Achieving High Usability Through the Pursuit of Sports Performance

Perhaps the greatest evolution of Ferrari in the past decade or so of the 21st century has been its accessibility – "drivable by anyone." This is a bold statement, but not without merit.

This isn't merely about demanding less from the driver's skill. Ferrari has broadened its appeal to satisfy a wider range of users by enhancing factors such as safety, reliability, and comfort.


The same applies to ride comfort. When pursuing performance, the need for increased body rigidity naturally arises to bring suspension operation closer to design values. Increased suspension travel and predictable performance ultimately lead to reduced resistance even at low speeds, positively impacting everyday ride comfort. It's not hard to imagine that this cycle, driven by the pursuit of driving dynamics, is what brings everyday usability to modern super sports cars.

Ferrari's "Mode" - The 458

The Ferrari "458" stands out as a prime example of this today. Its design, significantly different from its predecessor, the "F430," might appear avant-garde or trendy to some. However, every detail is underpinned by aerodynamic reasoning.

In reality, it's an aerodynamic masterpiece that elicits sighs of admiration from professionals. Their "mode" is to present functional shapes, born from the pursuit of performance, without overtly advertising them as such.



This shape is complemented by the "458's" ability to provide the widest possible forward and side visibility. While ostensibly designed for better visibility during cornering, this also significantly contributes to ease of handling in everyday situations. Furthermore, the well-defined peaks of the front fenders make it easy to gauge the car's width... Consequently, the "458" is less stressful to maneuver in urban environments compared to models like the "360 Modena" or "F430."

Perhaps anticipating the global trend of stricter noise regulations, the exhaust note is suitably subdued when driving in sync with traffic, contributing to a cabin quiet enough for comfortable conversation. Or perhaps, it's ideal for enjoying a premium audio system.

The more you delve, the more you realize its comfort rivals that of a specialty coupe. It's hard to believe that beneath this lies Ferrari's exceptional cornering performance and explosive power. The "458's" versatility remains undiminished even when compared against all other supercars today.

The Reason to Choose the Spider

Further enhancing its specialty aspect is the "458 Spider," a convertible with a unique retractable hardtop. At the press of a button, the aluminum roof folds 180 degrees into the rear compartment, taking just 14 seconds without causing stress. Compared to the soft-top predecessor, the "F430 Spider"F430 Spider," this system reduces weight by 25 kg, aligning perfectly with Ferrari's character as a sports car.



While metal-top convertibles are often perceived as lacking the "chic" of soft-tops, despite their advantages in weather resistance, quietness, security, and maintenance, the "458 Spider" may transcend such discussions. Its design goal was to enable roof operation while maintaining proportions nearly identical to the coupe. This concept can be seen as a modern revival of the detachable roof found in its ancestors, the 246 to 355 series, offering enhanced openness.

Thanks to its frame structure, the chassis rigidity is virtually on par with the coupe. Unless you're pushing the car to its limits on a circuit, you're unlikely to notice any disadvantage from the open roof. The cabin environment when closed is equally impressive. There are no creaks from the joints, and the interior remains serene.


Furthermore, the ability to constantly experience the presence of the engine, a key aspect of owning a Ferrari, from a prime vantage point is undoubtedly one of the privileges afforded by the Spider.

The perceived barrier of driving an already conspicuous car with the roof down is softened by its form and function, which appear almost identical to the coupe. Choosing a deliberately muted or dark color allows for the ultimate open-air experience to become a part of daily life.—The "458 Spider" is a car that inspires fantasies of enjoying Ferrari in such ways.

Tradition and Reform - Ferrari Four

Ferrari is often perceived primarily as a brand of ultimate sports cars derived from F1, but they themselves know best that their role isn't solely about shaving off milliseconds. The 2+2 seater, two-door coupe with a front-mounted V12 engine embodies Ferrari's tradition without question. Regardless of shifting tastes, Ferrari continues to cater to this established demand, and there are certainly users who desire it. This is a realm that no follower can encroach upon.

