The Prancing Horse released today the first images, together with all the details and a video of the new open-top, Ferrari 458 Spider. As it happens always around this time of the year, car manufacturers are entering the Frankfurt auto Show fever and are announcing their most groundbreaking models. This is also the case of the spyder version of the Ferrari 458 Italia. Announced quite a while ago, the 458 Italia Spider will have its global debut next month, before going on sale towards the end of this year, or at the beginning of the next one. The price of the 458 Spider will be announced at a later date.
The 458 Spider features a retractable hard top, which Ferrari says, represents a world first for
this type of supercar. Some might argue that a soft-top would've been lighter, but Ferrari says that the new hard-top of the 458 Spider is actually 25 kg lighter than a canvas one. they also announce that the new roof of the Spider 458 Italia will open and close in 14 seconds.
The Ferrari 458 Spider has the same dimensions as the coupe version, meaning 4527 mm (178.2 in.) in length, 1937 mm (76.3 in.) in width and 1211 mm (47.7 in.) in height. It has a 2650 mm (104.3 in.) wheelbase and weighs 1430 kg (3153 lbs) when equipped with forged wheels and racing seats.
To power the 458 Spider, Ferrari chose the same 5.0-liter (4499 cc or 274.5 cu in.) engine as the one used for the coupe. It develops 570 hp (425 kW) at 9000 rpm and 540 Nm (398 lbs/ft) of torque at 6000 rpm. This means that the spider version of the Ferrari 458 Italia has a power-to-weight ratio of 2.51 kg/hp (7.42 lbs/kW) and a specific power output of 127 hp per liter. To get the power to the wheels, the 458 Spider Italia uses a dual-clutch, 7-speed F1-style transmission. some of the electronics involved in putting its power on the tarmac include an E-Diff3, the F1-Trac system. The brakes of the new 458 are equipped with a high-performance ABS system.
Let's talk performance. Ferrari's official specs say that the 458 Spider is able rocket its way from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in less than 3.4 seconds and that it has a top speed of more than 198 mph (320 km/h). In case there is a Ferrari fan out there interested in the efficiency figures of the open-top 458 version, we have to tell him that it has a 11.8 l/100 km fuel consumption, and a 275 g/km CO2 emissions level.
The Ferrari 458 Spider has a slightly different setup than the coupe version.
The Italian Scuderia gave it a new accelerator pedal mapping, and a new setup of the damping characteristics of the multilink suspension. Since you won't have any sound proofing between you and the roaring V8 engine when the top is down, Ferrari also gave the 458 Spider a new soundtrack.
Some of the new features brought by the 458 Spider include a rear bench for luggage, made possible by space needed to house the roof, and a large adjustable electric wind stop, which allows a conversation to take place inside the supercar, even at speeds of up to 200 km/h.
The Ferrari 458 Spider price list and exact "on sale" date will be announced later.
Ferrari 458 Spider video:
Ferrari 458 Spider Technical Specifications:
458 Spider technical specifications
Dimensions
Length 4527 mm (178.2 in.)
Width 1937 mm (76.3 in.)
Height 1211 mm (47.7 in.)
Wheelbase 2650 mm (104.3 in.)
Dry weight 1430 kg (3153 lbs)*
Weight/power ratio 2.51 kg/HP (7.42 lbs/kW)
Weight distribution fr/r 42%/58%
Engine
Type 90° V8
Displacement 4499 cc (274.5 cu in.)
Maximum power 570 HP (425 kW)** @ 9000 rpm
Maximum torque 540 Nm (398 lbs/ft) @ 6000 rpm
Specific power output 127 HP/l
Compression ratio 12.5:1
Tyres
Front 235/35 ZR20 8.5”
Rear 295/35 ZR20 10.5”
Performance
Maximum speed >320 km/h (>198 mph)
0-100 km/h <3.4 s
Fuel consumption + emissions
Fuel consumption*** 11.8 l/100 km
Emissions*** 275 g CO2/km
Gearbox
Dual-clutch, 7-speed F1
Electronics
E-Diff3, F1-Trac, high-performance ABS
