Ferrari 488 Spider: Review

Italian stallion offers more smiles – and style – per mile than any Spider before it. It has a surprise under its bonnet, too
Ferrari is reveling in the magic of turbocharging
Autocar|Sarah Bradley5 November 2015

At 660bhp, the 488 Spider drop-top boasts a smaller engine with more power than any predecessor. Yes, Ferrari is reveling in the magic of turbocharging.

In fact, the 3.9-litre V8 in this, the replacement for the 458 Spider, features two boosters, which increase its muscle by no less than 100bhp over its ancestor.

It still sounds amazing, as well...

It’s not all about massive horsepower and aural excitement, though. As we’ve already seen on the fixed-roof 488 GTB, huge waves of torque (560lb ft here) are kept in check by a Variable Torque Management system.

The 3.9-litre V8 features two boosters, which increase its muscle by no less than 100bhp

This harmonises with the seven-speed twin-clutch transmission to provide a sublime high-velocity experience. The benchmark 0-62mph sprint time? Three seconds flat; 0.5-sec quicker than the 458. Top end is 203mph. Stunning.

Making a car this powerful driver-friendly and controllable while still giving optimum fun is what Ferrari specialises in.

Handling, ride and steering are superb

Handling, ride and steering are superb, and the tenacious grip will hold on for as long as you want it to – and lets go with measured ease whenever you ask.

Variable-rate dampers and extra chassis stiffening to make up for the lack of a fixed roof are a definite bonus.

Variable-rate dampers and extra chassis stiffening make up for the lack of a fixed roof

The metal retractable drop-top is the main difference over the GTB. Inside the cabin the car apes its coupe stablemate, with an excellent driving position and driver-oriented dash.

It all combines to create a superlative machine – to look at, to own and to drive.

Ferrari 488 Spider

On sale: June 2016

Price: £204,400

Engine: V8, 3902cc, petrol

Power: 660bhp at 8000rpm

Torque: 560lb ft at 3000rpm

Gearbox: 7spd dual-clutch

Kerbweight: 1525kg

Top speed: 203mph; 0-62mph 3.0sec

Economy: 25mpg (combined)

CO2/tax band: 260g/km, 37%

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