Ferrari has lobbed the roof off the 488 GTB to create its latest V8 monster, the 488 Spider. In doing so, we have one of the fastest convertibles on the planet and a bonkers successor to the 458 Spider.
The Ferrari 488 Spider features the same 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8 capable of producing 661bhp and 760Nm of torque, but is 50kg heavier than the 488 GTB because of its retractable hard-top roof, which itself is 25kg lighter than an equivalent cloth alternative.
Even with the extra fat, the 488 Spider can hit 0-62mph in a ridiculous three seconds, while 0-124mph takes 8.7 seconds and the top speed is 203mph. The 488 GTB does the same 0-62mph sprint and is only four-tenths faster to 124mph. You’re not losing much, then, for a bit of wind in your hair driving.
By using a spaceframe chassis made from 11 different aluminium alloys and other ‘notable’ metals, the 488 Spider has the same torsional rigidity and beam stiffness as the coupe and is 23 per cent more rigid than its 458 Spider predecessor.
Opening and closing the roof, which is stored above the engine, can be done in 14 seconds so it’s not too long to wait when the sky inevitably rains on your parade.
Depending on how loud you like your supercars, you may be sad to note Ferrari has slightly detuned the engine noise, presumably so you don’t irreversibly damage your ears when you accelerate hard.
The Ferrari 488 Spider is relatively good on fuel like its GTB sibling, narrowly bettering the McLaren 675LT with a figure of 24.8mpg and 260g/km of CO2 emissions.
There’s no word on a price just yet, but a look back at the 458 Spider reveals a £20,000 premium for losing the roof, so it’s likely the 488 Spider will follow suit, putting it at around £200,000. Expect right-hand drive cars to go on sale in the spring of 2016.
More details are likely to arrive before the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, where Ferrari is expected to have the car on display. Until then, give it a once-over below.
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