The much-lauded Ferrari 458 is due to undergo its mid-cycle refresh next year and our spies have caught on with what we believe to be a test mule in Germany.
With turbocharging technology spreading like a wildfire in the automotive industry these days, the rumors about Ferrari developing a force-fed V8 for the 458 facelift shouldn’t come to as a surprise. After all, the updated California opened the road recently with its new 560PS (552hp) 3.9-liter turbocharged V8.
A re-worked version of the same boosted V8 lump is believed to power the revised 458 Italia, making some 670-horses or 100hp more than the current naturally-aspirated 4.5-liter V8.
While this particular prototype replaces the 458’s three center mounted tailpipes with twin units and may be housing added vents behind the doors, it doesn’t look any different than the existing model, which leads us to believe that it’s a test mule, as Ferrari will no doubt refresh its appearance both on the outside and the inside.
As for the car’s name, Ferrari could follow the example of the California and call it the 458 T, it may use the 458 M (for Modificata or modified) moniker, or perhaps, it could surprise us with something entirely different.
Ferrari could present the revised 458 as early as next year at the Geneva Motor Show.
Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoops
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