458 Speciale A Aperta

The 458 Speciale is the sharpened version of the 458 Italia, following in the footsteps of the 360 Challenge Stradale and 430 Scuderia. The Speciale A, for Aperta, is the open-top version, unveiled at the 2014 Paris Motor Show and produced in 499 units. It is the only open-top Speciale and the last Ferrari convertible with a naturally aspirated V8: its successor, the 488 Spider, switched to turbocharging.

The 4,497 cm3 F136 V8 delivers 445 kW (605 hp) at 9,000 rpm and 540 Nm at 6,000 rpm, nearly 135 hp per litre, the highest specific output ever achieved by Ferrari on a road-going naturally aspirated V8. It works with the 7-speed F1 dual-clutch gearbox, with shorter ratios than on the Italia: 0-100 km/h in 3.0 s, 0-200 km/h in 9.5 s, 320 km/h top speed. The Speciale introduced Side Slip Angle Control, which manages the differential and traction according to drift angle, and features active aerodynamics with front flaps and a rear diffuser flap.

The convertible version uses the retractable aluminium hardtop from the 458 Spider, stowed in fourteen seconds. Ferrari quotes 1,340 kg dry and 1,445 kg kerb weight, fifty kilos more than the Speciale coupé, with no compromise on chassis settings or aerodynamics. Yellow bodywork, black upholstery.

Two factors determine the value of a 458: the wear of the F1 gearbox clutch, which is read by diagnostic tool and not by eye, and the condition of the carbon-ceramic discs, which is assessed by weight: a full set represents a five-figure bill. The Ferrari warranty extension can be taken out and renewed within the official network; any interruption cannot be made up.

Taxation: for a first registration in 2015, the 2015 NEDC scale applies, capped at 8,000 EUR above 200 g/km, and the age-related reduction reaches 70 to 76% at eleven years (CIBS art. L. 421-7-2): the remainder to pay is a few thousand euros. The weight penalty does not apply, as the tax on kerb weight only exists since 2022, and a first registration before 1 January 2015 cancels both penalties.