The Ferrari 458 Speciale can be summed up in a single word, spectacular, and if it was a one-way ticket to hell, it would almost be worth the sacrifice.

Take a standard 458 Italia coupe’ – definitely one of the most sensational supercars Ferrari has ever made – and give it more power, less weight, active aerodynamics, a tweaked suspension, better brakes and even more clever electronics to help you go faster and have more fun. It may be an evolution of an existing car but that doesn’t stop the 458 Speciale from being a mouth-watering prospect.

The 458 Speciale also marks the end of an era, as future models will use turbocharged engines, making it the last baby Ferrari to have the sparkling response and soundtrack you get with a non-turbo engine.

A regular 458 manages to blend the demands of aerodynamics with the need for sensuous curves, and while the changes for the Speciale are relatively subtle, they are designed to improve the aero performance. So at the front you’ll note the additional flaps in the lower bumper which open and close depending on your speed, while at the rear there’s a new diffuser. They may primarily have a functional purpose but in terms of looks, they make it look even more like a racing car.

Even though the Speciale is the sharpest 458 ever built, it’s still relatively civilised to drive. With the all-important manettino switch in Sport mode and the gearbox in auto, you don’t have to concentrate too hard, although it’s naturally noisier than the standard car.

But the 458 Speciale is best enjoyed in Race mode with 3,000rpm on the clock. That’s when the full capability of that sensational V8 begins to reveal itself. The noise grows as the revs rise and the acceleration builds as you home in on the ludicrous 9,000rpm rev limit. This is possibly the world’s finest naturally aspirated engine. You might think that an even sharper 458 would be a handful, but the way in which the Speciale encourages you to press on and use the available grip is nothing short of remarkable. The super-sharp steering means you can keep your hands locked into position and revel in the balance and sensitivity; even the Side Slip Control is there to add to the fun.

With so much emphasis on weight saving, it seems daft to then load the 458 Speciale up with luggage. However, there’s a useful 230 litres of storage space in the nose, enough to stuff a squashy bag for a fast weekend away. On the inside, it actually feels pretty spacious, largely because there’s so little frippery. The centre console offers very modest storage and the glovebox is ditched altogether, so leave the chattels behind.

You’ll need well over €250,000 to get yourself a new Ferrari 458 Speciale and anyone with the means and an interest in driving – not just owning – a genuine supercar should take a close look at it.

And quickly too as it won’t be around for long. Speculators will probably make a killing, but to not drive this car as it deserves to be driven would be a terrible waste. Posers and wannabes should look elsewhere; this is a car for drivers.

At a glance

Engine
4.5-litre unit producing 597bhp and 398lb/ft of torque

Transmission
Seven-speed dual clutch gearbox driving the rear wheels

Top speed
202mph

0-100km
3.0 seconds

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