Ferrari 458 Speciale debuts at Frankfurt
The 458 Speciale boasts an array of technological innovations that Ferrari says make the new model a thoroughly unique vehicle, designed for owners looking for an even more focused sports car that offers extreme driving emotions. The innovations span the entire car and include both Ferrari patents and world firsts, particularly with regard to the engine, active aerodynamics and electronic controls that mark this car out.
Ferrari says the technical differences between the458 Speciale and the 458 Italia are unprecedented compared to the previous Challenge Stradale and 430 Scuderia special series.
Powerplant
Ferrari say the 459 Speciale's engine is the company's most powerful naturally-aspirated V8 ever, punching out 605cv (445kW) at 9000 rpm and delivering an exceptionally high specific power output of 135 cv/l (99kW/l), comparable to power units designed for the track.
The engine is produced in the factory's in-house foundry using the same machinery and processes as employed by the F1 team. The F1 dual-clutch transmission's new control logics deliver improved acceleration, while the 'Fast Downshift' makes response to commands even more prompt when shifting down through the gears.
Combined with the car's aerodynamics and electronics, performance is quoted at 3.0 seconds for the 0-100 km/h sprint, and a Fiorano lap time of just 1 minute, 23.5 seconds.
Body & Aerodynamics
Overall weight is an extremely light 1290 kg, with a weight-power ratio of 2.13 kg/cv.
One of the 458 Speciale's main characteristics is new Ferrari-patented mobile aerodynamic solutions at the front and the rear which ensure that different aerodynamic configurations can be adopted in cornering, where maximum downforce is essential, and on straights where drag must be reduced to a minimum. Ferrari quote a downforce (Cl) value of 0.53. Thanks to the aforementioned active aerodynamics, the latter does not penalise the Cd which is just 0.35.
Electronics
The 458 Speciale also confirms Ferrari's leadership in vehicle electronics. Its Side Slip Angle Control (SSC) is a world first. Using a sophisticated new algorithm, which computes lateral acceleration, yaw angle, steering wheel angle and speed, SSC instantaneously calculates the car's side slip angle, comparing it with reference data, and then allowing smooth, controllable power oversteer, by optimising both torque management via F1-Trac traction control and the E-Diff electronic differential.
Brakes & Tyres
Solutions introduced on the LaFerrari unveiled at this year's Geneva Motor Show have been applied to the 458 Speciale's Brembo braking system. Part and parcel of the Speciale's development included Michelin Pilot Sport Cup2 tyres, specifically honed for the new model, in an effort to boost performance over a single lap in the dry, performance consistency over multiple laps, and grip in the wet.
Styling
In collaboration with Pininfarina, the Ferrari Styling Centre has sculpted forms that are more performance-oriented than ever. The modifications to the bodywork were mostly made to underscore the car's sporty character, and a huge effort was lavished on fulfilling aerodynamic demands without diminishing Ferrari's signature styling features and aesthetic standards.
The 458 Speciale's cockpit features a stripped-back racing-inspired atmosphere. Lightweight exclusive materials, such as Alcantara and carbon-fibre dominate, yet it still exudes the sense of craftsmanship and sophistication typical of all Ferrari interiors. All controls are either on the steering wheel or clustered around the driver, boosted by the bridge which puts the gearbox commands at an ideal angle to the driver.
The range at Frankfurt
Also on the Ferrari stand at Frankfurt will be an F12 berlinetta, a 458 Spider, California 30 convertible, and the four-seater, four-wheel drive FF with a panoramic glass roof.
Also on the Ferrari stand will be the 'Tailor Made' service for clients wishing to personalise their cars to a truly bespoke standard, with some of the options available demonstrated on a custom-trimmed FF.
