Ferrari 488 Spider makes public debut at 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show
Ferrari has revealed the 488 Spider at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show, introducing its new open-top supercar with a 670hp twin-turbo V8 and retractable hardtop.
Ferrari has introduced the 488 Spider to the public at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show, marking the official debut of its latest open-top supercar. The 488 Spider arrives as the replacement for the 458 Spider and follows the coupe 488 GTB, bringing a new level of performance to Ferrari’s convertible range.
The 488 Spider uses the same 3.9-litre twin-turbocharged V8 as the 488 GTB, producing 670hp at 8,000rpm and 760Nm of torque at 3,000rpm. Ferrari claims the car can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 3.0 seconds, and 0 to 200km/h in 8.7 seconds, matching the fixed-roof GTB’s performance figures despite the additional engineering required for the retractable roof mechanism.
The retractable hardtop, a key feature of the Spider, folds away in two overlapping sections in just 14 seconds. Ferrari says the chassis, constructed from 11 different aluminium alloys combined with magnesium, maintains the same torsional rigidity and beam stiffness as the 488 GTB. The company also cites a 25 percent improvement in chassis performance compared to the outgoing 458 Spider.
Technical highlights and practicality
Aerodynamic efficiency is a central focus, with Ferrari fitting an underbody featuring vortex generators and a blown rear spoiler. The 488 Spider’s boot offers 230 litres of capacity, while the fuel tank holds 78 litres. The car’s overall weight and dimensions have not been detailed in the announcement, but the engineering focus remains on minimising any penalty from the convertible structure.
The 488 Spider arrives into a competitive field of high-performance convertibles at Frankfurt, including the Lamborghini Huracan Spyder, which also made its debut at the show. For more on the Huracan Spyder, seeLamborghini Huracan Spyder drops its top at 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show.
The 488 Spider’s unveiling at Frankfurt sets the stage for its arrival in international markets, with order books expected to open shortly after the show. The model continues Ferrari’s approach of combining supercar performance with everyday usability in its convertible line.
