Ferrari 458 Spider

Highlights:

With the launch of the new Ferrari 488 Spider, the Italian car manufacturer slaughtered the last mid-engine, aerodynamically designed Ferrari with air scoops, cuts and creases in order to create one of the most hardcore roofless prancing horses ever. As a result of which, this all-new Ferrari gives access to that wailing exhaust note and the panoramic view above. As claimed by Ferrari, its hard-top weighs 55 pounds less than an equivalent soft top and comes underneath powered with 670 CV, twin-turbocharged, V8 engine. The drop-top can be neatly and electrically stowed under the new flying buttresses in just 14 seconds, adding an extra flare to the chunk. The manufacturer has also fitted an electric glass rear wind stop, which can be adjusted to three positions.

Overview:

Before stepping into the production of street-legal vehicles in 1947, Ferrari sponsored drivers and manufactured race cars. Known for its Formula 1 expertise, the brand is on the apex positions when considering the performance factor. Taking this credit, the brand has come up with the new “Ferrari 488”, that makes it among the most staggering models of the era. Replacing Ferrari 458, 488 GTB was unveiled at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show. Even more, new Ferrari 488 Spider joins GTB Coupe and becomes the most powerful drop-top ever to come out of Maranello. Set for a world debut at 2015 September's Frankfurt Motor Show, the 488 Spider boasts the same goodies as the hardtop model.

Arising to become the most aerodynamic drop-top, the Ferrari 488 Spider is going to be featured with several major visual changes from the coupe version. To beguile spectators over its unique design, large flying buttresses becomes its lone characteristic. They are specifically appointed to the car so that direct airflow can be regulated to the engine cover and into the air intakes. Adding fuel to the fire, required to make up for the loss of a fixed roof means the Ferrari 488 Spider is 50 kg heavier than the coupe, but it is 10kg lighter than the 458 Spider. However, the aluminum chassis and body construction means the new car’s retained the same torsional rigidity as the coupe. The rear spoiler, which channels air through a gap on the rear lip, makes it achieve a class-leading aerodynamic factor.

Step into the interior and you could feel the flamboyance all inside the cockpit. The adjustable rear wind stopper in the form of an electric glass window comes fitted in the car and can be adjusted to three positions. It can also be dropped while the roof is in place so that the driver can be exposed to the full V8 soundtrack.

Under the robust body, architecture sits a massive 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8 and seven-speed F1 dual-clutch transmission. A maximum power of 670 CV at 8000 rpm and high torque of 760 Nm at 3000 rpm is produced by the powertrain sprinting the car from 0-100 kmph in 3 seconds flat. All this justifies the title with the additional word 'Spider' to the 488 family.

Mileage and Fuel economy:

This naturally aspirated beast to that of the GTB gives the Ferrari 488 Spider exceptional power and fuel economy count. As it holds the same V8 engine which perks 100 CV and lowers CO2 emission Spider propels maximum possible power to the wheels. Spider manages to deliver a claimed decent mileage of about 10.4 kmpl and CO2 emissions of 260 g/km.

Power:

With superior dynamics, the lifeless vehicle is animated to life with a roar featuring a 3902 cc turbocharged V8 engine, debuted just a few months ago on the 488 GTB. This powertrain enables the car to generate performance levels nothing short of extraordinary. It churns out a maximum power output of 670 CV at 8000 rpm and burning torque of 760 Nm at 3000 rpm.

Acceleration & Pickup:

Likewise, Ferrari 488 GTB which thresholds astounding power performance, Spider equipped with the same unit manages to set the standard of the marque. The V8 engine makes the Turismo sprint to a figure of 100 in just 3.0 seconds ceaselessly until it hits the top speed of hair waving 326 kmph.

Exterior:

The all new Ferrari 488 Spider's design is expected to symbolize aggressiveness of a sports car with it's efficiently designed aerodynamics derived from the Maranello's track experience. The Turismo kept extent the epithet of the Italian car maker bestowed with classic Ferrari styling presenting an amalgam of refined mechanics and dynamics. As revealed from the pictures, 488 Spider has an ingeniously designed under-body incorporating vortex generators and aerodynamic appendages accelerating the air and reducing pressure, as a result the car is down-forced but drag remains same. It uses the similar folding hard-top to that of its predecessor, the 458 Spider. Within 14 seconds, you will be able to fold up or down the hard-top, able to see the three amazing attributes of the car. When folded down, the roof lies flat on top of the engine. The Spider also gets the GTB’s adjustable rear diffuser, which varies its position depending on speed and throttle input.

