The turbocharged California T came as a big surprise in early 2014, but it appears Ferrari->ke252 aims to add forced induction to all of its V-8-powered sports cars->ke506. Concerned about both fuel economy and safe ways to increase output, the Italians are testing a turbocharged version of the Ferrari 458->ke3479 as we speak. While rumors about a force-fed 458 surfaced in early 2014 when a white mule was spotted playing in the snow, a new batch of spy shots featuring a camouflaged sports car comes to confirm the turbo 458 is well underway.

Reportedly dubbed M458-T, the new iteration of the company's entry-level sports car is expected to see significant gains in terms of horsepower. Specifically, the turbocharger attached to the new V-8 unit is likely to push output to around 670 ponies, a 74-horsepower addition to the 596 ponies available with the 458 Speciale. Of course, more power means an updated cooling system and revised aerodynamics as well, with minor design changes to further mark the introduction of the first turbocharged 458.

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Spy Shots

Although the prototype that was spotted stretching its wheels somewhere in Germany is camouflaged to the teeth, a closer inspection reveals why we are looking at the upcoming turbo 458. The white sheet is obviously hiding larger intakes at the bottom of the rear fenders, right behind the doors, suggesting this 458 needs some extra cold air to send more power to the wheels. It seems the side skirts have been redesigned as well.

An equally important modification is noticeable on the rear, where two exhaust pipes replace the traditional triple-pipe configuration of the 458. The new arrangement is borrowed from the 458 Speciale. Revisions should also include new front and rear bumpers, a reshaped diffuser, and, naturally, a revamped interior.

As for the engine, we expect the M458-T to carry the same 3.8-liter V-8 that debuted on the California T. Output will likely go up to 670 horsepower, placing the new 458 on par with McLaren's utterly insane 650S->ke4801. The M458-T is rumored to make its public appearance at the Geneva Motor Show->ke228 in March 2014.

Ferrari M458-T