Ferrari has officially unveiled the new 488 Spider, a 660bhp monster that’s the most powerful mid-engined convertible the company has made to date.
According to the marque’s engineers, the car has been designed from the ground up to set new technological benchmarks, from its aluminium frame to its downforce-enhancing aerodynamics.
The most aerodynamically-efficient Ferrari drop-top built yet, the 488 Spider features an innovative rear spoiler and under-body aero kit designed to increase speed, agility and responsiveness.
Combined with a chassis manufactured from 11 different aluminium alloys, the 488 Spider boasts the same stiffness figures as the 488 GTB despite the folding roof which typically reduces rigidity.
Similar to that used on the car’s predecessor, the 458 Spider, the solid roof on the 488 convertible is 25kg lighter than a cloth roof according to Ferrari, and take just 14 seconds to fold up or down.
Folding backwards to rest flush on the engine, it also features a range of special aerodynamic touches to channel air over the engine and the back of the vehicle in order to reduce drag.
Underneath the bonnet lies the same 4.0-litre turbocharged V8 as the standard 488 GTB Coupe, which has a maximum output of 660bhp, enough to take the 488 Spider from 0-62mph in just three seconds.
Delivering increased levels of power right across the rev range, Ferrari says that it has almost completely eliminated turbo lag for a more natural response, while the engine’s also significantly more efficient.
Long exhaust headers and a flat-plate crankshaft enhance the engine’s soundtrack, while extensive simulation courtesy of Ferrari’s F1 team helped to further refine its dynamic on-road behaviour.
Thanks to Scuderia’s tinkering, it’s reportedly 12 per cent faster than the 458 Spider, with a response time that’s nine per cent more rapid with no compromise in comfort or handling.
Pricing and full specifications have yet to be released, but the Ferrari 488 Spider is due to make its public debut at the Frankfurt International Motor Show this September. First deliveries will reportedly take place next summer.