Ferrari’s in-house styling centre has developed a new special model for a secret British client based on the screaming 458 Speciale.
Called the 458 MM Speciale, it’s the work of the Ferrari Styling Centre and the company’s custom department and has made its debut at the Fiorano circuit undergoing its first shakedown.
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There’s no word on whether the 458 MM Speciale’s powertrain differs from that of the Speciale on which it’s based – a 4497cc naturally-aspirated V8 developing 597bhp at an inconceivable 9000rpm – but the styling is distinctly different from the donor car.
The idea was for even more dramatic lines than the standard car, and the client specified a ‘visor’ style to the front windscreen and side windows, which Ferrari has achieved with black-painted A-pillars for a wraparound look.
It results in just a hint of Lancia Stratos to the glasshouse – or perhaps the Lotus Evora, once the sharply-creased front bumper and hip lines are taken into account – and an edgier feel to the car’s profile.
The bumpers front and rear are formed from carbonfibre while the rest of the bodywork is aluminium. Other notable features are prominent side scoops and the redesigned back end, which has hints of several recent Ferraris, including the 488 GTB and the F12.
Under the skin, Ferrari has moved the coolant radiators – now closer together under the tighter bodywork than before, and fed cool air by those redesigned side scoops.
The sharper shape is set off by specially-designed wheels, new front and rear light clusters and a coat of Bianco Italia paintwork, sporting a tricolore stripe down its centreline. Inside there’s new trim (with Cioccolato leather) and an enhanced audio system.
