For our first PAST DUE post of the year, we’re excited to finally show off a stunning Ferrari 458 Speciale wrapped entirely in XPEL paint protection film. This project was completed right around the time of SEMA 2014, and due to a slammed schedule, we were forced to keep it under wraps. Treated to a New Car Detail, Prestige Film Technologies Spectra PhotoSync window tint, and a combination of XPEL Stealth & Ultimate PPF, this 458 Speciale was quite the way to finish off the year. Take a look & let us know what you think of the updated aesthetics in the comments below!
Ever since it debuted in 2009 at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the 458 has been warming the hearts & minds of Ferrari faithful worldwide. A successor to the F430, the 458 began life as an entirely new production model, incorporating a handful of tech & goodies that Ferrari carried over from Formula 1 to the street. From the start, the 458 held the title of the highest output for a naturally-aspirated gas powered piston engine ever in a production road car. Shortly thereafter, the 458 Speciale raised the bar even higher. Ferrari shaved around 200 lbs. off curb weight using more carbon constructed components, bumped power up to nearly 600 horses, redesigned the aerodynamics with the help of Pininfarina, and introduced a “side slip angle control” for optimum torque management. The improved power-to-weight ratio means the Speciale will launch from 0-60 in 3 seconds flat, and rocket all the way to 125 MPH in another six. It’s a Stradale-esque philosophy that combines some of the best technology Ferrari has to offer, and it’s truly a thing of beauty!
Ever since it debuted in 2009 at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the 458 has been warming the hearts & minds of Ferrari faithful worldwide. A successor to the F430, the 458 began life as an entirely new production model, incorporating a handful of tech & goodies that Ferrari carried over from Formula 1 to the street. From the start, the 458 held the title of the highest output for a naturally-aspirated gas powered piston engine ever in a production road car. Shortly thereafter, the 458 Speciale raised the bar even higher. Ferrari shaved around 200 lbs. off curb weight using more carbon constructed components, bumped power up to nearly 600 horses, redesigned the aerodynamics with the help of Pininfarina, and introduced a “side slip angle control” for optimum torque management. The improved power-to-weight ratio means the Speciale will launch from 0-60 in 3 seconds flat, and rocket all the way to 125 MPH in another six. It’s a Stradale-esque philosophy that combines some of the best technology Ferrari has to offer, and it’s truly a thing of beauty!
The Speciale that came to us a few months back for a customized XPEL paint protection package takes the striking nature of this limited edition 458 a step further. While it did boast a few traditional touches of red on the Ferrari emblem up front, that’s about all the Rosso one might spot aside from the tail lamps and corner markers. It’s adorned with an eggshell white exterior juxtaposed by striking blue metallic stripes & accents, from the window trims to the large rear horse badge. This Speciale might be one of the more beautifully modern Ferraris we have seen spec’d in a non-traditional manor.
The Speciale that came to us a few months back for a customized XPEL paint protection package takes the striking nature of this limited edition 458 a step further. While it did boast a few traditional touches of red on the Ferrari emblem up front, that’s about all the Rosso one might spot aside from the tail lamps and corner markers. It’s adorned with an eggshell white exterior juxtaposed by striking blue metallic stripes & accents, from the window trims to the large rear horse badge. This Speciale might be one of the more beautifully modern Ferraris we have seen spec’d in a non-traditional manor.
After hours of ogling the 458 in all its glory & completing initial inspection, we pulled the Speciale into the wash bay for a foam party. With barely any miles on the clock, the Ferrari was set to receive the works. As we mentioned, a New Car Detail package was in order, but on top of that, this 458 would be completely transformed with a combination Full Coverage XPEL Stealth paint protection package & Ultimate stripe set.
After hours of ogling the 458 in all its glory & completing initial inspection, we pulled the Speciale into the wash bay for a foam party. With barely any miles on the clock, the Ferrari was set to receive the works. As we mentioned, a New Car Detail package was in order, but on top of that, this 458 would be completely transformed with a combination Full Coverage XPEL Stealth paint protection package & Ultimate stripe set.
