The Ferrari 458 Speciale A was a limited edition sports car that was introduced in 2014 as a celebration of the end of production of the Ferrari 458 Italia.
The Speciale A was the convertible version of the 458 Speciale and was only available for a short time. However, as it came with several upgrades and modifications, it was deemed to be even more impressive than its predecessor.
In this review, we’ll take a closer look at the Ferrari 458 Speciale A and explore what made it such a special and unique vehicle.
Launch
The Ferrari 458 Speciale A was first introduced at the Paris Motor Show in 2014.
The ‘A’ in its name stood for ‘Aperta’, which means ‘open’ in Italian. It was Ferrari’s final mid-engined, naturally aspirated V8-powered spider and a limited-edition version of the 458 Speciale coupe.
The production run was limited to just 499 units, making it a highly sought-after car among Ferrari enthusiasts and collectors. It was available for purchase towards the end of 2014, with deliveries beginning in early 2015. The car was soon discontinued in 2015, however, when Ferrari replaced the 458 with the 488 GTB.
Design
As with any Ferrari, the design of the 458 Speciale A was both beautiful and functional. The car features a retractable hardtop that can be opened or closed in just 14 seconds, and the design of the car ensures that it looks just as good with the top up as it does with it down.
The car was designed to be as aerodynamic as possible, with various air intakes, ducts, and fins that help to reduce drag and increase downforce. It was also equipped with lightweight forged wheels that were specifically designed to improve performance.
Inside, the cabin of the 458 Speciale A is both luxurious and functional. The seats were made from Alcantara and featured a unique striped pattern that was exclusive to this model. The dashboard was also covered in Alcantara, and the racing-inspired steering wheel featured LED lights that indicate when it’s time to shift gears.
Performance
In terms of performance, the 458 Speciale A was very impressive. It featured a naturally aspirated 4.5-litre V8 engine that was capable of producing 597 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque. The car zipped from 0 to 60 mph in a nifty 3 seconds and had a maximum speed of 199 mph. The engine was mated to a dual-clutch seven-speed transmission, which provided quick and smooth shifts.
Ferrari also equipped the 458 Speciale A with a Side Slip Control 2 (SSC2) system, which allowed the driver to enjoy a thrilling and controlled driving experience. The system analysed the car’s traction and grip and then modulated the torque distribution and braking force to help the driver maintain control of the car.
Handling was also exceptional, thanks to the car’s specially tuned suspension and aerodynamics. The car has a low centre of gravity, which helps it stay stable and composed even at high speeds and around tight corners. The steering was designed to be sharp and precise, and the brakes were strong, providing excellent stopping power.
The 458 Speciale A also came with Ferrari’s HELE system, which stands for High Emotion Low Emission. The system helped improve fuel efficiency and reduced emissions by shutting down the engine during idling and providing intelligent energy management.
Features
The Ferrari 458 Speciale A comes with a number of features that are designed to improve performance and make the car more enjoyable to drive. These include carbon-ceramic brakes, a sport exhaust system, and a number of advanced driving modes that allow the driver to customise the car’s performance based on their preferences. The car also came with plenty of state-of-the-art safety features, including airbags, stability control, and traction control.
One of the unique features of the 458 Speciale A is the ‘Speciale A’ plaque that is located on the dashboard. This plaque indicates that the car is part of a limited edition run of just 499 units, making it a highly exclusive model that is sought after by collectors and Ferrari enthusiasts.
In terms of safety, the 458 Speciale A is equipped with all the necessary features, including airbags, traction and stability control, and a rearview camera. Ferrari also offers a range of optional safety features, such as front and rear parking sensors and a front suspension lift system to help navigate over speed bumps and steep inclines.
Other features of the Ferrari 458 Speciale A include a premium sound system, climate control, and a navigation system. The car also came with several different customisation options that allow buyers to tailor the car to their specific tastes and preferences. These options include a range of exterior colours, as well as several upholstery and trim options for the interior.
Driving Experience
The driving experience of the Ferrari 458 Speciale A is nothing short of spectacular. The car is incredibly responsive and agile, and it’s capable of tackling tight turns and winding roads with ease. The steering is precise, and the brakes are incredibly powerful, making it easy to bring the car to a stop even at high speeds.
One of the things that makes the driving experience of the 458 Speciale A so special is the sound of the engine. The car features a unique exhaust system that produces a sound that is both deep and throaty, yet also high-pitched and exciting. When the top is down, the sound of the engine is even more pronounced, making for an unforgettable driving experience.
Conclusion
The Ferrari 458 Speciale A was an exceptional car that showcased Ferrari’s engineering expertise and innovation.
The car was designed to deliver an unparalleled driving experience, with impressive acceleration, responsive handling, and precise steering. The lightweight design, advanced aerodynamics, and powerful engine all contributed to the car’s outstanding performance.
Additionally, the limited production run and exclusive features make the Ferrari 458 Speciale A car a rare and valuable addition to any collection.
Overall, it’s fair to say the Ferrari 458 Speciale A was a masterpiece of automotive engineering that fully deserved its place as one of the most sought-after sports cars in the world at the time of its launch.
If you are lucky enough to own one of the 499 units that were made, there are many car enthusiasts around the world who will envy you.
