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Ferrari has announced the most powerful naturally aspirated V8 engine ever fitted to a standard production road car. The 4497 cc V8 of the Ferrari 458 Speciale produces 605 PS (597 old-fashioned brake horse power, or 445 kilowatts), which gives it a record-breaking 134.5 PS per litre. Peak power in such a highly-strung engine is naturally going to be achieved at a screamingly high number, and in this case it's at 9000 rpm. Torque peaks at a healthy 540 Nm and at a relatively early 6000 rpm.

The engine is not the only aspect of the 458 that Ferrari has given close attention to. Aerodynamics have been refined, with Ferrari claiming it to be the most aerodynamically efficient Ferrari of all time. Pininfarina and the Ferrari Styling Centre collaborated on these tweaks, utilising movable aerodynamic aids both front and rear. These work together to cut drag and balance downforce.

The driving dynamics of the Ferrari 458 Speciale have also been significantly improved. New technology includes what Ferrari call "Side Slip Control System" or SSC, which makes it easier to control the car on the limit by distributing torque between the rear wheels via the E-Diff based on real-time analysis of the car's sideways movement and adjusting it to achieve optimal values. Coupled with special tyres developed in conjunction with Michelin, the result is the Ferrari with the best lateral acceleration figures for a Ferrari road car, at 1.33 g.

Ferrari will officially unveil the car to the public at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show.