Ferrari 458 Speciale Revealed

Ferrari continues to mine its engineering talents while entirely ignoring whichever department is responsible for naming its new cars, revealing the most powerful version of its 458 to date – the “Speciale”.

It’s “speciale” indeed, taking the already awesome mid-engined exotic to new heights, adding 35 more horsepower to the car’s already potent high-revving V8 engine to deliver a total of 605 hp (or 597 hp, depending on how you measure it). With Ferrari’s 4.5-liter engine already having won the title of “Best Performance Engine” at the International Engine of the Year Awards two years in a row, this new motor is certain to make it a three-peat. With 135 hp/liter it boasts the most horsepower per liter of any road going naturally aspirate engine ever made.

Ferrari claims a 0-62 mph time of just 3.0 seconds with a 9.1 second 0-124 mph (200 km) time of 9.1 seconds. The car also also clocked a lap time at the brand’s Fiorano Circuit of just 1:23.5.

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Exactly how it goes so fast has a lot to do with new active aerodynamics, which Ferrari says will trickle down to all new F-cars in the future.

One cannot overlook the tires either, with new Michelin Pilot Sport Cup2 rubber designed specifically for the car. Ferrari claims not just improved maximum grip, but more consistent grip lap after lap and superior wet traction.

Another innovation is what Ferrari calls its Side Slip angle Control system (SSC), which is designed to offer superior car control at the limit, using a new algorithm to compare instantaneous side slip to a theoretical maximum, with the car then optimizing both power delivery (through the F1-Trac traction control system) and power distribution to each rear wheels (via the E-Diff).

In fact, this new technology allows the 458 to achieve the highest lateral acceleration ever achieved by a Ferrari, at 1.33 g.

Still, Ferrari insists this technology will not spoil the emotion fo the car, claiming it was “designed to boost both performance and driving emotion to unprecedented levels, yet simultaneously guarantee smooth, effortless control in all kinds of situations.”

SEE ALSO: Frankfurt Motor Show Preview

Look for the 458 Speciale to make its world premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.