Today we had the unique opportunity to preview the new Ferrari 458 Speciale at Charles Hurst Belfast. This is the third road going version of the 458, after the glorious Italia and Spider. The Challenge is for hardcore track drivers only but this Speciale is not far behind it in the performance stakes. As if 562 horsepower wasn’t enough the Maranello boffins have tweaked the Speciale to 597 horsepower! To put this in perspective that means the 4.5-litre V8 is producing 133 horsepower per litre making it the most potent naturally aspirated V8 of all time. The 0 to 100 km/h dash will come up in just 3.0 seconds and it will surpass 200mph with ease. These figures are thanks to serious weight loss, a new refined aero package and a new traction control system which also controls side slip. The Speciale is undoubtedly very special but will it justify the asking price of €238,000 before associated local taxes are applied? We are not sure. We have yet to hear anyone complain that the Italia was lacking in any department! This Speciale is one of 1700 units that will be available worldwide. If its exclusivity combined with performance that you are after then look no further, six orders were placed alone today!
