Ferrari showcases its finest hour with the 488 Spider. Continuing the lineage of the V8 mid-engined supercars, the 488 GTB is the Italian firm’s latest iteration.
The model had a tough job filling in its predecessors’ shoes, but it passed the trial with flying colors. In fact, the gap it generated (in technology and performance) is humongous, even compared to the beautiful 458 – which took Ferrari’s former entry-level line up to a whole new level.
The 488 comes sporting a sharp, aggressive design that looks astonishing, to say the least. Sketched by Ferrari in-house, at their “Centro Stile”, its well-proportioned body and sublime details demonstrates that less is more. Unlike its over-the-top big brother – the LaFerrari – the 488 looks amazingly elegant for Ferrari’s new design standards. Granted, maybe the Blu Corsa livery had something to do with it too, but alongside the California, the new car manages not to make a fuss about being a V8, 3.9-litre, 661 Hp Ferrari.
Sporting a 25 Kg lighter, hard canopy, the 488 Spider combines the best of both worlds; coupe and convertible rolled into one car. In fact, the Retractable Hard Top provides protection from noise and elements even when it’s lowered, thanks to a glass wind-stop adjustable to three different positions.
Of course, being a Ferrari requires more than good looks, and the new models performs like one of Maranello’s finest. The technicians and engineers worked on the magnetorheological dampers to guarantee maximum sportiness without compromising on comfort, while the new SSC2 Side Slip Angle Control system also makes it easier for non-professional drivers to drive on the limit.
And with 661 horses and 760 Nm (560 lb-ft) of torque on tap, the limit is closer and scarier than you’d might think.
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