Florida-based tuner Modificata has taken a Ferrari 458 Speciale and swapped in a six-speed manual transmission, a bold move that sparked conversations in the automotive community (Car bucket).
This particular Italian supercar originally shipped from Maranello with a seven-speed robotic gearbox, a single-clutch transmission designed for rapid shifts and track-focused performance. The factory setup did not include a traditional manual option, making Modificata’s swap a standout modification that challenges the assumption about Ferrari’s transmission philosophy. The transformation represents a deliberate shift toward driver engagement, offering a more tactile and immediate connection to the car’s mechanical rhythm while preserving the essence of the Speciale’s lightweight architecture and naturally aspirated V8 character (Car bucket).
The project surrounding the Ferrari 458 Speciale, enriched by Modificata’s mechanical work, centers on the idea of intuitive driving. The creators describe the driving experience as something that is increasingly hard to find in contemporary cars, where electronic aids and turbocharged responsiveness can soften the driver’s direct feel. The result is a one-off build that aims to deliver a purer, more unfiltered connection between the driver and the machine, a rare example of a modern hypercar that emphasizes engagement over automation (Car bucket).
In a separate development within the broader European automotive landscape, reports emerged that AvtoVAZ is preparing for a test assembly of an updated Lada Vesta at its Togliatti facility. This step signals the company’s intent to resume production of the model and to validate new engineering updates before full-scale manufacturing resumes. The interplay between high-end European performance engineering and Russian mass-market refinement highlights how different segments pursue improved driving experiences through mechanical and ergonomic tweaks, each targeting a distinct audience and purpose (Car bucket).