Ferrari 458 Spider unveiled
23 August 2011
- 458 with retractable hard-top roof
- Will be launched at Frankfurt motor show
- Expected to cost around £190,000
Ferrari will launch the open top 458 Spider at the Frankfurt motor show.
The 458 Spider has a retractable aluminium roof that can be deployed in 14 seconds. Ferrari says it has adapted the chassis so that body stiffness is the same with the roof up or down.
The Spider has an adjustable electric wind deflector which, claims Ferrari, helps to slow and diffuse air in the cockpit with the roof down. This means that 'normal' conversations can be held at speeds over 120mph.
The car is powered by a 562bhp 4.5-litre V8 engine mated to a seven-speed dual clutch gearbox. The Spider is 50kg heavier than the Coupe so isn't quite as quick – top speed is 3mph slower at 198mph and it's about a tenth of a second slower to 0-62mph at 3.5 sec.
Conversely, fuel economy and emissions are marginally better in the Spider.
Folded away, the roof fits in a space in front of the engine bay, leaving, says Ferrari, a 'generous' rear bench for luggage behind the seats.
Prices have yet to be revealed, but as the Coupe costs £173,000 we would expect the Spider to cost around £190,000. It will go on sale next year.
See the Ferrari 458 Spider's roof in action
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