1290kg), and claimed 0-100km/h time is down to a blistering 3.0sec. Aero upgrades, including active cooling flaps in the nose, turning vanes either side of the front bumper, and a larger rear spoiler, improve downforce and high-speed stability without increasing aerodynamic drag.