Once the wash portion of the New Car Detail had been competed, the team set to work on polishing up every inch of the Speciale to perfection. Detailing new cars probably seems like a redundantly novel idea to some people, but when entering the realm of full paint protection wraps, it’s 100% mandatory. In order to ensure proper adhesion, the Ferrari was fully decontaminated with clay bar before receiving a single stage polish for the perfect showroom shine. After all, paint needs to look its best if it’s going to be wrapped in protective film that’s warrantied for up to 7 years!
Once the wash portion of the New Car Detail had been competed, the team set to work on polishing up every inch of the Speciale to perfection. Detailing new cars probably seems like a redundantly novel idea to some people, but when entering the realm of full paint protection wraps, it’s 100% mandatory. In order to ensure proper adhesion of paint protection film, the Ferrari was fully decontaminated with clay bar before receiving a single stage polish for the perfect showroom shine. After all, paint needs to look its best if it’s going to be wrapped in protective film that’s warrantied for up to 10 years!
After completing the New Car Detail package, we repositioned the Ferrari in the install bay so Carlos could equip our top-tier window tint – Prestige Film Technologies Spectra PhotoSync. When dealing with an interior that’s as unique as the one in the Speciale, having an advanced window film on hand is vital. We recommend Spectra PhotoSync for any & all high-value vehicles due to its unmatched range of protection from UV / IR rays and solar sensitive nature. PhotoSync aside — we take great care with all our window tint installations, ensuring a perfect fit without flaws or defects regardless of film choice or vehicle!
After completing the New Car Detail package, we repositioned the Ferrari in the install bay so Carlos could equip our top-tier window tint – Prestige Film Technologies Spectra PhotoSync. When dealing with an interior that’s as unique as the one in the Speciale, having an advanced window film on hand is vital. We recommend Spectra PhotoSync for any & all high-value vehicles due to its unmatched range of protection from UV / IR rays and solar sensitive nature. PhotoSync aside — we take great care with all our window tint installations, ensuring a perfect fit without flaws or defects regardless of film choice or vehicle!
With the PhotoSync window tint installed & curing, Tim dug into the XPEL paint protection installation. At the time of completion this was one of the first 458 Speciales around protected entirely with XPEL Stealth. XPEL had an all silver 458 Speciale wrapped in XPEL Ultimate with a Stealth stripe on display at SEMA, but given the unique white & blue nature of this Ferrari, we had to flip the script. Nearly every inch got covered with a satin finish, leaving only a sliver of Ultimate to gloss up the metallic blue stripe & accents.
With the PhotoSync window tint installed & curing, Tim dug into the XPEL paint protection installation. At the time of completion this was one of the first 458 Speciales around protected entirely with XPEL Stealth. XPEL had an all silver 458 Speciale wrapped in XPEL Ultimate with a Stealth stripe on display at SEMA, but given the unique white & blue nature of this Ferrari, we had to flip the script. Nearly every inch got covered with a satin finish, leaving only a sliver of Ultimate to gloss up the metallic blue stripe & accents.
It’s a timely process to wrap any car with our Total Coverage paint protection package, but the benefit is always worth the effort. Since this Ferrari couldn’t have exposed gloss bodywork anywhere apart from the stripe & trims, our installer had to make a number of modifications to his patterns while creating some entirely new surface maps of the exterior panels. We’re doing what we can to pave the way for near-seamless full coverage paint protection in the Seattle area & beyond!
It’s a timely process to wrap any car with our Total Coverage paint protection package, but the benefit is always worth the effort. Since this Ferrari couldn’t have exposed gloss bodywork anywhere apart from the stripe & trims, our installer had to make a number of modifications to his patterns while creating some entirely new surface maps of the exterior panels. We’re doing what we can to pave the way for near-seamless full coverage paint protection in the Seattle area & beyond!
On a cold night in November, it came time to part ways. The car looked menacing outside with the streetlights diffusing beautifully off the new flat finish. As hard as it was to watch the car leave, we snapped a few pictures of the completed Stealth wrap & sent it away for further modifications at Ferrari of Seattle. Word on the street was that the owner had plans for a set of special-order carbon fiber mirrors & an updated wheel color option.
On a cold night in November, it came time to part ways. The car looked menacing outside with the streetlights diffusing beautifully off the new flat finish. As hard as it was to watch the car leave, we snapped a few pictures of the completed Stealth wrap & sent it away for further modifications at Ferrari of Seattle. Word on the street was that the owner had plans for a set of special-order carbon fiber mirrors & an updated wheel color option.
