Ferrari 488 Spyder, Maranello's Last Open-Top Model

Ferrari has released all the details about its latest creation, the roofless version of its V8 berlinetta, the 488.

Named 488 Spyder, it will be officially unveiled at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show. It is aimed at rivals such as the Lamborghini Huracán Spyder or the McLaren 650s.

This model is based on the 488 GTB, an evolution of the acclaimed 458 Italia. The 488 GTB is a high-flying berlinetta, a major step forward from the 458, with a slim, almost sculptural design and performance that very few can even match.

The 488 Spyder thus becomes the convertible alternative to the model. Its exterior design remains virtually unchanged from the closed version. Only the upper part of the roof and the engine cover receive modifications. The cover is no longer glass, while the rigid roof folds behind the cabin in two sections. This manoeuvre is carried out electrically in 14 seconds.

Inside, there are no changes, so we still find a very minimalist and functional cabin, similar to that of the 458 Italia. The materials used are of high quality -leather, carbon fibre, magnesium- although the design may look somewhat plain to part of its potential audience.

Mechanically, the lads from Maranello have done a brilliant job of achieving structural rigidity exactly equal to that of the closed version. This is achieved by using up to 11 different aluminium and magnesium alloys, keeping the weight under control while delivering first-class dynamic qualities.

The engine is the same as in the closed version, a 3.9 twin-turbo V8 with 670 CV and 760 Nm, mounted mid-rear. Paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, it can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3 seconds, and from a standstill to 200 km/h in just 8.7 seconds.

Source | Ferrari