Ferrari 488 Spider: Maranello’s New Turbocharged Convertible

Ferrari has once again outdone themselves. Shortly after introducing us to the 458 Speciale, Ferrari added another supercar to their big, Italian family – the 488 GTB – with a February 2015 teaser video that set the industry ablaze with anticipation. This comes 40 years after the unveiling of Ferrari’s first mid-rear-engined V8 model, the 308 GTB. Powered by a twin turbo 3.9-liter V8, the 488 delivers 660 horsepower and launches from 0 to 62 mph in just three seconds. With top speeds exceeding 205 mph, it’s no wonder the 488 has a Fiorano lap time of 1 minute and 23 seconds, matching the lap time set by the Ferrari F12berlinetta. The 488 even beats out the F12 when it comes to torque, exuding 560 pound-feet of torque, besting the F12berlinetta by 51. Governing it all is the Variable Torque Management system, implemented for controllable release of turbo power. With knowledge gained from decades of development, the 488 is sure to meet Ferrari’s impossibly high-performance standards with ease. The latest Italian stallion is shaping up to be an automotive beast and one of the most capable production Ferrari models ever created.

Complete Ferrari 488 Specs, Prices & Review

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As if Ferrari hadn’t shaken things up enough with the release of the 488 GTB, the brand behind the prancing horse revealed the supercar’s convertible counterpart, the 488 Spider. This makes the car the most powerful mid-rear-engined V8 automobile to feature their patented retractable hard top. Under the hood is the same turbocharged engine that lives in the 488 GTB, capable of producing 660 horsepower and 560 pound-feet of torque. For an exhilarating open-air drive, retract the top and hit the gas – the 488 Spider can reach 62 mph from a complete standstill in only 3 seconds, coming to 124 mph 5.7 seconds later. Ferrari used 11 different aluminum alloys to create the car’s chassis, giving it the same rigid torso and beam stiffness as its coupe alternative. In fact, this hardware accounts for the 488 Spider surpassing its predecessor, the 458 Spider, in several areas: a 23 percent increase in chassis performance, a 12 percent increase in corner acceleration and a 9 percent increase in response time. Regardless of which model you choose you will be sure to leave behind a lasting impression.

Price: $275,000
Engine: Turbocharged 3.9-liter V8 engine
Horsepower: 660 hp
0–60: 3 seconds
Top Speed: 203+ mph
Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch automatic
Torque: 560 pound-feet

PUBLISHER’S FINAL TAKE:
Ferrari’s lastest performance engineering, with or without the top

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