Coupe and Open-Top: Two Styles

Looking back, Ferrari's first mid-engine open-top car was the "Dino 246 GTS," introduced in 1972. The "GTS" designation, with its removable roof panel while retaining the B-pillar, became established as a name and style for a simplified open-top model. This design, often referred to as a Targa top style, particularly with Porsche, is what Ferrari calls "GTS."

This body style, with its removable roof, proved particularly popular in markets like North America and along the Mediterranean coast. Subsequently, Ferrari's mid-engine open-top cars were passed down from the "Dino 246 GTS" successor, the "308 GTS" introduced in 1977, followed by the "328 GTS" debuting in 1985, the "348ts" (later "348GTS") in 1989, and then inherited by the "F355 GTS."

The full open-top mid-engine model, familiar to us today, first appeared in 1983. The 2+2 "Mondial Cabriolet," which debuted that year, was the first. This pure open-top style, without a B-pillar or roll bar, evolved into Ferrari's first two-seater mid-engine open-top model with the "348 Spider" in 1993. This was followed by the "F355 Spider" in 1995 and the "360 Spider" in 2001. The "F355 Spider" saw the electrification of the top, and the "360 Spider" succeeded in electrifying the tonneau cover, which had previously been manual. This marked the era where open-air motoring became easily accessible with just the flip of a switch.

Recent open-top models that come to mind are theF430 Spiderannounced in 2005, and the "458 Spider" which debuted in 2011. The 458 Spider replaced the previous soft top with a two-piece retractable hardtop (RHT). Its selling points were the exhilarating open-air driving experience when the top was down, and the weather protection, quietness, and comfort equivalent to a Berlinetta (coupe) when the top was up. The closed style perfectly mimicked the Berlinetta's form, making it immensely popular for offering both open and coupe styles in one vehicle.

Performance Close to a Coupe

The "488 Spider" publicly unveiled at thisFrankfurt Motor Showevent is, as previously reported, the open-top version of the Berlinetta "488 GTB". One noteworthy fact is Ferrari's sense of speed in announcing the open-top model at this particular time. For instance, the predecessor, the 458 Spider, appeared about two years after the base model, the458 Italia". Considering that, the Spider's debut just six months after the 488 GTB's announcement is, without exaggeration, a remarkable speed.

According to Ferrari, this is a result of the dramatic advancements in digital development technology, making it easier than ever to conduct the latest simulations virtually. While hearing such official comments, I personally imagine that the presence of the rival Lamborghini "Huracán LP610-4 Spyder", also announced on the same day at the Frankfurt show, cannot be ignored.

These two cars fiercely compete in the global supercar market. While both are premium brands, they can be considered volume models within their lineups. Therefore, falling behind a rival is likely unacceptable. It wouldn't be surprising if the reigning champion Ferrari (or vice versa) strategically timed their announcement to coincide with the Huracán LP610-4 Spyder's reveal. Interestingly, the Ferrari model is spelled "Spider," while the Huracán is "Spyder," a subtle difference.

The 488 Spider, the focus of this report, is equipped with the same powertrain as the recently updated Berlinetta, the 488 GTB. Specifically, the newly developed 3.9-liter direct-injection V8 twin-turbo engine, mounted longitudinally in the rear mid-section, features newly developed twin-scroll turbochargers and a flat-plane crankshaft, delivering a maximum output of 670 ps and peak torque of 77.4 kgm. It is paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, identical to the 488 GTB.

The engine utilizes lightweight components such as a shaft with ball bearings in the turbocharger and a lightweight compressor wheel made of low-density titanium alloy. Ferrari proudly claims that turbo lag is virtually non-existent. The response is said to be akin to a naturally aspirated engine, delivering the driving experience expected from Ferrari's V8 mid-engine models. It's also important to note that the 670 ps maximum output represents an increase of approximately 100 ps compared to the previous model, the 458 Spider.

