The new Ferrari 458 Speciale recently celebrated its media day as the world’s top motoring journalists gathered in Maranello to give this hard-core, track-focused version of the 458 a damn good thrashing. So far the car has received nothing but praises, which is hardly surprising, given the fact that it is based on the 458, one of the best super cars ever made.  

Apparently, the journalists were mostly blown away by the Side Slip Angle Control (SSC) system. It is a new setting on the Manettino dial that once activated allows the driver to pull massive powerslides while keeping the electronic system partially on. So if you overcook it and the system senses you are getting into trouble, it’ll sort things out for you.

So the Ferrari 458 Speciale has already won the heart and souls of the motoring writers the world over. Looks like the car lives up to its name. On this occasion, and ahead of the car’s market launch, Ferrari releases new pictures on the car in action. Enjoy:

Tech Specs:

• Engine type : V8 – 90°
• Total displacement: 4495 cm3
• Max. power output: 605 cv @ 9000 rpm
• Max. torque: 540 Nm @ 6000 rpm
• Weight: 1290 kg
• Weight/power ratio: 2.13 kg/cv
• Performance
  • 0-100 km/h: 3.0s
  • 0-200 km/h: 9.1s
  • Top speed: >325 km/h (>202 mph)
• Fiorano lap time: 1’23″5
• CO2 emissions: 275 gr/km (with HELE System)