Yes, it's here already! Frankfurt debut and 'maximum drop-top fun' promised for latest Ferrari cabrio [Now with video]
Well this is a speedy turnaround. The Ferrari 488 GTB was only shown for the first time at this year's Geneva show and driven last month, but here we have the Spider version already. That Blu Corsa paint is brand new too, if you fancy it.
Blu Corsa another new addition to 488 range
As with the 458 Spider, there are a great deal of similarities between hard-top and cabrio. Same 670hp twin turbo 3.9-litre V8, twin-clutch gearbox and the second-gen Side Slip Control (SSC). Weight is 10kg less than the 458 at 1,420kg dry (with the lightweight options, don't forget), making the 488 Spider 50kg heavier than the GTB. Which in turn means you'll have to make do with 0-124mph in just 8.7 seconds, as opposed to 8.3 for the coupe.
Like the 458, the 488 Spider uses Ferrari's 'Retractable Hard Top', which is said to provide better refinement while also being 25kg lighter than an equivalent cloth roof. Ferrari claims this is the most aero efficient open car in its history too, with the vortex generators and blown spoiler borrowed from the GTB maximising downforce while reducing drag.
"The sound is seductive but never invasive"
Now this wouldn't be a Ferrari launch without some stats to prove how much better this new car is, quantifiably, than the car it replaces. Ready? Chassis stiffness is up 23 per cent for the 488 Spider of the 458, acceleration out of corners is improved by 12 per cent thanks to the new SSC and 'response times' are nine per cent better. Oh, and the roof goes down or up in 14 seconds.
For now Ferrari has only confirmed the Frankfurt show appearance, with no details yet for an on-sale date. Given the 488 GTB drives were so soon after Geneva, expect first reviews before the end of the year. And probably about £200,000 if you want to own one...
