Ferrari 488 Spider, a model that reaps all the superlatives

Powerful and innovative, this awesome car which made its first appearance at the Frankfurt Motor Show aims to be a technological benchmark in its field. The rear mid-mounted V8 3902 cc engine boasts the highest performance ever attained by the brand with the iconic Prancing Horse.

With 670 hp beneath the hood, this new model combines record power output for a road-going Ferrari, instantaneous response times and wow-inducing acceleration. Maximum torque is 760 Nm in seventh gear with a throttle response time of just 0.8 seconds at 2,000 rpm in third gear. The 488 Spider leaps from standstill to 100 km/h in only 3 seconds, clocking up a top speed of 325 km/h. The rigid hardtop roof opens and closes in 14 seconds. Another achievement : once stowed, it takes up only 100 litres of space as compared to the conventional 150-200 litres. Very light thanks to the use of aluminium, it saves about 40 kg versus trad­itional hard tops, 25 kg compared to soft tops. At the rear, a small electric window completes the cabin installation, ensuring passenger comfort even at high speeds. According to Ferrari, occupants can hold a normal conversation at 200 km/h with their hair blowing in the wind. The model's elegant bodywork has gained in esthetic styling, honed around its aerodynamics. On the bonnet, a raised central pillar channelling the flow of air along longitudinal and transversal planes is flanked by two side channels directly inspired by Formula 1. Patented by Ferrari, the blown spoiler allows air to enter via an intake at the base of the rear screen and exit via the bumper. Response times and stopping distances have both been improved by 9 % as compared to those of the previous Spider. In fact, everything about this new model's styling focuses on aerodynamics, performance and the pleasure of driving with the roof down. A bumper is wedged onto the short, muscular front wing, and the flanks feature new side air intakes for the intercoolers. A single front grille is set off by an engine cover with longitudinal ribs giving a 3-dimensional effet. And finally, for the first time, the 488 Spider offers a Blu Corsa colour to emphasize its sleek yet muscular design.