2010 Ferrari 360 Spider
Mara Ermogemous
The Ferrari 488 Spider is the latest chapter in Maranello's ongoing history of open-top v8 sports cars, a story that started with the targa-top version of the 308 GTB - the immortal 308 GTS - and which ultimately resulted in the full convertible spider architecture.
At the very heart of the car is, of course, the 3902cc turbo-charged V8 which set a new benchmark for this type of architecture. Thanks to a maximum power output of 670 CV and smooth, progressive torque delivery in the higher gears by the Variable Torque Management system, the 488 Spider sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 3 seconds flat and from 0 to 200 km/h in 8.7 seconds.
The values of fuel consumptions and CO2 emissions shown were determined according to the European Regulation (EC) 715/2007 in the version applicable at the time of type approval The fuel consumption and CO2 emission figures refer to the WLTP cycle.
The blown spoiler is a new Ferrari-patented solution. Air enters an intake at the base of the rear screen and exits via the bumper. This geometry enables the surface taking the aerodynamic load to have a more pronounced concave curvature which, in turn, increases the upward deflection of the flow, thus boosting downforce. This solution avoids having to extend the height of the rear spoiler and thus helps keep drag low.
This is the result of the unique specialist vehicle dynamics knowledge Ferrari has built up in competition and which led to the adoption of a sophisticated simulator, similar to the one used by the Formula 1 Scuderia.
Regardless of the model or its mission, the heart of every Ferrari is its engine which must, of course, deliver the classic Ferrari power unit qualities: blistering performance combined with high revs, razor-sharp responsiveness, powerful acceleration at all speeds and an exhilarating soundtrack.
It delivers 670 cv at 8,000 rpm with a specific power output of 172 cv/l, a new record for a road-going Ferrari, maximum torque of 760 Nm in seventh gear and a throttle response time of just 0.8 seconds at 2000 rpm in third gear.
In fact, although this engine is 100 cv more powerful than the previous Spider power unit, it has a response time of just 0.8 seconds, guaranteeing the instant responsiveness to the accelerator typical of Ferrari power units.
There was a huge focus on efficiency in all areas of the car, starting with combustion: new high-tumble intake ports, 200-bar direct fuel injection, an ECU that controls ignition timing and adaptively predicts misfires, and multi-spark function.
This power unit is the pracing horse's most high performance engine ever with zero turbo lag. It delivers 670 cv at 8,000 rpm with a specific power output of 172 cv/l, a new record for a road-going Ferrari, maximum torque of 760 Nm in seventh gear and a throttle response time of just 0.8 seconds at 2000 rpm in third gear.
Clearly, the choice of a rigid hard top was essential to the character of the new Ferrari, guaranteeing a significant improvement in in-car comfort. The RHT was a world first for a mid-rear-engined car when introduced on the 458 Spider. Designed by the Ferrari Design Centre, the 488 Spider features radical new styling honed around its aerodynamic requirements, brilliantly reflecting the drop-top driving pleasure focus of its sportiness and performance.
The 488 has classic Ferrari mid-rear-engined sports car proportions: a short muscular front wing into which the bumper is wedged which lends the whole front of the car a sense of power and speed, and immediately draws the eye to to flanks featuring new side air intakes for the intercoolers.
The values of fuel consumptions and CO2 emissions shown were determined according to the European Regulation (EC) 715/2007 in the version applicable at the time of type approval. The fuel consumption and CO2 emission figures refer to the WLTP cycle.
The sober, spare front of the car looks as if it were sculpted from a single block of metal, creating an overhanging, sharknose effect. Engine cooling is guaranteed by the perforated surfaces, creating a new interpretation of the grille concept. The edges of the front grille flow into two linear, full-LED headlights, which are traversed by a horizontal DRL strip that brings a sense of tension to the entire circumference of the car
The soft-top mechanism was designed to be light yet resilient: its Z-shaped movement folds the soft top away in a mere 13.5 seconds and up to a maximum speed of 60 km/h. When stowed, the roof occupies a height of just 220mm, which is the lowest in the category, and that, in turn, ensures a roomy boot (a class-leading 255 litres with the top up)
The Ferrari Roma Spider features a patented wind deflector that can be deployed by the driver without stopping the car. If the client wants to deploy the wind deflector, they simply press a button on the central tunnel and the backrest of the rear seats (in the absence of passengers) will rotate into position. In this configuration, an area of still air around the occupants is created, reducing the turbulence around the heads of taller drivers by around 30% compared to previous 2+ spider applications.
The gas springs used to extend the wind deflector were developed to deliver controlled, smooth action at all stages of movement and in all conditions. The wind deflector can be opened at up to 170 km/h, a limit controlled electronically to ensure it can be deployed safely. Once in place, the wind deflector can be used at any speed in open configuration.
The wind deflector retains all the features unique to a real backrest: the surface the rear occupants rest on is padded for comfort, while it is shaped to open even when the front seats are pushed back. The central duct compensates for the air pressure acting either side, improving the efficiency of its movement
The increase in front downforce is due for the most part to a pair of vortex generators, which have been optimised for this particular model. They create a ground effect by introducing concentrated and coherent vortices into the area whilst simultaneously managing the wake from the front wheels with the ultimate aim of guaranteeing very efficient downforce generation
The new Ferrari F8 Spider was inspired by the F8 Tributo berlinetta, adding the Retractable Hard Top (RHT) to its design.Less extreme than the 488 Pista Spider but sportier than the 488 Spider, the F8 Spider is the new benchmark in "open air" super-sports models boasting extremely high performance, great handling and a particularly enjoyable driving experience.
This Ferrari spider is able to combine the qualities of the most successful 8 cylinder engine ever with the pleasure of driving in any conditions. It is based on the same unit that won the "International Engine of the Year" award for four consecutive years (2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019), as well as being recognized as the best engine of the last 20years. An incredible achievement for an engine, and a feat unparalleledby any other engine in the history of the award.
The F8 Spider is the successor to the 488 Spider, and improves on itsspecifications: in addition to the engine, which can deliver an extra 50 cv, the new Ferrari is 20 kg lighter than the previous model. It weighs a mere 20 kg more than the more extreme 488 Pista Spider.
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