The Ferrari 458 – still the world’s most desirable sports car in our opinion – has spawned another limited edition model for the Paris Motor Show.
Called the ‘Speciale A’ (A as in ‘aperta’ – the Italian word for aperture or opening) the new comer is clearly an open-top ‘Spider’ version of the stupendous, lightweight Ferrari 458 Speciale.
And while the 458 Speciale was ordered at rate far faster than they could build them in Maranello, the ‘Speciale A’ is limited to only 499 vehicles.
The aluminium retractable roof operates in just 14 seconds and its lightweight construction means the Ferrari 458 Speciale A tips the scales just 50kgs heavier than the conventional 458 Speciale.
And the 458 Speciale A is actually the most aerodynamic Spider model Ferrari has produced.
Of course power comes from the 445kW/540Nm V8 – the most powerful road-going atmo V8 so far from the Scuderia – the one with the sonorous sound track at all engine speeds and which comes with plaques in the cockpit commemorating its three international Best Performance Engine awards.
The driveline is identical to the regular Ferrari 458 Speciale and that means zero to 100km/h in just 3.0 seconds.
And the chassis is identical too right down to front and rear active aerodynamics and Side Slip Angle Control so that means a Fiorano lap time of 1’23’’5.
