Ferrari 458 Speciale tested on the limit - is this the world's best supercar?

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Published 2013-11-10
The Ferrari 458 Speciale is the most focussed version of one of the world's greatest supercars. And Ferrari says this incarnation of the 458 Italia is more fun than a Ferrari F40. Steve Sutcliffe pushes the Speciale to its limits to find out.
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The Ferrari 458 Speciale is claimed - by its maker - to be the most fun mid-engined V8 Ferrari ever. And that's some claim if you look back through the firm's catalogue. This latest incarnation of the 458, the most focussed yet, costs £208,000, makes 597bhp, revs to 9000rpm and weighs 90kg less than the standard car. It also has a new manettino setting that allows the driver to go sideways with the ESP still engaged. It is, by any stretch, a truly great supercar. But can it deliver on the promise of being more fun than an F40? Steve Sutcliffe finds out.

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All Comments (21)
  • @samr1321
    458's engine has the highest bhp/L of a N/A V8 engine ever built.
  • @Xerdoz
    One of the best things about this car, there's no stupid popping, banging or farting coming from the exhaust when changing gear.
  • @ElyciusM
    And a rev limit of OVER 9000?!?!?!?!
  • @athlete35392
    I clicked just because I saw 458, never expected a Speciale to be tested soo soon after launch. Stunning car :)
  • @ZondaF355
    Anyone who has a negative word to say about this video is simply ignorant. This is a very exclusive test and some savvy driving. What more could you want? Beautiful driving Steve S. and well done commentary. I can feel the cars dynamics through the screen and that is what its all about! Thanks for sharing
  • @fueledbyshai
    "What's the rev limit on the counter read!?" "OVER 9000!!!!"
  • @MrThiago2508
    The noise, the looks, the performance, she has it all in spades
  • @NoChance797
    Feel free to give me your regular 458 when you upgrade.
  • @DDGB08
    thanks for putting the video over the weekend
  • @IvanMorningstar
    C'mon ferrari, please give chris harris a go. He's been doing great honest review on f12 and 458 .
  • @TheBrizz71
    If I was a true high roller, I don't know if I'd want this or the F12berlinetta. Just to save myself the stress of having to decide, I'd probably just get both.
  • @Eagle.F1
    This is one epic car, nothing can beat a Ferrari in aerodynamics, downforce, grip or handling!
  • @RS-bw6ow
    This is it, for me it’s the ultimate modern Ferrari! Amazing power output, high redline, the last n/a V8 from Maranello and of course a just unbelievable coherent design! Dream 🙏🏼
  • @3248934
    Wow a drift mode! That's very cool, that way people can learn to do them without slaughtering the audience in car events like that koenigggseggsgegsgeg
  • @unAbated.
    This exhaust sound is absolutely INSANE!!! A Living Legend...
  • @paulrondeau2517
    Another great review. This speciale has been completely forgetting about the old 458! Great shots driving and drifting. Gotta get that creepy background music out tho... I WANT ONE!!