Ferrari unveils one-off 458 MM Speciale

Ferrari has released pictures of a new version of the 458 Speciale despite the fact the small supercar was replaced by the faster, turbocharged 488 GTB in June last year.

Called the 458 MM Speciale, the radically redesigned Ferrari coupe was created as a one-off by Ferrari Special Program in cooperation with Ferrari Styling Centre and commissioned by a wealthy Ferrari 458 Speciale owner.

That's why, instead of being based on the current 488, the new MM uses the older chassis from the 458 Speciale and its mechanicals.

Inspired by the 1984 288 GTO's styling, the new MM was created for an "enthusiastic British owner", as Ferrari has explained.

Featuring a 'visor effect' wraparound windscreen that, thanks to the black-painted A-pillars, the 458 MM Speciale appears to use one piece of glass for both front screen and windows, mimicking the old GTO.

The rest of the MM's bodywork is all-new and handcrafted out of aluminium. The front and rear bumpers, meanwhile, are made out of lightweight carbon-fibre.

The complete redesign explains the two large dorsal air scoops that are absent on the regular 458. That's because the MM boasts an entirely new aero and cooling package. Featuring front radiators mounted closer together in the nose, those additional side intakes are said to allow additional cooling to the engine bay.

At the rear the MM boasts a re-profiled spoiler that's claimed to generate more downforce while not interrupting the dramatic sweeping lines that begin at the front wheel arches.

Finally, new wheels and front and rear light clusters complete the exterior redesign.

Inside, there's a powerful sound system, chocolate-coloured leather with white stitching and plenty of other personal touches specified by the owner.

Under the bonnet it's not known whether the increased cooling has enabled Ferrari to boost power, but since the regular Speciale produced 445kW/540Nm from its 4.5-litre naturally-aspirated V8, it's unlikely the British owner will be disappointed with the standard car's 3.0sec sprint to 100km/h, nor its 325km/h top speed.

Ferrari's Special Projects Program is no stranger to chopping up and redesigning the firm's range of vehicles. In the past it re-bodied an Enzo for renowned Ferrari collector and race team owner, James Glickenhaus. It was also responsible for the 'Aperta' drop-top versions of both the 599 and 458.

Back in 2012 it also created the dramatic SP12 for rock star and Ferrari fan Eric Clapton.

That car, based on another 458 Italia, was inspired by the 1970s Ferrari 512 Berlinetta Boxer.

It's not known how much the new 458 MM Speciale cost to make, but the SP12 reportedly cost an incredible $6 million to build back in 2012.