Speed and comfort without compromise.
It was only a matter of time after the release of the Ferrari 488 GTB before the drop-top variant was unveiled. The new Ferrari488 Spider is essentially better in every way compared to the Ferrari 458 Spider that it replaces. From rigidity to power, performance, and comfort, the new 488 Spider is the best drop-top Prancing Horse that you can buy today.
Packed with an aluminum spaceframe chassis and bodyshell along with 10 other aluminum alloys that each have their own specific function, the new Ferrari 488 Spider’s chassis performs 23-percent better than its predecessor. It also manages to have the same torsional rigidity and beam stiffness as its coupe sibling.
The Retractable Hard Top (RHT) solution that Ferrari developed for this specific vehicle architecture has made it 55 lbs. (25 kg) lighter than comparable soft-top applications. The RHT folds behind the cabin where it rests above the engine bay in a compact configuration. Retracting or deploying the RHY takes a mere 14 seconds to complete.
Aerodynamics played a key role in the development of the Ferrari 488 Spider. Engineers were able to create a solution that reduced drag while optimizing downforce thanks to bodywork like the blown spoiler at the rear and vortex generators incorporated to the underbody. Special flying buttresses help to send cool air into the engine bay while air intakes with sculpted mesh grilles keep things cool. A special electric glass wind stop at the rear of the cabin can be set to three different positions to make driving comfortable. With the top up, the stop can be fully lowered so that the engine fills the cabin with its beautiful soundtrack.
The same 3.9-liter, twin-turbocharged V-8 engine in the 488 GTB is used for the Ferrari 488 Spider. An exciting 661 horsepower at 8,000 RPM and 561 lb-ft. of torque at 3,000 RPM is also on tap in an instant with virtually no turbo lag. Ferrari also studied the harmonics of the engine to create a special exhaust solution that bathes passengers in a glorious, high-revving Italian symphony while driving.
The dual-clutch, seven-speed gearbox mated to the V-8 engine in the Ferrari 488 Spider allows it to reach 62 mph from rest in just 3.0 seconds, flat while 124 mph is reached in only 8.7 seconds. Top speed is all the way back at 203 mph (325 km/h).
Below the sheetmetal, Ferrari engineers were able to incorporate the latest electronic systems into the chassis to make it 9-percent quicker to respond than its predecessor. Before any prototypes were even built, engineers were testing the Ferrari 488 Spider inside of a complex simulator that mirrors those used by the Formula 1 Scuderia racing team. The mechanical aspects of the suspension and chassis are aided by the fully-integrated SSC2 Slide Slip Angle Control system that gives the 488 Spider 12-percent faster acceleration out of corners than the 458 Spider.
The new Ferrari 488 Spider will be showcased at the Frankfurt International Auto Show in September. Pricing will be released closer to the show date.
Ferrari 488 Spider Specifications
Engine:
Type:90° V8, turbo-charged, dry sump
Total displacement: 3902 cc (238.1 cu. in)
Bore and stroke: 86.5 x 83 mm (3.4 x 3.3 in)
Maximum power: * 492 kW (670 cv) at 8000 rpm
Maximum torque: * 760 Nm at 3000 rpm in VII gear
Specific output: 172 cv/l (2.07 kW/cu. in)
Compression ratio: 9.4:1
Dimensions and Weights:
Length: 4568 mm (179.8 in)
Width: 1952 mm (76.9 in)
Height: 1211 mm (47.7 in)
Wheelbase: 2650 mm (104.3 in)
Front track: 1679 mm (66.1 in)
Rear track: 1647 mm (64.8 in)
Curb weight:** 1525 kg (3362 lb)
Dry weight:** 1420 kg (3131 lb)
Weight distribution: 41.5% front – 58.5% rear
Boot capacity: 230 l (8.12 cu. ft)
Fuel tank capacity: 78 l (22.7 US gallons)
Tires:
Front: 245/35 ZR20 J9.0
Rear: 305/30 ZR 20 J11.0
Brakes:
Front: 398 x 223 x 36 mm (15.7 x 8.8 x 1.4 in)
Rear: 360 x 233 x 32 mm (14.2 x 9.2 x 1.3 in)
Transmission and Gearbox:
Type: 7-speed F1 dual-clutch transmission
Electronics Control:
E-Diff3, F1-Trac, High-Performance ABS with Ferrari Pre-Fill, FrS SCM-E, SSC.
Performance:
Maximum Speed: > 325 km/h (203 mph)
Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h (0 – 62 mph): 3.0 s
Acceleration 0 – 200 km/h (0 – 124 mph): 8.7 s
Acceleration 0 – 400 m (0 – 437 yd): 10.55 s
Acceleration 0 – 1000 m (0 – 1093 yd): 18.9 s
Dry weight/power ratio: 2.12 kg/cv (6.35 lb/kW)
Consumption: ***
11.4 l/100 km
C02 Emissions: ***
260 g/km
* with 98 octane fuel
** With optional equipment
*** Combined cycle with HELE system (ECE+EUDC)
Source: Ferrari
Is the new Ferrari 488 Spider the best convertible that Ferrari offers?
