- ferrari announced a new convertible model in maranello today. the mid-engined f8 spider will replace the 488 spider in the lineup.
- the new car is the convertible version of the f8 tributo but does not share the tributo name.
- the f8 spider has 49 more hp and weighs 44 pounds less than the 488 spider.
the ferrari family welcomed a new member today in maranello with the unveiling of the f8 spider. the v-8 convertible shares its twin-turbo v-8 powertrain and its looks with the also-new f8 tributo, and makes several improvements over the outgoing 488 spider it replaces.
the f8 has a scorching twin-turbocharged, 710-hp 3.9-liter v-8 mounted behind the driver. the engine has a lighter crankshaft, flywheel, and connecting rods and weighs nearly 40 pounds less than the engine in the 488 spider. lighter exhaust manifolds also contributed to the weight loss. that 710 hp arrives at 7000 rpm, while torque peaks at 568 lb-ft at 3250 rpm. a new gas particulate filter helps the f8 comply with pesky eu emissions requirements.
the f8's key feature is its retractable hard top, which deploys in 14 seconds and can operate while the vehicle is traveling up to 28 mph. with the top down, the roof is stored under a tonneau cover above the engine. two buttresses rise to peaks behind the driver and passenger seatbacks.
the car's front end has narrow led headlights and is designed to highlight the f8's prominent s-duct, the aerodynamic scoop taken out of the hood, as in the f8 tributo coupe from which the spider is derived. the f8 features large air intakes on its rear haunches, moved rearward compared to the ones in the 488 spider for improved airflow to the engine. a discreet rear spoiler and color-contrast engine vents round out the design.
the cabin is relatively minimalist but can come with a 7.0-inch touchscreen display mounted in front of the passenger seat. the driver's display focuses on the important things; there's still a classic gauge cluster with a center-mounted tachometer.
ferrari wants the f8 spider to be an approachable driver's car, so it comes equipped with a host of technologies designed to help owners approach the car's limits without exceeding them. to that end, it is equipped with ferrari dynamic enhancer +, which uses brake vectoring to increase control as the driver exits a corner, and ferrari's side slip control system, which is designed to help drivers maintain control of the car even if the rear end steps out.
ferrari hasn't yet announced an on-sale date (or a price) for the f8 spider, but that won't keep us from dreaming about it.
