Why The 458 Speciale Is One Of The Best Modern Ferraris

This Ferrari masterpiece deserves all the reverence it gets.

Ferrari has an immense pedigree of incredible cars, with countless breathtaking creations that showcase speed, luxury, engineering prowess, and design beauty, and for a car to stand out as one of the best Ferraris is no easy feat. The Ferrari 458 Speciale is one of those cars, managing to be the creme de la creme and be noted as one of the greatest performance cars ever made, but what makes it special isn’t as simple as being the fastest, most powerful, or most expensive.

However, that is what makes it a car that will always be special and remembered. As top speed and power records continue to eclipse each other, especially as electrification has taken stats like horsepower and torque figures to a whole new level, the Ferrari 458 Speciale remains one of the greatest moments in Ferrari’s history, and whether that’s in tangible or intangible ways, its everlasting legendary status is impossible to deny.

To those unfamiliar with the legacy of the Prancing Horse, it might be hard to understand why prices for the Ferrari 458 Speciale remain so incredibly high as time passes, but those who are in the know see it as a modern gem. So why is the Ferrari 458 Speciale so special, no pun intended? One of the most important reasons is that it’s the end of an era.

The Ferrari 458 Speciale was the last, and arguably the greatest Ferrari to be powered by a naturally-aspirated V8 engine. A 4.9-liter unit, the engine mustered 597 horsepower and 398 lb/ft of torque, giving the car the ability to get from 0-60 mph in just 3.0 seconds, with a top speed of 202 mph. Its Fiorano Circuit lap time was only half a second slower than the F12berlinetta and its V12 engine, and its revised design, focused on aerodynamics and enhanced performance, was the result of a collaboration between the Ferrari Styling Center and Pininfarina.

While the exact number is unknown, an exclusive, limited number of 458 Speciale coupes were made, but even more exclusive is the Ferrari 458 Speciale A. Standing for “Aperta,” the A designated that this version of the 458 Speciale was a Spider, and with its open top, it reached a slightly lower top speed of 199 mph. Only 499 examples of the 458 Speciale A were made, making it even more exclusive and desirable.

With its rarity, its incredible performance, and its status as the ultimate naturally-aspirated V8 Ferrari, the 458 Speciale will always be one of the greatest Ferraris to ever take its place in the Prancing Horse’s stable. If you’re interested in owning one, it would certainly be a great addition to any Ferrari collection or exotic car collection. See some of the best Ferrari 458 Speciales for sale below, and click below to see all Ferrari 458 Speciales for sale.

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