Ferrari’s hardcore 458 Speciale was developed primarily for track use, so there are few methods better to demonstrate its prowess than running some hot laps at the Fiorano test track in Italy. Behind the wheel of the 458 Speciale in this short clip is Ferrari test driver Raffaele De Simone.

He explains many of the car's features, with the most innovative being the side slip angle control system. This constantly analyzes the car’s slip angle and compares it with a target value based on speed, grip levels and other metrics. It then optimizes both torque from the engine and torque distribution between the two wheels (via braking) to make the car easier to handle at the limit.

The end result is a 458 that needs just 3.0 seconds to reach 62 mph and can lap the Fiorano test track in 1:23.5, making it slower than only the much more powerful LaFerrari flagship and F12 Berlinetta.

Unfortunately, even the best video can't convey the emotional depth of the experience of actually driving a 458 of any stripe, whether it be the latest 458 Speciale, sultry 458 Spider or the basic 458 Italia, but this one certainly comes close.

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