subject: Ferrari 458 Spider: A Truly V8 Revolution [print this page] The 458 Spider, introduced to the public at the recent Frankfurt International Auto Show, is not just a mere evolution of the F430 Spider but it is a truly revolutionary car with a tremendous leap forward toward its predecessor.
The 458 Spider revolutions can be easily synthetized with some numbers describing its superior performance. First, the car sprints from 0 to 62 mph in less than 3.4 seconds, which is a top acceleration in its category. Second, the maximum speed is 315 km per hour, a substantial improvement over the F430 Spider. Those figures are very close to the ones from the 458 Coupe, a car built for a more extreme drivability. Performances, safety and significant reduction of emissions are also crucial factors of improvement toward the 458 Italia"s predecessor.
The Spider boots the same V8, 570 HP engine of the 458 Italia, which has recently been awarded as the "Engine of the Year" in its segment thanks to its performances, architecture and reliability. The 458 Spider"s specific output of 127 HP/l and its 9,000 Maximum Revs per Minute are record figures in the world for naturally-aspired engines. The 458 Spider"s engine will have slightly modifications on the exhaust compared to the Coupe, in order to satisfy the engine sound needs expected by a Spider driver.
The 458 Spider provides improved ergonomic of the interiors and more leg room compared to the F430 Spider. The interiors are also more comfortable and elegant. Additional storing space is provided by the rear bench located behind the seats, which can easily accommodate a couple of luggage or a golf bag.
The 458 Spider is also the world"s first mid-rear engine car with a hard-top. For a commercial stand point, this guarantee the driver the maximum comfort with the top open or close and better performances. 25 Kg lighter than a traditional soft top, the 458 Spider"s innovative hard top opens and closes in a record time of 14 seconds, demonstrating once again the Factory attention to all accessories and components of its vehicles.
For the first time, a Ferrari Spider is equipped with the electric wind stop, which height has been tested and optimized in the Ferrari wind tunnel for better comfort and to allow an undisturbed conversation inside the cabin even at higher speed.
All the 458 Spider figures, therefore, enhance the extreme performance, comfort and driving pleasure under any circumstance.