In 2011, Ferrari attempted a bold reform within this unique category. The "612 Scaglietti", effectively the successor to the "612 Scaglietti," adopted a shooting brake-inspired concept for its styling and utility. The hatchback facilitates easy access to the luggage space, which can be expanded to 800 liters by folding down the rear seatbacks—offering a level of practicality unimaginable in past Ferraris.



Another noteworthy aspect, unusual for Ferrari, is the adoption of all-wheel drive for the first time. Given their meticulous attention to weight distribution, including placing the transmission at the rear, it was essential for the AWD system to be as light and compact as possible.

To achieve this, they developed a new system called "4RM," which places a transfer case unit adjacent to the crankshaft to distribute up to 20% of the drive torque to the front wheels. This unique Ferrari-patented system achieves a 50% weight reduction compared to conventional AWD systems with a center differential. Combined with a front-rear weight distribution of 47:53, it provides an ideal balance for handling its immense power.

The FF: A Car of Contrasts

The FF, Ferrari's most luxurious model, possesses a versatility that allows it to traverse snowy mountains with skis loaded. The vast gap between these extremes can seem daunting to an ordinary person like myself.

However, at its heart lies a V12 engine, a direct descendant of the "Enzo Ferrari," a truly special model. This direct-injection unit, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, enables smooth starts and gear changes.

The start-stop system at idle is now standard on all road-going Ferraris. While the setup is designed to be as gentle and smooth as possible, considerate of the environment, pressing the accelerator unleashes a staggering 660ps of power.


It intervenes only to assist grip at the steering wheels, without distorting the rear-biased cornering feel characteristic of FR cars. This system...for snow and rain...is not just for adverse conditions; it also functions to provide pure sports car-like drivability smoothly on-road.

Ferrari's Elegant Attire

The special experience of driving a Ferrari has traditionally been discussed in terms of its overwhelming speed, driven by its power and dynamic performance. This tendency is particularly strong in Japan.

On the other hand, Ferrari has a history of building cars where speed is merely one tool to enhance luxury value. This is true even for their "speciale" models, which openly display their ambition to be the world's best. Regardless of the era, their models have always encased their power in elegant attire, gracing the roads. Needless to say, overt displays of speed, such as exaggerated acceleration or ostentatious styling, are contrary to their aesthetic principles.

Ferrari 458 Spider
Body Dimensions | Length 4,527 x Width 1,937 x Height 1,211 mm
Wheelbase | 2,650 mm
Tread Front/Rear | 1,672 / 1,606 mm
Trunk Capacity | 230 Liters
Weight | 1,430 kg
Engine | 4,499cc V8
Max Output | 570ps / 9,000 rpm
Max Torque | 540Nm / 6,000 rpm
Transmission | 7-speed Dual-Clutch
Drivetrain | MR
Tires Front/Rear | 235/35R20 / 295/35R20
Top Speed | 320 km/h
0-100km/h Acceleration | Under 3.4 seconds
0-200km/h Acceleration | Under 10.8 seconds
0-400m Acceleration | 10.9 seconds @ 216 km/h
Fuel Economy | 11.8 L/100km
CO2 Emissions | 275 g/km
Fuel Tank Capacity | 86 L (Reserve 16 L)
Price | 30.6 million yen

Ferrari FF
Body Dimensions | Length 4,907 x Width 1,953 x Height 1,379 mm
Wheelbase | 2,990 mm
Tread Front/Rear | 1,676 / 1,660 mm
Trunk Capacity | 450-800 Liters
Weight | 1,790 kg
Engine | 6,262cc V12
Max Output | 486kW (660ps) / 8,000 rpm
Max Torque | 683Nm (40.8kgm) / 6,000 rpm
Transmission | 7-speed Dual-Clutch
Drivetrain | 4WD
Tires Front/Rear | 245/35ZR20 / 295/35ZR20
Top Speed | 335 km/h
0-100km/h Acceleration | 3.7 seconds
0-200km/h Acceleration | 11 seconds
Fuel Economy | 15.4 L/100km
CO2 Emissions | 360 g/km
Fuel Tank Capacity | 91 L
Price | 32 million yen