We’re of the mind that all Ferraris are speciale. Yes, even the California. We take this observation to be self-evident and universal, a fact of life that even Lamborghini owners, Red Bull Racing fans, and Prius drivers accept and appreciate. But spend a meaningful amount of time in the industrial burg of Maranello, and you’ll come to the disturbing realization that its denizens are cool toward Ferrari’s red-hot Italian sports cars. Pedestrians stare straight ahead as a barely disguised LaFerrari trundles past. At the hallowed Fiorano test track, an illuminated “Gas Off” sign orders us to lift on the straight because a Ferrari at full bore is too loud for the neighbors to bear.
2014 Ferrari 458 Speciale Photo
Those who breathe the same air as flat-plane V-8s and fall asleep to the sweet songs of V-12s have been desensitized. To these cynics, Ferrari’s new 458 Speciale is merely a louder and quicker take on the 458 Italia that has been terrorizing this town for half a decade. Around Maranello, the 458 Speciale is as spine tingling as an F-150 is in Dearborn.
2014 Ferrari 458 Speciale front
Too bad, because the 458 Speciale is yet another Italian masterpiece, one loaded with improvements that you wouldn’t have thought possible or necessary if you’ve driven the 458 Italia. The Speciale shifts faster, turns in quicker, and stops shorter. Thanks to an additional 35 horsepower and 200 fewer pounds, it is swifter than the car on which it’s based, in a straight line and around a track. Best of all, Ferrari has improved on the 458’s sublime chassis with a fresh dose of clever technology and engineering.
2014 Ferrari 458 Speciale
Reviewed by BlogCarShow
Published :
Rating : 4.5
Published :
Rating : 4.5
