We now have cars like the California T, 488 GTB and the new 488 Spider that provide performance figures that would make hypercars of a few years ago seem unimpressive. I was privileged to be able to drive the hard-top version of the 488, so when the chance to attend the unveiling of the Spider version came up, I jumped at it.
High performance Spider
Ferrari claims this is the highest performance Spider it has ever built. It makes use of the same 3.9-litre turbocharged V8 motor from the GTB version and produces 492kW/760Nm for a 0-100km/h time of 3.0 seconds and a 0-200km/h time of 8.7 seconds. That’s a lot of torque and I remember considering that when driving the coupé. However, there are some clever electronics at work called, Variable Torque Management, which limits the torque provided in the first few gears to maximise traction and the longevity of your underpants, as a result!
More rigid Spider
The new model makes use of a spaceframe chassis made of 11 different 6 000 series aluminium alloys containing varying percentages of magnesium and with specific characteristics to meet the demands of the different areas of application. That means the drop-top provides the same torsional rigidity and beam stiffness figures as the coupé.
That roof though...
The roof serves as a structural element, improving the chassis’ performance by 23 percent over that of the 458 Spider. It is an RHT (Retractable Hard Top), which Ferrari claims has rendered traditional soft-tops obsolete as it is not only lighter (-25 kg) but also provides better protection from noise and elements. The roof can be open or closed in 14 seconds and, while the car is moving.
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You and I can drive it...fast
Both 488 models make use of what the brand calls SSC2 (Side Slip Angle Control). This basically makes it easier for non-professional drivers to reach the limit. It’s quite a reassuring feeling driving the car as a regular punter, knowing that it has you covered if the proverbial hits the fan.
A usable supercar
Engineers have managed to strike a balance with the 488 models and worked on the magnetorheological dampers to guarantee maximum sportiness without compromising on comfort. It’s not all marketing babble though, the 488 is a usable car; it’s easy to see out of and not very intimidating to drive.
Does it sound good?
You’re paying a shade over R5.5 Million for the car so I’d hope so. Jokes aside, the car does sound great. Being a flat plane crankshaft motor with equal-length exhaust headers with turbocharging, the recipe doesn’t look like an orchestral harmony but in the real world Ferrari has nailed noise; it really does sound quite violent.
