Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Ferrari 458 Spider

Ferrari has unveiled the 458 Spider, claiming it to be the first series-production, mid-rear-engine car to be equipped with a folding hardtop roof.

The aluminum structure is fully integrated into the styling of the 458, is claimed to weigh 55 pounds, less than the fabric roof arrangement of the 430. It is also said to have been engineered without compromising aerodynamics or performance--although the official photographs released by Ferrari only show the 458 Spider with its roof stowed.



The 458 Spider is distinguished from the 458 Italia by two prominent buttresses incorporated into a tonneau cover that opens and then closes as the hardtop roof is stowed to preserve the styling. They are designed to optimize the flow of air to the engine intakes.



The 458 Spider is powered by the same naturally aspirated 4.5-liter V8 as the 458 Italia, producing 562 hp at a soaring 9,000 rpm and 398 lb-ft of torque at 6,000 rpm. The heady reserves are channeled to the rear wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox and electronic differential.


Ferrari claims a 0-to-62-mph time of 3.5 seconds, or a tenth of a second slower than the fixed-roof model, and a top speed of 198 mph.




Along with its new aluminum hardtop, measures taken in stiffening the 458 Spider's chassis added 110 pounds over the 458 Italia at 3,153 pounds. In a bid to give the car a unique driving character, Ferrari altered damping characteristics of the suspension.

Read more: http://www.autoweek.com/article/20110823/FRANKFURT/110829967#ixzz1VxBExnFG