‘We overcome what some say can’t be done’ – that’s the motto at California-based Sadistic Iron Werks, and when you look at the Ferrari 458 pictured here, you’ll understand they’re not exaggerating that statement.
Boasting 570bhp, a curb weight of 3,450 lbs and a price tag more than $200,000, the 458 Italia should be sufficient in standard. But Ferrari didn’t consider the crazy world of aftermarket tuning, and that is why we love it!
Surprisingly enough there’s actually a fair amount of parts available ‘off the shelf’ for the Ferrari 458 including the wild Liberty Walk aero kit, monster overfenders, a giant diffuser, and even a duck tail spoiler, transform the 458 into some kind of steroid-injected race car… yet it remains totally road legal. How cool is that?
LT Motorwerks – also based in California – were responsible for the exterior overhaul on the Ferrari 458 pictured here. But this wasn’t just a wide arch Liberty Walk bodykit; this was formed entirely of carbon fibre, so there’s literally zero room for error when installing it. The price? Well if you have to ask…
For the most part though, getting tuning parts for the Ferrari 458 isn’t as simple as placing an online order. Custom fabrication is the usual path, and a man like Bobby Martins @ Sadistic Iron Werks is your best friend in this situation. Bobby’s meticulous attention to detail means no job is ever too big or complicated, whether it’s a $500 grocery-getter or a $200,000+ Italian super car.
The objective for Bobby and his team sounded simple – build a custom air setup on the 458 with the emphasis on ride quality, even when driven low. ‘There’s only one setup available for the 458 which nobody likes’ Bobby explains. ‘Ride quality is our number 1 priority, and our custom struts for the 458 allow your vehicle to sit on the ground and actually ride better than a stock Toyota Camry!’
In reality, the 458’s Air Lift Performance suspension used a selection of universal parts skilfully fabricated together to create the ultimate air suspension setup, all controlled using our 3H height + pressure management system.
The end result looks nothing short of bad ass. With the Ferrari aired out, it sits millimetres over the custom-finished Rotiform HUR wheels, machined to fill the Liberty Walk overfenders without the need for spacers or camber.
To some purists, chopping up a Ferrari 458 might seem like sacrilege, but at the end of the day it’s just pieces of metal. And the fact there’s people in the world brave enough and talented enough to create such a wild 458, is something that should always be celebrated.
Picture Credit: Brian McGee
