WR TV: 2015 Ferrari 458 Speciale POV Track Test at Mid Ohio

Cars, Reviews I By Winding Road Staff I October 06, 2015
Ride along onboard with us as John Kim takes a 2015 458 Speciale A for a few spirited laps around Mid Ohio Sports Car Course. 
 
This upgraded version of the 458 Italia features the most powerful naturally aspirated V-8 in the Ferrari range, with the highest specific output of any naturally aspirated road-going engine ever. The 4.5-liter powerplant produces 596 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque. Power is put to the wheels via a seven-speed F1 dual-clutch transmission. The car accelerates from 0-62 miles per hour in just 3.0 seconds, and from 0-124 mph in 9.1 seconds. Its maximum speed breaks the 200-mph barrier at over 202 mph. It boasts a lap time at the Fiorano Circuit of 1:23.5.
 
 
Part of this great speed is thanks to weight savings. It has curb weight of 3075 pounds, and that weight is biased to the rear of the car (where the power goes) with a 52/48 weight distribution. Even more speed is gained from the slipperiness and downforce of the 458 Speciale. Aerodynamics have been improve with a larger spoiler, a new diffuser, and flaps that open and close at the front of the car.
 
 
Handling has been improved in the 458 special partially thanks to technology borrowed from Formula 1. It uses a high-performance ABS system with electronic brakeforce distribution, plus a F1 traction control system. Its suspension uses magnetorheological control with frequency analysis system and twin solenoids.

Let’s see how it does around Mid Ohio:

 

Have you subscribed to the Winding Road Racing YouTube channel yet? Give us a click if you want to make sure you don’t miss any of the latest clips.

The Guide to Road Racing: Winding Road Magazine's ultimate guide to getting your start in racing.

Table of Contents

Related Articles

Driven: 2023 Toyota GR86 Compliments the Curves

How does the 2023 Toyota GR86 fair on the Tail of the Dragon? Put simply, it’s the perfect tool for tackling the famous curves.

August 21, 2023
Review: The G80 M3 Manual is a Lovable Driving Machine

The G80 M3’s personality is just far too muddied, but at least what it’s courageous enough to express is well-sorted excellence.

June 02, 2023
Review: 2023 Bentley Continental GT Mulliner W12

As the magnificent W12 now exits stage left, I reflect how pleasurable the Continental GT Mulliner is to not only drive, but experience.

May 03, 2023
Does the 2023 Land Rover Defender 110 V8 ‘Out-Defender’ the OG?

Maybe the 2023 Land Rover Defender 110 V8 isn’t perfect, but neither was the old Defender – isn’t that kind of the point?

May 01, 2023
Bargain Bin Review: The Ford Focus RS is Still Worthy of your Rally Car Dreams

Before the Civic Type R and GR Corolla, there was the Ford Focus RS, a venerable and much-beloved member of the super sport compact fight club.

March 20, 2023

EMAIL SIGN UP

Get the latest driving and racing news straight to your inbox.

no thanks

Begin typing your search above and press return to search.