Novitec Rosso refines Ferrari 458 Speciale

The Ferrari 458 Speciale is already so infinitesimally close to perfection in standard form that you might question why anyone on earth would see fit to tamper with it.

Of course, that's never deterred the aftermarket tuning brigade before, so why should anything change now?

Witness the Novitec Rosso 458 Speciale, which is an uprated version of a car that was already uprated in the first place.

However, unlike some tuning mobs that strap on completely OTT twin-turbo kits or ridiculous body addenda, Novitec Rosso has been relatively subtle in its mods for the sublime Ferrari.

For starters, the free-spinning 4.5-litre V8 has been moderately tweaked to crank out 468kW (versus 445kW for the donor car) at 9250 rpm. Meanwhile, peak torque is incremented from 540Nm to 572Nm at 5550rpm.

The extra kilowatts and Newtons were liberated via recalibrated mapping for ignition and injection, along with a bespoke exhaust system (weighing 7kg less than the standard set-up) comprising high-performance manifolds, sport catalysts and a more vocal rear muffler with a pair of 100mm matte black-coated tailpipes.

A version with electronic sound management is optionally available, enabling you to switch the soundtrack from civilised to hooliganish via the manettino switch on the steering wheel.

Novitec Rosso claims the upgraded engine's higher rev limit results in more seamless gearshifts and a top speed that exceeds 330km/h.

Visually, the modded 458 Speciale is more subdued than most aftermarket creations currently on offer. Up front there's a bespoke fascia and front blade that's claimed to minimise negative life at the front-axle.

In addition, fairings for the central air inlet in the bumper and the bonnet endow the car with a racier look, as do the re-profiled rocker panels, air deflectors for the air inlets and carbon-fibre mouldings with gills for the rear side windows.

The tweakery extends to the derriere, which sports a new rear wing and a carbon-fibre diffusor with an electrically adjustable centre section.

Complementing the carbon-fibre roof and bonnet (along with all the other carbon-fibre bits) are blacked-out taillights with carbon-fibre covers. Other mods include bespoke springs that lower ride height by 30mm and 21-inch forged wheels shod with Pirelli PZero rubber, measuring 255/30 ZR 21 at the front and 325/25 ZR 21 at the rear.

There's also an hydraulic suspension system that enables the front of the car to be raised by 40mm to enable it to clear steep parking ramps and large speed humps. The front reverts to its original position at a second push of the button or automatically when you exceed 80km/h.

Inside, there's a leather/Alcantara bonanza which is offered in a wide array of colours, as well as carbon-fibre inserts on the dash and centre console.

How much? Novitec Rosso isn't saying, but it's likely to be a case of 'if you have to ask, you can't afford it'.