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Ferrari 458 Speciale Track Tested by Ferrari’s Raffaele De Simone

Ferrari 458 Speciale track test 1 photo
Photo: screenshot from Youtube
Now that the Ferrari 458 Speciale is upon us, the Prancing Horse wants to make sure we’re familiar with the features that make this incarnation of the 458 bespoke.
To make this happen, Ferrari has placed test driver Rafaele De Simone inside a 458 Speciale, asking him to unleash the vehicle on its Fiorano test track. The result lies in the video below.

De Simone takes us through the various bits that make the difference compared to a standard 458. Special attention is paid to the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup2 tires, which provide loads of grip through the bends at Fiorano.

The slip angle control is very important, as this allows for a better use of the E-Diff electronic rear differential and the F1-trac traction control. Basically, the 458 gets to keep its tail-happy nature, but the driver now has superior control.

The massive rear diffuser is also highlighted, with De Simone going flat out through a wide bend to demonstrate the downforce benefits brought by the element.

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About the author: Andrei Tutu
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In his quest to bring you the most impressive automotive creations, Andrei relies on learning as a superpower. There's quite a bit of room in the garage that is this aficionado's heart, so factory-condition classics and widebody contraptions with turbos poking through the hood can peacefully coexist.
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