
Something was wrong. Ferrari’s 458 Italia had been turned into an open top version and available on the market for quite some time and yet it remained untouched.
No tuner tried, or should we say dared, have a proper look at it and figure out where and by how much it should be improved.
Until now. Here’s Novitec Rosso’s attempt in all of its eye-popping yellow brightness and newly gained loudness levels.
The German tuner started at the heart of the “problem” and decided to tweak the 458’s superb naturally aspirated 4.5 liter V8 engine.
Having fitted a custom exhaust system, a custom air filter (both of which are said to be a lot lighter than the standard setup) and reprogrammed the ECU the differences are quickly noticeable.
The sound is now beyond intoxicating, it no longer soothes your years but merely injects the engine into your veins. Also, the output has gone.
You now get 609 horsepower at a staggering 9.100 rpm and a maximum torque figure of 420 lb-ft. No wonder Novitec Rosso claims the top speed figure is now 202 mph.
On the handling front, the Ferrari 458 Italia gets a 35mm lowered ride thanks to a new hydraulic adjustable sports suspension and Pirelli P-Zero tires.
The alloy wheels were a must for the world of tuning but it’s pretty refreshing to see that Novitec Rosso haven’t messed about with the looks too much.
Having fitted an additional front spoiler and a new rear wing for some added downforce, everything was kept just as it left the Maranello factory.