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Spyshots: New Exhaust Layout on this Ferrari 458 Spells Turbo

Last time we checked, the Ferrari 458 offered its naturally-aspirated V8 song to the world via center-mounted triple exhaust tips. As it turns out, this was more of a swan song, since the Prancing Horse is almost ready to put its naturally-aspirated V8s to sleep.
Ferrari 458 Turbo spyshots 11 photos
Photo: SB-Medien
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Speaking of a swan song, the 458 Speciale serves as that and, just like the Speciale’s tailpipes use a more conventional rear apron position, the turbocharged 458 prototype we see here follows suit.

Yes, the two pipes signal this Cavallino Rampante is ready to move to forced induction, being the second member of Maranello’s range, after the California T, that goes down this route.

The 458 is already behind schedule when it comes to its mid-cycle revamp, having been with us for more than the four years stated in Ferrari’s plan. Thus, the vehicle is expected to enter its new shape at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show.

While the Cali T is motivated by a 3.8-liter twin-turbo unit, the powerplant on the 458 should grow in both size and revs. The higher red line will allow the engine to mimic a NA unit’s character - Ferraris engineers have already aimed for this in the California T, where the torque is limited in the lower gears, encouraging the driver to push the car as he would in a naturally aspirated one. Still, the aforementioned changes should require bigger turbos, which bring a lag disadvantage, so we’re eager to see how the Italian magicians deal with this.

While many expect the turbocharged model to wear the 458 T moniker, others claim this will be called the 458 M (modified). Nonetheless, a glance into Ferrari’s past reveals the Prancing Horse sometimes likes to change the name of a car altogether - remember the 308/328/348 of the 70s and 80s.

By the way, natural aspiration fans needn’t fret. They’ll still be able to have their way, it’s just that this will be even more costly than before - once the turbocharged 458 is released, only the V12 will remain labeled under “NA”.
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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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