Launched in 2013, the Ferrari 458 Speciale became the range-topping version of the 458 Italia and replaced the 430 Scuderia in the company's entry-level sports car->ke506 lineup. The Speciale name added a revised aerodynamic package with active elements designed by Ferrari->ke252 Styling Center in cooperation with Pininfarina, a more exclusive interior, and a more powerful V-8 engine that gained 34 horses over the standard 458 Italia.->ke3479 At the time of its unveiling, the 458 Speciale was the quickest V-8-powered Ferrari in the lineup, being only a half-second slower than the F12berlinetta on the company's Fiorano test track.

Although it was discontinued in 2015 when Maranello replaced the 458 Italia with the 488 GTB, Ferrari completed this specific model in 2016. Dubbed the MM Speciale, it sports a custom body that borrows many features from the newer 488 GTB,->ke5071 as well as a number of exclusive elements inside and out. The vehicle is unique, was built for a British buyers, and unveiled at the Fiorano circuit in the hands of Ferrari chief test driver Dario Benuzzi.

Although its not faster or more powerful than the 458 Speciale it is based on, the MM Speciale is the most radical road-going version of the 458 Italia ever launched. Keep reading to find out what makes it special.

Continue reading to learn more about the Ferrari 458 MM Speciale.

2016 Ferrari 458 MM Speciale

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2016 Ferrari 458 MM Speciale
  • Engine/Motor: V8
  • Horsepower: 496 @ 9000
  • Torque: 398 @ 6000
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

What makes the Ferrari 458 MM Speciale special

Styling-wise, the MM Speciale is very similar to the 458 Speciale, but upon closer inspection new details become obvious. Ferrari says that the coupe features all-new bodywork, but while this statement isn't exactly accurate, the MM Speciale is indeed significantly different that the standard 458 Special in certain areas. Up front there's a big spliter, narrower intakes with carbon fiber trim, and a new hood with new vents. The headlamps appear to have been borrowed from the 488 GTB, while the prancing horse emblem in the bumper is larger than usual.

The car's profile also received significant modifications. The side skirts are new, while the rear fenders gained new air scoops just behind the doors. This feature was added to improve engine cooling. More importantly, the client opted for black-painted A-pillars, which give the roof a wraparound look that lowers the roofline and gives the car a more aerodynamic look. Maranello says that this feature is inspired from the 1984 Ferrari GTO.

Around back, the 458 MM Speciale is nearly identical to the 488 GTB. The car sports a similar spoiler and the same tail lamps, while the thin mesh grille has been reshaped to mimic the rear vents of the 488. A black strip that runs across the fascia and through the "prancing horse" emblem sets the MM Speciale apart. Below, the diffuser borrows elements from both the 458 Speciale and 488 GTB, but also has unique features of its own, such as the trapezoidal cutout into the bumper for the license plate and the triangular vents on each side.

The sports car is rounded off by a set of exclusive, twin-five-spoke wheels and a Bianco Italia (pearl white) paint job with a livery that pays homage to the Italian flag. The green, white, and red stripes are highlighted by fine gray accents.

Inside, upgrades include an enhanced audio system and bespoke trim crafted at the owner’s specific request. The Cioccolato leather upholstery features white stitching and elegant touches such as the satin white rings around the center tunnel controls.

Under the shell, the MM Speciale is a standard 458 Speciale and gets its juice from the award-winning, 4.5-liter V-8 engine that Ferrari discontinued for the 488 GTB. The mill cranks out 596 horsepower at 9,000 rpm and 398 pound-feet of torque from 6,000 rpm and routes it to the rear wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Although performance specs have yet to be unveiled, it's safe to assume that the 458 MM Speciale is as quick as the model it is based on and needs three seconds to hit 62 mph from a standing start. Top speed likely remained unchanged at 202 mph.

Ferrari 458 Speciale

The Ferrari 458 Speciale was introduced in 2013 as a higher performance version of the 458 Italia. Essentially a successor to the 430 Scuderia, the 458 Speciale received revised bodywork with enhanced aerodynamics, an array of exclusive interior features, and a more powerful version of the naturally aspirated, 4.5-liter V-8. The mill gained an extra 34 horsepower for a total output of 596 horses, while torque remained unchanged at 398 pound-feet. The added oomph and the revised aerodynamics enabled the coupe to sprint from 0 to 62 mph in three seconds, nearly a half-second quicker than the 458 Italia. The 458 Speciale was discontinued in 2015 when Ferrari replaced the Italia with the 488 GTB.

Read our full review on the Ferrari 458 Speciale here.