2015 Ferrari 458 Speciale

…seize the moment

Ferrari’s highest performance 8 cylinder car is the 458 Speciale. It is extreme technology that produces extreme performance. It is powered by the most powerful naturally aspirated engine with the highest output in the history of Ferrari V8 roadcars. The 458 Speciale is born out of Ferrari’s philosophy of innovation and technical research. This is the sexy Italian. Its power is only surpassed by its beauty…the Ferrari 458 Speciale moves with tremendous verve and élan.

This is another avant-garde special edition featuring a host of technical innovations – engine, aerodynamics, and vehicle dynamics – that will eventually find their way onto future Ferrari models. These are patented by Ferrari and presented as world firsts. The Ferrari 458 Speciale is raising the bar of success even higher. This is the type of car that is at home on the track, or twisty out of the way roads with hairpin turns, and high-speed cornering. Dramatic performance is guaranteed with the 458 Speciale…

Its curvy silhouette combines panache with excitement. Its aerodynamic architecture is another successful collaboration between Ferrari and Pininfarina. The 458 Speciale incorporates active aerodynamics, its shape effectively battles cross winds. It slices through the atmosphere with a drag coefficient of a mere 0.35 and an excellent downforce (Cl) value of 0.53 allowing it to adapt to driving situations efficiently maintaining stability during higher speeds. In terms of aerodynamics and vehicle dynamics, the 458 Speciale is a stripped, no compromise sports car.

This is the most aerodynamically efficient roadcar Ferrari has ever built. The nose uses a series of flaps that remain closed during normal speeds, air is channeled to the radiators. At speeds around 106 mph, the flaps open cutting air to the radiators reducing drag. At 137 mph a horizontal flap opens balancing downforce between the front and rear of the car. Downforce and stability are also managed with turning vanes on both sides of the front bumper and aerodynamic apertures ahead of the rear wheels. The rear manages downforce with a taller rear spoiler placed 1.4” back to improve airflow, and a rear diffuser with three mechanical flaps generating downforce when closed and reducing drag when open.

The stealth 458 Speciale targets a specific type of owner. One that dares to run the gamut beyond status-quo…the owner that seeks the excitement of an extreme sports car. A 458 Speciale offers maximum performance and driving pleasure. This high-speed berlinetta is quite rewarding in less extreme driving as well. Its unparalleled agility makes it as graceful as a gazelle…fun to drive. Take it to the tracks on Saturday and run it through its paces to experience the driving thrills associated with a Ferrari. It’s Prancing Horse passion…unbridled passion.

The Ferrari 458 Speciale uses a minimalist approach to cabin form and function. It comes without audio systems, navigation, cruise control, a glove box, arm rests, and carpet. Lightweight carbon-fibre, aluminium, and Alcantara are the materials used to create a different environment. This is a street-legal racing car. All important vehicle information is presented in a logical manner with most of the important controls mounted to the steering wheel. Its manettino switch is proof of its racing heritage. Due to the complexity and extreme speed of this performance behemoth, it is imperative the driver remains focused on the road at 202 mph…not their favorite CD – nor the cellphone!

The 458 Speciale is equipped with a potent V8 engine specifically designed to accommodate 9,000 rpm. Its engineering is F1-inspired with complex components and infrastructure required to optimize combustion, volumetric and mechanical efficiency across the entire rev range. Revisions to the combustion chamber enhance both intake and exhaust phases. The intake features new geometry while the manifolds have shorter inlet ducts. The cylinder heads use a higher valve lift. The new cam profile increases valve lift and helps to reduce average pressure during the pumping cycle.

The engine is mid-rear mounted aiding its overall stability and weight distribution. It has 4.5 litres of displacement and 32-valves. The Tipo F136 V8 produces 597 hp @ 9,000 rpm with 540 Nm of peak torque @ 6,000 rpm. Longitudinal acceleration is rated as 0-60 mph in 3.2 seconds, 0-100 mph in 6.4 seconds with a top speed of 202 mph. It can do the ¼ mile @ 134 mph in 11 seconds. The engine is mated to an automated F1-inspired 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. This unit is refined to deliver an immediate response during gear shifts. Both upshifts and downshifts are more prompt than ever.

The engine’s increased power and torque are the results of redesigning various engine components and reducing internal friction. New materials are used for con rod bushings and bearings. The crankshaft is redesigned to enhance lubrication to the main bearings. A carbon-fibre intake plenum and aluminium exhaust components help to reduce weight. A special heat treatment “Diamond-Like Carbon” (DLC) used on the pistons, increases fatigue and wear resistance.

The 458 Speciale uses the latest technology. It introduced the Side Slip Angle Control (SSC). Sophisticated new software computes lateral acceleration, yaw angle, steering wheel angle and speed. The SSC computes an instantaneous analysis of vehicle dynamics, allowing a smooth, controllable over steer refining torque management and differential torque distribution between the two drive wheels. This ensures maximum vehicle response times. The F1-Trac traction control and E-Diff electronic differential are integrated into suspension dynamics.

Here’s an interesting optional feature, an advanced telemetry system that records data from track sessions. The information can then be accessed through a multimedia menu or it may be downloaded to iPad or laptop. The system uses a series of high-precision GPS sensors installed into the car. It pin points its position on a pre-loaded circuit or recordable route. At the end of the track work-out, the Virtual Track Engineer helps drivers analyze their driving performance.

A car of this magnitude needs a high-performance suspension. Ferrari’s magneto rheological fluid suspension control with frequency analysis system and twin solenoids provides faster response and more body control. Its Frequency-Shaped (Frs SCM-E) dampers, new CPU and software modifies the magnetic field every millisecond. Cornering is extremely efficient and satisfying with faster, sharper, more challenging changes of direction. This unique combination of technical features guarantee exceptionally fast response to inputs from the road or the steering, resulting in a genuinely extraordinary experience behind the wheel.

The 458 Speciale is equipped with a Brembo carbon-ceramic braking system based upon the system used for LaFerrari. The 458 Speciale sports extreme design calipers, new generation high-silicon HT2 discs, and smaller front pads. The pads are made from a hybrid material that provides improved heat dissipation. Special channels in the architecture also aid heat dissipation which is crucial in extreme driving situations. This results in shorter stopping distances without any compromise in performance under severe use.

Michelin Pilot Sport Cup2 tires are specifically designed for the 458 Speciale. This is the first time track spec tires are fitted to a road-going vehicle. Staggered tire size 245/35 for the front axle and 305/30 to the rear. They maximize the car’s steering response and overall handling while providing 6 percent more grip. The tires are mounted on 20” forged alloy wheels.

Ferrari 458 Italia

The Ferrari 458 Speciale offers excitement and blistering performance few cars at any price can match. It is the most aerodynamically efficient roadcar Ferrari has ever built. The architecture uses active aerodynamics balancing downforce and reducing drag. The 458 Speciale is equipped with Ferrari’s highest performance naturally aspirated 8-cylinder engine. It is the result of extreme F1-inspired technology.

It is an extreme roadcar targeting a specific type of owner. This Prancing Horse is a luxury-stripped, no-compromise sports car. Power, presence, and the romance of Italian design make the Ferrari 458 Speciale another masterpiece from Maranello. Its power is only surpassed by its beauty…the pleasure of owning a Ferrari is exceeded only by that of driving it –

Luca di Montezemolo, CEO of Ferrari

The Ritz Carlton Hotel in Manama hosted the Bahrain launch of the 458 Speciale

Photos courtesy Ferrari Media Club

Prancing Horse Passion continues…