Introduction

Unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, Ferrari 458 Speciale is a replacement of the iconic Ferrari F430. Since its launch, it has managed to grab a lot of attention worldwide. This car is crafted by well known automobile designer 'Pininfarina' and has a resemblance of 488 GTB. Being a performance oriented car, 458 Speciale has carried forward the legacy of Ferrari. What makes this 2-door sports coupe a winner is its powerful performance, sleek exterior and classy interior. This car also incorporates the latest technological advancements just like its rivals.

Engine, Mileage and Variants

Under the skin, Ferrari 458 Speciale is powered by a 4.5-litre V8 engine which is capable of delivering a maximum power of 596 hp at 9000 rpm along with a peak torque of 540 Nm at 6000 rpm. This powerhouse is further paired with a 7-speed F1 dual clutch transmission. From a position of halt, it reaches an acceleration of 100 kmph in just 3 seconds along with a top speed of 325 kmph. The Split Injection control system employed in this car helps it to deliver a combined mileage of 8.4 km per litre. The automaker has also introduced Start&Stop technology that shuts down the engine when car pauses and restarts it in mere 230 ms.

Exterior

Throughout the exterior, everything is perfect right from the wide front to a dynamic side profile. This car is blessed with an aerodynamic body which cuts down the weight and enhances its performance. The thickness of its glass is also reduced to enhance the power factor. Re-engineered bumpers feature huge air intakes which transport ample of air to the engine. The rear end gets a Kamm tail structure along with elegant tail lamps and chrome exhaust pipes. The dimensional count of this car comes to 4571 mm x 1951 mm x 1203 mm (l x w x h) along with a wheelbase of 2650 mm. Further, this car is anchored with 20-inch star shaped alloy wheels with tires measuring 245/35 ZR 20 at the front and 305/30 ZR 20 to the rear.

Interior

As soon as you glide into this car you will feel trapped inside its aura of a sports car. The automaker has used a lot of Alcantara and carbon fiber material throughout the interior which provides a sense of craftsmanship and sophistication. Its F1 inspired steering wheel is embossed with all the necessary controls to make driving easier. The sporty bucket seats with adjusting function provides you a comfortable seating position. While designing this car, Ferrari has not compromised on the space aspect as well. Along with an ample of headroom and legroom, it carries a boot space of 230 litres.

Safety, Braking and Miscellaneous

Ferrari 458 Speciale is equipped with a lot of safety features which provide complete protection to its occupants. The airbag mechanism of this car inflates in two stages and reduces the impact of a collision. Its carbon ceramic braking system provides ultimate control over the car. The braking mechanism is further accentuated with Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) which improves the handling. Further, the Side Slip Angle Control (SSC) handles the car's slip angle and distributes torque evenly to all the wheels.

Verdict

Apart from being blessed with a sleek body, this car also gets exceptional power and acceleration figures. All the above mentioned features make Ferrari 458 Speciale a class leading car in the Ferrari lineup.