The performance delivered by this V8 twin-turbo engine results in a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 3.0 seconds flat and a top speed exceeding 325 km/h. The 0-100 km/h acceleration time is identical to the Berlinetta 488 GTB, and while the top speed is only 5 km/h less, the 488 Spider holds an advantage of 0.4 seconds in 0-100 km/h acceleration and 1 km/h in top speed over its rival, the Huracán LP610-4 Spyder. In any case, it undoubtedly boasts the number one performance among all previous V8 open-top models and its rival open-top supercars.

A Duel with Rivals

The notable roof is a retractable hardtop, largely carried over from the previous model, the 458 Spider. It is constructed from lightweight aluminum. The opening and closing process takes a mere 14 seconds, with the two-part top folding and disappearing into the space above the engine behind the seats. In its closed state, the form is nearly identical to the 488 GTB, while with the top down, the beautiful and distinctive tunnel-back style is emphasized. The only visual distinction between the two might be the presence or absence of rear quarter windows, making it difficult for those less familiar with cars to identify the model from the side profile.

While the 488 GTB features a glass hatch allowing a view of the beautiful engine cover, the 488 Spider employs a full engine cover. However, the tunnel-back body design incorporates unique Spider features such as a power-operated rear window that can be adjusted to three positions and air outlets to dissipate heat from the engine bay. The power rear window can be opened or closed regardless of the roof's position, allowing for a more direct and sensory experience of the V8's exhaust note even with the top up.

The aerodynamic performance, consistent with the 488 GTB, boasts top-tier specifications for a current production open-top model. Aerodynamic devices common to the 488 GTB include vortex generators on the underbody, variable flaps on the rear diffuser integrated with other vehicle dynamics systems, intakes located at the rear of the engine cover, and Ferrari's unique blow spoilers that expel air from the rear of the body via ducts within the bumper. The aerodynamic efficiency, rated at 1.53, is the highest figure for a Ferrari open-top model.

The space frame body is constructed from 11 different types of aluminum alloy, combined with non-corrosive metals such as magnesium. According to Ferrari, the body rigidity is equivalent to that of the 488 GTB, representing a 23 percent increase compared to the previous 458 Italia. Knowing that it matches the Berlinetta 488 GTB immediately conveys the astonishing body rigidity achieved by an open-top model, where stress is not applied to the roof.

Unintentionally—or rather, it's undeniable that the announcement of the Ferrari 488 Spider was strategically timed to coincide with the rival model's reveal. The venue of the Frankfurt Motor Show, where these two titans faced off, was buzzing with talk of these two cars, overshadowing new world premiere models and futuristic concept cars. This head-on battle of hot open-top world premieres is set to continue in various markets, captivating supercar fans not only with their styling and performance but also with fierce sales competition. Naturally, anticipation for the first news of their arrival in Japan is also high.

Ferrari 488 Spider | Ferrari 488 Spider

Body Dimensions | Length 4,568 x Width 1,952 x Height 1,211 mm

Wheelbase | 2,650 mm

Tread Front/Rear | 1,679 / 1,647 mm

Vehicle Weight (Dry) | 1,420 kg

Weight Distribution Front/Rear | 41.5% / 58.5%

Engine | 3,902 cc V8 Twin-Turbo

Bore x Stroke | 86.5 x 83 mm

Compression Ratio | 9.4:1

Maximum Output | 492 kW (670 ps) / 8,000 rpm

Maximum Torque | 760 Nm (77.5 kgm) / 3,000 rpm

Transmission | 7-speed AT (F1 Dual Clutch)

Drivetrain | MR

Brakes Front/Rear | Ventilated Discs

Tires Front/Rear | 245/35ZR20 / 305/30/ZR20

0-100 km/h Acceleration | 3.0 seconds

Top Speed | Over 325 km/h

Fuel Consumption (ECE+NEDC) | 11.4 ℓ/100km (approx. 8.8 km/ℓ)

CO2 Emissions | 260 g/km

Trunk Capacity | 230 ℓ