SPY PICS: Drop-top Ferrari 458 Speciale
Topless version of Prancing Horse’s hard-core 458 spied ahead of its public debut at next month’s Paris motor showLate last year Ferrari unleashed its red-hot 458 Speciale coupe, and so it was only a matter of time before a drop-top variant followed in its wheel tracks to appease the alfresco aficionados.
These Automedia pics provide the best look yet of the topless 458 Speciale, which is due to make its world debut at the upcoming Paris motor show – although a private viewing is already rumoured to have taken place at the recent Pebble Beach Concours in California.
It’s not yet known exactly what it will be called, but it’s possible the topless tarmac tearer will wear a completely different nameplate to the 458 Speciale, just as the open-topped version of the 430 Scuderia was known as the 16M.
Indeed, a replacement for 458 coupe itself is also expected to be shown at Paris, likely to be called the 458M and powered by a version of the twin-turbo 3.8-litre V8 now seen in the upgraded California T.
Take a close look at the accompanying images and you’ll pick up on the aggressive front bumper/splitter (even though it’s swathed in plastic), new side sills with an aerodynamic fin, massive rear diffuser and a fat pair of exhaust tips (the regular 458 Spider has a three-pipe exhaust design), as per the 458M coupe.
Although yet to be confirmed, it’s believed that rather than the 458M's new downsized turbo V8, the hard-core convertible will use an identical powertrain to the 458 Speciale.
If so, its free-spinning 4.5-litre will thrash out a hefty 445kW at 9000rpm and 540Nm at 6000rpm, enabling it to sprint to 100km/h in just over three seconds and 200km/h in just over nine seconds.
The punchy V8 will be mated at an optimised seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, while dynamics will be razor-sharp, aided by the innovative Side Slip Angle Control system.
The whole lot rides on 20-inch forged wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup2 tyres, and peeping through the delectable five-spoke alloys is a massive set of Brembo stoppers.
Other visual clues that will distinguish the topless 458 Speciale from run-of-the-mill 458 Spiders is the availability of a variety of racing stripes and two different wheel designs.
As per the 458 Spider, the newcomer will feature an aluminium hard-top that can be raised or lowered in 14 seconds. This set-up will add around 45kg to the weight of the fixed-roof 458 Speciale.
Inside, the topless Speciale will gain new sports seats, along with an individualised plaque for each of the 458 units that will be produced.
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
If the price does not contain the notation that it is "Drive Away", the price may not include additional costs, such as stamp duty and other government charges.