Exterior Measurements:

The front bumper divided into three sections having massive grills where the midsection is separated by vertical taut giving the car a silhouette of an F1 racing car. The contribution to these efficient aerodynamics does not stall here as the dimensions of Spider measures pretty close to that of GTB. Exact figures will be out in the market, only after the launch of the vehicle.

Interior:

The pedigree of aesthetics continues inside the cockpit with the F1 inspired racing genes. As seen in the pictures, bucket seats with 3D layering let easy circulation of air thus availing the occupants with maximum comfort. The Turismo features the classic F1 inspired three-spoke multi-functional steering wheel with familiar control clusters for easy access. Hand stitched leather upholstery and aluminum/carbon inlays over the panels makes you feel wrapped with luxury all around. Pedal shift lever of the car offers brisk and easy shifting of gears that eventually enhances the performance of the vehicle. Nicely managed controls in the centre fascia arose the sportsmanship inside you. Carbon trims on the dash surface make you realize the brand's dedication towards the weight reduction strategy. An efficient illuminating cluster of the car avails you with an almost all driving parameters required during cruising. An adjustable rear wind stopper in the form of an electric glass window placed in three different positions increases protection of the occupants against the sound of the engine and poor weather conditions.

Interior Comfort:

F1 inspired cockpit of 488 Spider holds some innovative operations that enhances the driving comfort and offers a fatigue-free operational characteristic to the driver. Fully driver-oriented cockpit of the car has decent controls that are ergonomically arranged according to the driver's comfort. Glove compartment of the dash surface is replaced by innovative modular pockets that let you store useful amenities required during travel. Primary controls located near the driver premises and the efficient man-machine interface of the Ferrari lets the driver avail with driving.

Interior Measurements:

Practicality is not a concern in super cars, when the drive gives you exceptional thrilling experience and speeding numbers. All you remember is about swaying forwards with the speed of Ferrari 488 Spider, forgetting everything else about functionality and boot space.

Engine and Performance:

Roofed under the robust architecture of the 488 Spider sits a naturally aspirated advanced V8, holding an engine capacity of 3902 cc. This roaring mean machine incorporates a naturally aspiring technology that allows it to boosts out a maximum power of 670 CV at 8000 rpm. Delivering such a high power increases the compression ratio of the engine, owing to which the rear wheel drive arrangement of the car is availed with an exhilarating torque of 760 Nm at 3000 rpm. This energetic powerhouse with Hi-tech engineering comes mated with a 7-speed F1 dual clutch transmission that offers easy and brisk shifting of gears.

Stereo and Accessories:

The cruising sound of the mighty 488 Spider is itself a music to the auto enthusiasts, but still the car is expected to come with the iconic JBL professional sound system. As equipped sound system in its earlier coupe variant, Ferrari 488 GTB, Spider may offer similar Digital signal processing (DSL) with a 640-watt amplification that offers a precise sound characteristic. Carbon fiber built door woofers avails you with quality bass that dissolves nicely to the pure acoustics.

Wheels:

Machine finished rollers of the Ferrari 488 Spider, holds vibrant finish to the multi-spoke alloy wheels, which apart from adding the elegance also reduces the air drag. To get the standard size of wheels, stay tuned with the Spider launch news.

Braking and Handling:

The speeding Ferrari 488 Spider is made up of space frame chassis combining 11 different aluminum alloys united with other noble metals, such as magnesium. This yields the torsional rigidity and beam stiffness figures to the car. To achieve the aerodynamic and stable ride of this sporty car, the Ferrari Styling Centre completely reworked the aesthetics compared to the predecessors. To make its dynamic behavior even more engaging, the engineers credited the car's mechanical set-up in tandem with its electronic systems integrated with the SSC2 Side Slip Angle Control System. As a result of which, Ferrari 488 Spider runs 12% faster than the 458 Spider. Even more, the car's design is familiar to use it as a demanding open-top. Driving through the most challenging routes becomes easy with this powerful giant, credited to flawless handling aspects and braking mechanism.

Safety and Security:

Propelling at such a violent speed demands an hi-tech safety trait. Electronic stability control equipped in the car coordinates the suspension by mutating the damping force, thus allowing it to propel in varied road gradients. Side slip angle control coordinates the engine torque and the brake force, thus limiting the risk of slippage while maneuvering critical turns. F1 traction control of the car grips the tarmac thus offering a firm grip while propelling at high speeds. Third generation electronic differential housed to the power train balances the torque by delivering equal amount of torque value to each wheels. The ABS prevents the wheel locking condition thus limiting the risk of skidding during instant brake condition. EBD transfers precise amount of brake force to each wheel even with slight braking pressure.

Pros

Dynamic body styling

Exhilarating acceleration

Sporty cockpit

Cons

Bit expensive

Not practical on every road condition

High maintenance