Say Hello To The 597bhp Ferrari 458 Speciale A: The Hardcore Drop Top Supercar We've All Been Waiting For

In the build up to a motor show, new car reveals come thick and fast. With the Paris Motor Show just around the corner, we’ve been treated to the standard stream of inoffensive hybrids and genre-redefining crossovers and hang on a minute, is that a Ferrari 458 Speciale convertible?

Why yes, yes it is. Ferrari has just stepped up and stolen the limelight by announcing this: the Ferrari 458 Speciale A. If you speak Italian or know your Ferrari ABCs you’ll be aware that A stands for Aperta. Roughly translated it means ‘open,’ and signifies that this is the much-rumoured Speciale drop top.

The Aperta makes use of the same folding hard-top found on the 458 Spider, which adds 50kg on top of the weight of the coupe Speciale. Without a roof you’re even closer to that wondrous engine. It’s a naturally aspirated 4.5-litre V8, which is the most powerful NA engine ever produced by the Prancing Horse. It makes 597bhp and 398lb ft of torque, which results in a 0-62mph time of exactly three seconds - the same as the coupe.

This car gets improved aerodynamics to account for topless motoring, making it the most slippery spider it has ever produced. What this means is that, along with the performance-enhancing electronics, you’ll be keeping up with the coupe Speciale out on the track - the ‘A’ lapped Ferrari’s test track, Fiorano, with an identical time. Is this the first truly no compromise convertible supercar?

Sadly, this could be the naturally aspirated V8’s final performance, with turbocharging making its way to Maranello. If you fancy snapping up what will likely become one of the most sought-after Ferraris of all time, you’d better start deciding which organs you don’t really need. Prices haven’t been revealed, but with just 499 being made, you can expect premiums to reach £250k ($400k) after ticking a few options boxes.

The Ferrari 458 Speciale A will make its public debut at the Paris Motor Show next week.