2013 Frankfurt Motor Show is our chance to take a closer look at the new Ferrari 458 Speciale. This track-focused, hard-core version of the superb 458 Italia is the closest thing to the 458 GT race car you can get that is till road-legal. It’s a fabulous track toy for those who can afford it.

As is the case with performance-minded super cars, the manufacturer lefts a lot of parts that you should normally get with the car on the shelf in the factory, and then charges you more for it. That is the downside. On the upside, the car is lighter, tauter, and more focused on its intended role, which is delivering an exhilarating driving experience.

To that end, Ferrari engineers tweaked the 4.5 liter V8 in the 458 from 562 horsepower to 605, with 540 Nm of torque. That, and a  dry weight of 1290 kg, results in a power to weight ratio of 2.13 kg/hp. Delivered via a 7-speed F1 dual-clutch transmission to the rear wheels, that translates into a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) time of 3 seconds flat, and top speed of over 325 km/h (>202 mph).

The looks of the Ferrari 458 Speciale is a bit different than the normal model, but most of the changes are dictated by aerodynamics. The car features three louvers the side of the headlight assemblies reminiscent of Ferraris of the past, from the 250 GTO to the F40. The rear features a Kamm tail with a full-width grille and twin exhausts.

The 458 Speciale also gets its own suspension with Frequency-Shaped SCM-E (Frs SCM-E) dampers which have twin solenoids, new CPU and new software, and its own bespoke tires; Michelin Pilot Sport Cup2. Naturally, the braking system is upgraded too, with Extreme Design calipers, new generation HT2 discs with a higher percentage of silicon, and smaller front pads made from HY hybrid material.

The 458 Speciale sees the introduction of Side Slip Angle Control (SSC). Working in tandem with the car’s electronic brain and its E-Diff electronic differential, and the F1 traction control, this system allows smooth, controllable oversteer. It basically drifts the car for you, so even the most useless driver will feel like Tanner Foust behind the wheel. It’s artificial, but who cares!