As it worked out, the Ferrari’s leave of absence ended up buying us just enough time to cut up a short installation video montage of the finished product. It’s our first Youtube feature in over a year, and now we can’t wait to get back to filming!
Not too shabby, right? Be sure to subscribe to our channel & keep your eyes peeled for more cinematic goodness coming in the next few months.
Of course, we wouldn’t be doing the Speciale justice if we didn’t take time to fully appreciate the final updates in our photo studio!
Of course, we wouldn’t be doing the Speciale justice if we didn’t take time to fully appreciate the final updates in our photo studio!
The new car wrap doesn’t just stop at Stealth, either. To really tie the Speciale’s look up, we integrated a color matched inlay that carries over stripe styling onto the carbon diffuser, blending in with the metallic blue under-tray.
The new car wrap doesn’t just stop at Stealth, either. To really tie the Speciale’s look up, we integrated a color matched inlay that carries over stripe styling onto the carbon diffuser, blending in with the metallic blue under-tray.
The combination of satin-like Stealth & high-gloss Ultimate PPF create a dynamically beautiful finish, with just the right amount of exterior color pop from the metallic blue. It’s a styling cue some of our readers may recognize from the Maserati Ghibli we completed recently, and it should come as no surprise – both vehicles call the same garage “home!”
The combination of satin-like Stealth & high-gloss Ultimate PPF create a dynamically beautiful finish, with just the right amount of exterior color pop from the metallic blue. It’s a styling cue some of our readers may recognize from the Maserati Ghibli we completed recently, and it should come as no surprise – both vehicles call the same garage “home!”
Gazing down the driver’s side, it’s immediately apparent that something about this 458 Speciale is distinctly different from before. Scroll up, and you’ll notice the wheel color now is split 50/50 – matte black on one half, matte gold on the other. It’s a toss up as to which we really like more, but it’s pretty hard not to lean towards the gold.
Gazing down the driver’s side, it’s immediately apparent that something about this 458 Speciale is distinctly different from before. Scroll up, and you’ll notice the wheel color is now split 50/50 – matte black on one half, matte gold on the other. It’s a toss up as to which we really like more, but it’s pretty hard not to lean towards the gold.
There’s something about a combination of matte gold, satin white and metallic blue that’s equal parts classy & flashy. Sure, matte black is always understated & plays well with carbon accents, but on the Speciale, gold feels like something out of a Versace advert.
There’s something about a combination of matte gold, satin white and metallic blue that’s equal parts classy & flashy. Sure, matte black is always understated & plays well with carbon accents, but on the Speciale, gold feels like something out of a Versace advert.
The thin, split spoke wheel design does a great job of displaying the subtle gloss black calipers & massive rotors hiding beneath as well.
The thin, split spoke wheel design does a great job of displaying the subtle gloss black calipers & massive rotors hiding beneath as well.
Step inside, and it becomes all the more apparent that this Speciale is really something special. The entire interior is dressed in royal blue hides & adorned with gratuitous carbon fiber, from the door panels to vents, trims, center console, and flat bottom steering wheel.
Step inside, and it becomes all the more apparent that this Speciale is really something special. The entire interior is dressed in royal blue hides & adorned with gratuitous carbon fiber, from the door panels to vents, trims, center console, and flat bottom steering wheel.
It takes a second to get used to blue interior on a Ferrari, but once it’s sunk in, it can be hard to stop staring. The Prestige PhotoSync window tint isn’t giving away any secrets, either – it’s just dark enough to show a glimpse of what’s going on inside!
It takes a second to get used to blue interior on a Ferrari, but once it’s sunk in, it can be hard to stop staring. The Prestige PhotoSync window tint isn’t giving away any secrets, either – it’s just dark enough to show a glimpse of what’s going on inside!
One thing is for sure: we can’t wait to see more of this Speciale into the new year as the weather improves. As always, there are plenty more stealth projects on the way, and be sure to check out our XPEL product spotlight for information on all the paint protection services we offer here at NWAS.
One thing is for sure: we can’t wait to see more of this Speciale into the new year as the weather improves. As always, there are plenty more stealth projects on the way, and be sure to check out our XPEL product spotlight for information on all the paint protection services we offer here at NWAS.
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