Ferrari has unveiled the 488 Spider during an exclusive event at a central London venue. The car was unveiled by Marc Gené, Scuderia Ferrari F1 test driver and the event was hosted by BBC F1’s Correspondent Tom Clarkson.
The Ferrari 488 Spider is the latest chapter in Ferrari’s on-going love affair with open-top V8 sports cars, a story that started with the targa-top version of the 308 GTB – the immortal 308 GTS – and which ultimately resulted in the full convertible Spider architecture.
Starting with the RHT (Retractable Hard Top), around which the entire car was developed, every area of the 488 Spider has been designed to set new technological benchmarks for the sector. The result is the most powerful and innovative Ferrari Spider ever built, a car that marries the extraordinary prowess of the 488 GTB coupé’s mid-rear V8 with the joy of tackling even the most challenging roads surrounded by nature’s heady aromas and colours and accompanied by an inimitable Ferrari engine soundtrack.
The spectacular launch brought together the most elite in London society. In attendance were guests from the fashion, arts and creative communities as well as those with a passion for the remarkable Italian brand. Upon entering the venue guests were able to experience the beauty and workmanship of the Ferrari 488 Spider up close, positioned centre stage on the ground floor.
As they made their way up the dramatic glass staircase to the first floor guests were able to experience the Ferrari ‘Tailor-Made’ service. Guests were able to experience first-hand the unique service offered to Ferrari customers, ‘Tailor-Made’ is an atelier offering Ferrari customers the highest standard of craftsmanship and personalisation, allowing them the opportunity to select luxurious fabrics and colour combination with which to personalise their vehicles.
Guests sipped on champagne as they also experienced a unique array of traditional Italian delicacies with a modern twist. Burrata served with paper bread, bresaola accompanied with Parmesan and rocket as well as bite size arancini balls. For those with a sweet-tooth Tiramisu was the order of the night, followed by a shot of espresso. Guests drank cocktails celebrating the 488 Spider including the 488, a sumptuous mix gin, peach liquor, peach puree, lemon juice, lavender and Kaffir leaf.
For more details of the Ferrari 488 Spider, click here
Ferrari 488 Spider Technical Specifications
ENGINE
Type 90° V8, turbo-charged, dry sump
Total displacement 3902 cc (238.1 cu. in)
Bore and stroke 86.5 x 83 mm (3.4 x 3.3 in)
Maximum power * 492 kW (670 cv) at 8000 rpm
Maximum torque * 760 Nm at 3000 rpm in VII gear
Specific output 172 cv/l (2.07 kW/cu. in)
Compression ratio 9.4:1
DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT
Length 4568 mm (179.8 in)
Width 1952 mm (76.9 in)
Height 1211 mm (47.7 in)
Wheelbase 2650 mm (104.3 in)
Front track 1679 mm (66.1 in)
Rear track 1647 mm (64.8 in)
Kerb weight** 1525 kg (3362 lb)
Dry weight** 1420 kg (3131 lb)
Weight distribution 41.5% front – 58.5% rear
Boot capacity 230 l (8.12 cu. ft)
Fuel tank capacity 78 l (22.7 US gallons)
TYRES
Front 245/35 ZR20 J9.0
Rear 305/30 ZR 20 J11.0
BRAKES
Front 398x223x36 mm (15.7 x 8.8 x 1.4 in)
Rear 360x233x32 mm (14.2 x 9.2 x 1.3 in)
TRAMISSION AND GEARBOX
7-speed F1 dual-clutch transmission
ELECTRONICS CONTROL
E-Diff3, F1-Trac,High-Performance ABS with Ferrari Pre-Fill, FrS SCM-E, SSC
PERFORMANCE
Maximum speed > 325 km/h (203 mph)
0 – 100 km/h (0 – 62 mph) 3.0 s
0 – 200 km/h (0 – 124 mph) 8.7 s
0 – 400 m (0 – 437 yd) 10.55 s
0 – 1000 m (0 – 1093 yd) 18.9 s
Dry weight/power ratio 2.12 kg/cv (6.35 lb/kW)
CONSUMPTION ***
11.4 l/100 km
C02 EMISSIONS***
260 g/km
*with 98 octane fuel
**With optional equipment
***Combined cycle with HELE system (ECE+EUDC)
