Ferrari 458 Speciale Aperta debuts at Paris Motor Show
Ferrari has unveiled the limited-run 458 Speciale Aperta at the 2014 Paris Motor Show, pairing a 605hp V8 with an open roof for the final 458 variant.
Ferrari presented the 458 Speciale Aperta to the public for the first time at the 2014 Paris Motor Show, confirming the most powerful open-top 458 as the final and rarest version in the series. The Aperta, Italian for “open”, is limited to just 499 units and serves as the convertible counterpart to the 458 Speciale coupe.
The 458 Speciale Aperta uses the same 4.5-litre naturally aspirated V8 as the Speciale coupe, producing 605hp and 540Nm of torque. This keeps the convertible among the most powerful naturally aspirated V8 Ferraris built, with performance figures unchanged from the fixed-roof version. Ferrari claims 0-100km/h in 3.0 seconds, matching the coupe despite the extra weight from the roof mechanism.
The retractable aluminium hard top adds 50kg, bringing the total dry weight to 1,340kg. Ferrari states the roof can be opened or closed in 14 seconds, allowing for rapid transitions between coupe and open-air driving. The Aperta is fitted with unique Grigio Corsa five-spoke alloy wheels and retains the Speciale’s focus on aerodynamic efficiency. Ferrari describes it as the most aerodynamically efficient spider it has ever produced.
Limited production and exclusivity
Only 499 units of the 458 Speciale Aperta will be built, making it one of the rarest modern Ferraris. Official pricing had not been released at the time of the Paris show, but demand for the last naturally aspirated V8 convertible from Maranello is expected to be high among collectors and enthusiasts.
Technical highlights
- 4.5-litre V8 engine producing 605hp and 540Nm
- 7-speed dual-clutch F1 transmission
- Retractable aluminium hard top (14 seconds operation)
- Dry weight: 1,340kg (50kg more than coupe)
- Aerodynamic features derived from 458 Speciale
The Aperta’s technical package mirrors that of the Speciale coupe, including advanced active aerodynamics and a chassis tuned for track use. Despite the added weight of the roof, Ferrari engineers kept the performance figures identical, maintaining the car’s reputation for sharp handling and straight-line speed. The Aperta’s arrival at Paris follows the earlier debut of the 458 Speciale coupe at the Frankfurt Motor Show, which you can read about here:Ferrari 458 Speciale debuts at Frankfurt with 597hp and track focus
Position in the Ferrari range
The 458 Speciale Aperta closes the chapter on Ferrari’s naturally aspirated V8 line before the introduction of the turbocharged 488 GTB. Its limited production and technical credentials position it as a future classic, aimed at buyers seeking a combination of open-air driving and track-capable performance. With the Paris Motor Show unveiling, Ferrari has given the 458 family a high-profile send-off.
