Frankfurt, Sept 13, 2011: Ferrari’s exclusive new 8-cylinder, the 458 Spider has finally been un0veiled to the public at the 64th Frankfurt International Motor Show. The latest addition to the Ferrari range is a mid-rear-engined two-seater featuring a fully retractable aluminium hard-top, a world first for a sports car with this layout.
The 458 Spider is powered by Ferrari’s 570 CV 4,499 cc V8 which was named International Engine of the Year 2011. 0 to 100 km/h takes under 3.4 seconds with a maximum speed of 320 km/h.
The 458 Spider’s innovative new hard-top is not only 25 kg lighter than a traditional folding soft-top, but is also quieter and thermally more efficient when raised. Aside from taking just 14 seconds to open or close, the hard-top was engineered to occupy a very small space when stored so that the designers were able to include a generous rear bench for luggage behind the two seats.
The rear windscreen doubles as an effective wind-stop which is electrically adjustable. When the hard-top is folded away the wind-stop opens to the height that guarantees the most efficient aerodynamics, reducing buffeting in the cockpit.
Ferrari 458 Spider’s innovative new hard-top is 25 kg lighter than a traditional folding soft-top. Taking just 14 seconds to open or close, the hard-top occupies a very small space allowing for a generous rear bench for luggage.
The 458 Spider is powered by Ferrari’s 570 CV 4,499 cc V8 which was named International Engine of the Year 2011. This is coupled with Ferrari’s class-leading dual-clutch F1 paddle-shift transmission which delivers 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in under 3.4 seconds and a maximum speed of 320 km/h.
The all-aluminium chassis incorporates new alloys and castings, also adopted on the coupé, which ensure the 458 Spider already conforms to 2020 safety legislation.
Its category-topping performance aside, the new car also boasts class-leading fuel consumption and emissions levels. Thanks to the HELE (High Emotion Low Emission) system, in fact, fuel consumption on the combined urban cycle stands at 11.8 l/100 km with CO2 emissions of 275 g/km.
The selection is available in three innovative collections – Classica, Scuderia and Inedita – specifically conceived by Ferrari’s Styling centre. In creating a truly bespoke car clients will be assisted by their own Personal Designer throughout the decision-making process, right up until delivery.
Story and picture courtesy: Al Tayer Motors
