Not Scuderia. Not Monte Carlo. The factory-tuned, track-focused version of the 458 Italia is officially called the Ferrari 458 Speciale. It is an apt name, considering how special the car is, what with a tricked-out V8 engine; improved aerodynamics; and the most important feature of them all, the racing stripe!

To be revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month, the Ferrari 458 Speciale is powered by the same 4.5 liter V8 engine (hence the 458 name) as the normal models. But here Ferrari engineers have tuned it at 605 horsepower and 540 Nm of torque. It is about 50 hp, give or take, than the standard 458, and makes this unit the most powerful naturally-aspirated V8 engine Ferrari has ever made.

The Speciale is also the most aerodynamic efficient (with an E index of 1.5) car Ferrari has ever produced, and at 1,290 kg, it is also a lightweight. All of which means the car is a serious performer: 0-100 km/h in a mere 3.0 seconds; 0-200 km/h in 9.1 seconds; and also a lap time of just 1’23”5 at the Fiorano track.

Th aerodynamic changes have affected the way the Speciale looks. It comes with new front and rear movable aerodynamics which balance downforce and cut drag. The result is that the 458 Speciale has the fastest response time (0.060 s) and highest lateral acceleration (1.33 g) ever achieved by a car in the Prancing Horse range.

It may not be just as pretty as the normal 458, but the changes pay dividends on the race track. Ferrari promises the 458 Speciale is a lot more fun to drive. The car even has something called the Side Slip angle Control system (SSC) which makes it easier to achieve car control on the limit, thereby greatly improving driving emotions. Drifting this car should be as easy as driving in a straight line.

Production of Ferrari 458 Speciale will certainly be limited, and the price of it certainly very high. Further details will be revealed closet to the IAA.