Ferrari says its Frankfurt Motor debutant, the Ferrari 458 Spider, is the first mid-rear engine two-seater to offer a fully retractable aluminium hard-top roof.
Tipping the scales 25kgs lighter than a normal folding soft-top, the Ferrari 458 Spider’s roof takes just 14 seconds to open or close and of course the aluminium roof provides much better shade qualities and noise isolation than a soft-top.
Cleverly, the rear windscreen doubles as an electrically-adjustable wind-stop – opening to a height which reduces buffeting in the cockpit and is aerodynamically efficient.
According to Ferrari, even when open, the 458 Spider’s compact roof delivers luggage storage behind the seats.
Power comes from Ferrari’s 570 CV 4.5-litre V8 engine, driving through the new dual-clutch F1 paddle shift transmission. Zero to 100km/h takes less than 3.4 seconds and – here’s s sign of the times – Ferrari says the 458 Spider provides class-leading fuel consumption of 11.8l/100kms and exhaust C02 emissions are rated at 275g/km.
Also at Frankfurt, Ferrari launched its Tailor-Made program for owners to personalize the specifications of their Ferrari. Customers are assigned their own Personal Designer and the program provides a range of exclusive trim, colours and finishes – including three classic collections ‘Classica’, ‘Scuderia’ and ‘Inedita’ created by Ferrari’s Styling Centre.
