It’s easy to get lost in the magic that Maranello pumps out year after year. Most are masterpieces; a few are best left forgotten (talking to you, 412 and Mondial 8). But that’s not the case with the 458 Italia or its sun-loving sibling, the 458 Spider. In fact, it just so happens to be one of our all time favorite Ferraris. So you can imagine our glee when we gazed upon Novitec Rosso’s latest efforts, the Ferrari 458 Spider.
The Dutch tuning house has managed to build upon Italian automotive perfection even more with performance enhancements to the already impressive stock 458 Spider. We’re talking engine tweaks, the inclusion of advanced aerodynamic materials like carbon fiber, and a host of aesthetic improvements (not that the 458 needed any).
Illustrating why it has gathered such an acclaimed reputation for taking some of the finest sports cars Maranello has to offer and making them better. Novitec Rosso has taken the existing 4.5-liter V8 and increased performance by roughly 40 hp and 20 lb-ft by implementing a new lightweight exhaust system found in F1 engines. This, Novitec Rosso claim, helps not only with track performance, but day-to-day driving as well. Allowing moderately higher redline speed for improved shift points and overall response.
For the Dutch team at Novitec Rosso, performance is just the half of it. Beyond modifications to the 458 Spider’s engine, other notable additions include an adjustable suspension accompanied by 22-inch wheels wrapped in ultra-low-profile Pirelli P-Zero rubber. And (as if Ferrari steering wheels didn’t resemble a videogame controller enough) an additional button has been added to engage the high-tech hydraulic suspension system, which raises the cars body off the ground by 40 millimeters in order to dodge those pesky speed bumps that will likely look to slow you down.
