After seeing the prototype of the Ferrari 488 GTB’s open-top version on the streets of Maranello earlier this year, we can now have an official talk about the car. Instead of the potential 488 GTS moniker, Maranello has chosen to stick with the 458-introduced nomenclature, so the supercar is called 488 Spider.
As always, Prancing Horse engineers have shed plenty of sweat and tears, so we’re dealing with a superlative.
Yes, this does keep the fixed roof model’s 670 PS (HP) powertrain, but when it comes to its specific details, we are dealing with the most aerodynamically efficient Ferrari spider ever. To reduce drag and increase downforce, the 488 Spider uses what Ferrari calls a blown spoiler, as well as vortex generators integrated into the underbody.
Fret not, comfort lovers, the power glass wind stopper at the back has three positions that allow you to choose your optimal setting when the metallic top is stowed. The action takes 14 seconds to complete.
Speaking of the roof, the 488 Spider continues with the Ferrari RHT (Retractable Hard Top) we know, which saves 55 lbs (25 kg) compared to a classic soft-top. And yes, the roof is structural. The supercar’s aluminum spaceframe consists of 11 alloys, offering the same torsional rigidity as the coupe. Compared to the 458 Spider, the newcomer is 23 percent stiffer.
Performance compared to the coupe
As mentioned above, the 488 Spider inherits the GTB’s 3,902cc twin-turbo V8, which delivers 670 hp at 8,000 rpm and 561 lb-ft (760 Nm) at 3,000 rpm in 7th gear (torque is modulated in the inferior ratios to simulate the linear delivery of an atmospheric engine).
While the coupe tips the scales at lbs (1,370 kg), with a distribution of 46.5 Front and 53.5 Rear, the Spider weighs in at 3,362 lbs (1,525 kg), with 41.5 of the mass being distributed over the front axle and the remaining 58.5 percent going to the rear.
The 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) sprint is identical (3s flat), but the Spider hits 124 mph (200 km/h) in 8.7 seconds, 0.4 seconds behind the coupe. When it comes to the top speed, Maranello doesn’t mention a thing - the coupe is quoted at over 205 mph (330 km/h).
As for the quarter mile, Ferrari says the 488 Spider needs 10.55 seconds to devour 400 meters, which, in theory, means the supercar completes the 1/4-mile sprint in 10.6 seconds.
Compared to the tail-happy 458 Spider, the SSC2 Side Slip Angle Control System means the new model can accelerate out of corners 12 percent faster, while the overall response times have dropped by 9 percent.
The practical side
When it comes to the practical side, the 488 Spider has an official fuel efficiency of 20.6 mpg/ 11.4l/100km on the European cycle (identical to the coupe), while its nose can swallow 8.12 cubic feet (230 liters) of your luggage. There’s no special compartment for stowing your credit card, but we’re pretty sure owners will manage without one.
We’ll get to meet the Ferrari 488 Spider in person at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.
In his quest to bring you the most impressive automotive creations, Andrei relies on learning as a superpower. There's quite a bit of room in the garage that is this aficionado's heart, so factory-condition classics and widebody contraptions with turbos poking through the hood can peacefully coexist. Full profile
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