Ferrari has announced the spider version of the 488 GTB, and rumors have surfaced of a lighter, faster version of the F12 Berlinetta.
The Ferrari 458 Spider has been one of the most popular open top supercars of all time, being picked over competitors which are faster and more powerful. Why? Because it does what it does, very well. The 458 Spider knows what it is, an open top supercar built for fun, performance and the exhilarating passion of driving. It may not be the fastest, it may not be the most powerful, the most comfortable or even the loudest, but it is still chosen because you just want to drive it the most. So, what if it was the fastest?
Ferrari 488 Spider
Meet the Ferrari 488 Spider, Ferrari's answer to the McLaren 650S Spider and the latest generation of mid-engined roadsters. It is, of course, based on the 488 GTB, and uses the twin turbo V8, producing 660 horsepower. As has become tradition with modern super-roadsters, the performance figures are essentially identical to the GTB. 0 - 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3 seconds flat, 200 km/h (124 mph) in 8.7 seconds, and on to a top speed of 203 mph (325 km/h).
I think it's safe to say, we can expect big things from the 488 Spider as it is impressively fast. The looks are true to the tradition, a simple topless version of the 488 GTB, which I have to say looks quite striking. It really looks like an angry version of the 458, which is in a sense what the 488 is.
Ferrari F12 Berlinetta
Perhaps equally exciting, is the rumors of a Speciale version of the F12 Berlinetta.
The F12 Berlinetta is Ferrari's current flagship production model, which boasts a tuned version of the 6.3 litre V12 from the Enzo, producing 731 bhp at the rear wheels. This is a truly spectacular Ferrari, with already impressive performance figures, especially for what is essentially and Grand Tourer. Many refer to the F12 as the super-tourer, as it accomplishes what are truly super car speeds, with a front engine layout.
The F12 gets its speed from its powerful naturally aspirated V12 and its unique and ingenious downforce traits, such as the trademark Air Bridge on the sides of the bonnet. At the time of its creation, it was the fastest production Ferrari ever created, lapping Fiorano at 1:23.00, a full 2 seconds faster than the 458 Italia - the same lap time as the new 488 GTB. So what happens when you add 30 more hp, take off as much as 200 kg, add an even more extensive downforce package and tune the suspension to be aimed more towards the track?
We will have to wait and see, but if this is as much of an improvement as the 458 Speciale was, we can expect a truly legendary car.
Last edited:
