WHY THE FERRARI 458 SPECIALE IS SO SPECIAL
2026-10-09By Clara Whitmore
- One of Ferrari's finest naturally-aspirated V8 supercars
- Lightweight engineering, razor-sharp handling, and breathtaking performance
- A modern class Ferrari that represents the end of an era
Some cars are fast. Others are beautiful. But every few combine performance, emotion, and engineering quite like the Ferrari 458 Speciale. Unveiled in 2013, the 458 Speciale was the ultimate evolution of the already impressive 458 Italia. Ferrari took everything that made the "normal" 458 special, and turned it up a notch and added a bit more, to make the 458 Speciale.
What makes it truly remarkable, however is that it was Ferrari's last naturally-aspirated, mid-engined, special-series model.
AN ENGINE WORTH CELEBRATING At the heart of the 458 Speciale sits a magnificent 4.5L naturally-aspirated V8, widely regarded as one of Ferrari's best ever engines. With a redline limit of 9000rpm, it produces 597hp ande 540Nm of torque, with a top speed of 202mph (325km/h) and will launch from 0-62mph (0-100km/h) in just three seconds.
Unlike modern turbocharged engines, the Speciale's V8 delivers its power with immediate throttle response and an extraordinary soundtrack. As the revs climb, the engine becomes increasingly dramatic, producing a high-pitched howl that has become one of the car's defining characteristics.
A DESIGN THAT MEANS BUSINESS The Speciale retains the elegant proportions of the 458 Italia but introduces a much more aggressive appearance. Its redesigned bumpers, aerodynamic fins, prominent rear diffuser and distinctive twin exhausts aren't merely cosmetic. Every detail serves a purpose, improving airflow, stability or cooling.
Inside, exposed carbon fibre, Alcantara and lightweight racing-inspired seats create an atmosphere that feels closer to a competition car than a luxury grand tourer.
458 SPECIALE APERTA The 458 Speciale Aperta is even more special. To give this crazy supercar a final farewell, Ferrari produced just 499 Aperta variants of the 458 Speciale. Today, these have exploded in value to north of $1.5 million, showing how the supercar has become a modern classic.
