The latest in a long line of mid-engined V8 supercars to roll out the gates at Maranello, the Ferrari 458 Italia stunned the crowds when it was unveiled in 2009 at the Frankfurt show. But the Italia was only the tip of the iceberg, leading to the 458 Spider and numerous racing versions. There's the 458 Challenge for Ferrari's spec racing series, the 458 GT2 that competes in the GTE class at Le Mans and the FIA WEC, the 458 Grand-Am that campaigns in the US, and the 458 GT3 that has taken numerous trophies a variety of sportscar racing series around the world.

There's little doubt that, like its big brothers, the 458 GT3 has been a marked success, and promises to be even more so with the updates Ferrari has been preparing for the 2013 season. Currently undergoing development by Ferrari Corse Clienti and longtime partner Michelotto Automobili, the 2013 458 GT3 will benefit from optimized aerodynamics to keep it out in front of such rivals as the McLaren MP4-12C GT3, Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 and Audi R8 LMS Ultra, to name just a few. Testing is underway at the Adria International Raceway, a circuit used by such series as DTM and Formula 3. Evidently the company's own Fiorano circuit is all booked up.