While in the hills outside Modena, Italy, Polish website Autogaleria managed to snap a rather curious Ferrari 488 Spider prototype.

The drop-top variant of Ferrari’s sole mid-engined V8 model was released last year and fittingly, is much faster than the 458 Spider it replaced, raising the question as to just what the Italian marque is up to with this tester.

Could it be a 488 Speciale Aperta? Possibly.

If it is, then Ferrari clearly isn’t wasting any time in launching a hardcore variant of the drop-top.

But, as with many prototypes, the timing of this one has us scratching our heads. After all, a 488 ‘Speciale’ coupe has yet to launch and is unlikely to be released for a couple of years, meaning a convertible has to be at least three years away.

Alternatively, there’s a possibility that this prototype features a unique drivetrain, potentially one incorporating some form of hybridization similar to a test mule spotted back in August.

Whatever Ferrari has up its sleeve, expect it to be epic and to see more of it in the coming months.

PHOTO GALLERY