Carbon fiber, power, sound, and high-tech forged rims: these are the four vital cornerstones of the exclusive NOVITEC ROSSO refinement program for the new Ferrari 458 Speciale.
Tailor-made genuine carbon-fiber body components were developed in the wind tunnel to give the lightweight-construction sports car an even more thrilling appearance.
With a power increase to 468 kW / 636 hp, NOVITEC ROSSO propels the two-seater to a new top speed in excess of 330 km/h. The high-performance exhaust system made of INCONEL, a material used in Formula 1 racing, not only optimizes the power output and sound, but also saves weight compared with the production model.
Tailor-made 21-inch NOVITEC ROSSO forged wheels, a modified suspension with front lift feature, and exclusive interior options round off the upgrade for the Italian sports car. The active aerodynamics of the Ferrari 458 Speciale posed a special challenge for the NOVITEC ROSSO designers. They developed body components made of especially light yet high-strength carbon fiber, which lend the lightweight-construction version full-blooded racing looks.
The combination of NOVITEC ROSSO front spoiler and front blade not only upgrades the production bumper of the Speciale visually, but also minimizes negative lift on the front axle, benefitting directional stability at high speeds. In addition, fairings for the central air inlet in the bumper and the trunk lid create an even more pronounced racing look. The final touch is provided by the carbon-fiber moldings for the exterior mirrors and the door triangles.
The sides of the lightweight-construction sports car receive an even more thrilling profile with the strikingly styled NOVITEC ROSSO rocker panels and the carbon-fiber moldings with gill-shaped profile for the rear side windows.
To reduce negative lift on the rear axle and thus achieve an optimal aerodynamic balance, NOVITEC ROSSO upgrades the 458 Speciale with a rear wing and a carbon-fiber diffusor that like the production part features an electrically adjustable center section. Special air deflectors for the left and right air inlets on the rear side components were developed as part of the innovative aerodynamic-enhancement concept. Not only do they ensure an optimized supply of cooling air for the engine and oil coolers, but they also route the relative wind directly over the rear wing profile thanks to their special design.
The full-blooded racing look is completed with additional carbon-fiber applications such as vent grilles or the fog lamp surround. In addition, the roof skin and the hood are also made of carbon fiber. To match the carbon-fiber components, NOVITEC ROSSO offers tailor-made accessories such as black tail lights made even more conspicuous by carbon-fiber covers, black turn signal repeaters and the likewise black auxiliary LED brake light. At the front and back, 21-inch NOVITEC ROSSO NF4 forged rims specially developed for the sports model also play a crucial role in the spectacular appearance of the refined 458 Speciale. Thanks to state-of-the-art forging technology, the nine and twelve inch wide alloys with delicate double spokes are among the lightest of their kind in this size. Technology partner Pirelli supplies PZero high-performance tires of sizes 255/30 ZR 21 and 325/25 ZR 21.
Another NOVITEC ROSSO high-tech engineering feat is the hydraulic suspension system for the 458 Speciale. The front of the car can be raised by 40 millimeters at the push of a button in the cockpit to be able to drive over a curb or navigate a parking garage ramp. The front reverts to its original position at a second push of the button or automatically upon reaching a speed of 80 km/h. In addition, NOVITEC ROSSO sport springs lower the ride height of the Spider by some 30 millimeters. NOVITEC ROSSO sport stabilizer bars can deliver even more direct handling.
It goes without saying that various performance kits are available for the 458 Speciale as well: the ultimate tuning stage boosts the power output of the 4.5-liter eight-cylinder engine to 468 kW / 636 hp at 9,250 rpm. Peak torque jumps to 572 Nm at 5,550 rpm. The NOVITEC ROSSO engine conversion comprises recalibrated mapping for ignition and injection. The slighter higher redline speed results in even more seamless gearshifts and a top speed increased to more than 330 km/h.
Just as important for unleashing additional horsepower is the NOVITEC ROSSO high-performance exhaust system. It consists of two high-performance manifolds, sport catalysts and a rear muffler. A version with electronic sound management is optionally available. On this model the exhaust note can be adjusted between discreet and powerful like in motor racing with the manettino switch on the steering wheel.
The exhaust system features two matte black-coated tailpipes with a diameter of 100 millimeters, and was developed specifically for the 458 Speciale. The exhaust system produces an optimized power yield and a sportier sound. More than that: its construction from INCONEL, the same material used for the exhaust systems in Formula 1 racing, makes the NOVITEC ROSSO system also extremely heat-resistant and above all lightweight: compared with the production exhaust it offers weight savings of seven kilograms. The sport exhaust is of course also available as a stand-alone option. With perfectly crafted interior appointments made of leather and Alcantara, NOVITEC ROSSO fulfils even the most discriminating 458 Speciale customers’ requests to a tee. The selection of colors is just as extensive as the choice of upholstery designs. The motor racing flair of the NOVITEC ROSSO body kit can be complemented in the interior with carbon-fiber upper sections for the instrument panel and dashboard as well as with longer carbon-fiber shift paddles for the steering wheel.
