Summer, Italian style.
The sun is shining above, the wind is blowing past, and a 4.5-liter V-8 is screaming at the top of its lungs as the revs rapidly increase. You grip the steering wheel harder; the throttle is on the floor; adrenaline is rapidly being injected into your bloodstream. There’s nothing like a Ferrari convertible.
The Ferrari 458 Italia Spyder is a wonderful way to experience the warm, sunny weather no matter where you are. It’s a simple formula – just cut the top off of one of your sports cars so drivers can hear the exhaust note and driving pleasure will follow. Novitec Rosso, the German tuner that specializes in Ferrari models, has taken that simple idea and cranked things up a notch so that the open-top driving experience is sheer bliss.
The new Novitec 458 Italia Spyder improves upon the standard model in all the right places. It has a more powerful engine, aerodynamic carbon fiber body work, carbon fiber interior trim, and lightweight wheels.
The 4.5-liter V-8 engine that seemingly revs forever was given a few upgrades and tune. The Novitec 458 Italia Spyder was fitted with an INCONEL lightweight exhaust system with high-performance manifolds, sport catalytic converters, and a rear muffler with optional butterfly valves for adjustable sound. The exhaust is 46 pounds lighter than the standard system and creates a beautiful symphony of sound that fills the open air with the top down. The upgrade program also includes a new carbon fiber sport air box with new routing and an ECU tune to ensure that everything works in harmony. The upgrades are good for a total output of 609 horsepower at 9,100 RPM and 420 lb-ft. of torque at 5,400 RPM and a top speed of 202 mph.
With all that extra power, the Novitec 458 Italia Spyder needed to generate additional downforce. So, the team at Novitec Rosso headed to the University of Stuttgart for wind tunnel testing to fine tune their new carbon fiber body work. Up front, a two-piece carbon fiber spoiler was installed along with side flaps and ventilation covers. Each side of the 458 Italia Spyder was equipped with new carbon fiber skirts to help it slice through air. The rear was given a new carbon fiber diffuser to keep the super car grounded. Customers can also opt for either a carbon fiber spoiler lip or wing.
In terms of styling, Novitec Rosso took steps to add subtle carbon fiber touches throughout the 458 Italia Spyder. Each side mirror was given a strip of carbon fiber at the front to contrast the body paint. Carbon fiber bezels were also installed on the circular rear taillights and the side markers, rear lights, and third brake light were tinted black to match the carbon fiber.
Following the upgraded body work are two new sets of available wheels from Novitec Rosso. Forged NF4 wheels are featured in silver and come in a staggered 9.0J x 21 front and 12J x 22 rear setup, and weigh in at a mere 22- and 30 lbs. respectively. The lightweight forged wheels also come standard with 255/30 ZR 21 front and 355/25 ZR 22 rear Pirelli PZero tires for better grip. As an option, customers can also order three-piece NF3 forged wheels in 20 – 22 inch diameters.
The Novitec 458 Italia Spyder also features a more dynamic suspension that offers drivers greater control. A hydraulic system can be installed and allows for the front of the 458 to be raised by 40mm at the push of a button to overcome obstacles without damaging the undercarriage. A new set of Novitec Rosso sport springs lower the overall ride height by 35 mm and keep the factory damper settings.
Although the Ferrari 458 Italia is about open-top driving, the interior can also be refined for those rainy days when the top is closed. A full leather interior in a range of colors is available to customers along with carbon fiber trim pieces and shift paddles.
The Novitec 458 Italia Spyder is currently available to customers as a complete package or individual accessories. Pricing has not been announced.
Novitec 458 Italia Spyder Specifications
Engine:
Displacement: 4.5 liters
Number of Cylinders: V-8
Aspiration: Naturally aspirated
Maximum Horsepower: 608 HP/448 kW at 9,100 RPM
Maximum Torque: 420 lb-ft./569 Nm at 5,400 RPM
-INCONEL exhaust system with manifolds, catalytic converters, and rear muffler with optional butterfly valves.
-Carbon fiber sport air box with rerouted intake
-ECU tune
Performance:
Top Speed: Over 202 mph / 325 km/h
Wheels, Tires, and Suspension:
Wheels: Forged NF4 or three-piece NF3
Front Wheels: 9.0J x 21
Rear Wheels: 12.0J x 22
Tires: Pirelli PZero
Front Tires: 255/30 ZR 21
Rear Tires: 335/25 ZR 22
Suspension: Hydraulic front lift system and sport springs; 35 mm lower
Exterior:
-Two-piece carbon fiber front spoiler
-Carbon fiber side flaps
-Carbon fiber side vents
-Carbon fiber side skirts
-Carbon fiber mirror trim
-Carbon fiber rear diffuser
-Carbon fiber rear spoiler lip or rear wing
-Carbon fiber taillight bezel
-Tinted taillights, side markers, and third brake light
Interior:
-Custom leather interior upholstery
-Carbon fiber trim sets
-Carbon fiber center console
-Carbon fiber paddle shifters
Novitec 458 Italia Spyder Gallery
[Source: Novitec Rosso]
What do you think of the Novitec Rosso upgrades to the Ferrari 458 Italia Spyder? Leave a comment and let us know!
