THIS Ferrari 458’S A BIT Speciale

Ferrari showed off its most powerful open-top car ever in Paris, the Ferrari 458 Speciale A (Aperta; or open-top). Production will be limited to 499 examples, as per the new dictum from FCA management to enhance Ferrari exclusivity even further. The company says the Aperta celebrates the success of the various 458 versions, and also its numerous class wins in endurance racing.

Powering the Aperta is the most potent naturally aspirated V8 the company has yet made, as found also in the 458 Speciale coupe. The 4.5 litre eight-pot screamer conjures up just shy of 450kW (600hp) at 9000rpm while peak torque of 540Nm occurs at 6000rpm. This mill has thrice been voted International Performance Engine of the Year.

Packing a seven-speed twin-clutch transmission, the 458 Speciale A is said to hit 100 from zero in 3.0sec flat and double that in 9.5sec. Ferrari reckons the Spider is as quick around its Fiorano test track as the coupe version, and the Aperta evidently winds out to around 320km/h. It is said to be the most aero efficient Ferrari Spider ever, thanks to front and rear active aerodynamic aids.

Contributing to its rapidity is dry weight of 1340kg. With a retractable aluminium hard top, which takes 14 seconds to move in either direction, the weight differential from the Coupe is just 50kg.On the new A car there is no longer a glass cover over the engine, and in its place a painted cover with six air vents. Inside, this model features blue carbon fibre on the dash, door panels and central tunnel, and new seats in Alcantara with contrasting stitching and technical fabric. With only limited numbers being made, it’s unlikely Ferrari will bother with RHD and even then, the likelihood of any making it here is slim to zero.