THE Ferrari 488 Spider is a drop top version of the 488 GTB. But why would you want an open top Ferrari? To hear more noise, of course.
But do the new turbocharged mills produce the same sonic bliss that has enraptured generations of fans?
The Spider is powered by the same 3.9-litre V8 twin-turbo engine from the 488 GTB mated to a seven-speed F1 dual-clutch automated transmission. The mill produces 661hp at 8,000rpm and 760Nm of torque at 6750 rpm in 7th gear.
It is a gem of an engine. In June this year, it was awarded the International Engine of the Year Award for the second year running, along with awards for the Performance Engine class and the 3.0-litre to 4.0-litre displacement category.
The open-top V8 sports car sits at 4,568 mm in length, 1,952 mm in width, 1,211 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,650 mm. It weighs 1,525 kg, with 41,5 per cent of its weight distributed to the front and 58.5 per cent distributed to the rear of the 488 Spider. It has a 230 litres of boot space and 78 litres of fuel tank capacity.
The performance figures are staggering. Ferrari claims that the 488 Spider can complete the century sprint in three seconds and it can dash to 200kph from standstill in 8.7 seconds. It has a top speed of 325kph and an average fuel consumption of 11.4 litres per 100km.
Just like the 488 GTB, the 488 Spider is based on the 458 Italia with most of the components upgraded to become much more fuel efficient, lower carbon emissions, quieter and a faster sports car.
Its exterior has a larger signature air intakes which doubles as a front spoiler. The top section of the air intake absorbs air into the radiator while the lower section generates more downforce.
When driven above 140kph, the 488 Spider activates the Drag Reduction System (DRS). Similar to technology found in F1 cars, the flap in the rear diffuser opens to allow air to escape, increases its downforce and reduces drag.
The active flaps are activated by air pressure.
Features include driver control ride control adaptive suspension, magnetic fluid-filled shock absorbers, front and rear anti-roll bars, electro-hydraulic power assist speed-sensing steering, sport leather bucket seats and remote keyless entry with push to start button are part of the core equipment for the 488 Spider.
As for safety aspects, the open-top V8 sports car comes with electronic stability control, F1-Trac, anti-lock braking system, driveline traction control, E-Diff, side impact beams, rear parking sensors with reverse camera, tyre specific low tyre pressure warning, front and side airbags.
Ferrari has a fully customisable options for its paint colour, the material and designs for its steering wheel, rims, brake calipers, disc brakes, interior upholstery, seats and many more.
The based model of the Ferrari 488 Spider is priced at RM1,168,800, and goes up with higher specifications.
THE DRIVE
We managed to spend half a day with the Ferrari 488 Spider, driving from Naza Italia’s showroom located next to the Federal Highway to Sepang and back.
The moment we entered the car, we were greeted by the luxurious and comfortable Nappa leather-finished seats and upholstery.
The carbon fibre steering wheel has a “Manettino” dial for its driving mode, sequential maximum rpm warning lights across the top of the steering wheel, and buttons for indicator lights, wipers, horn, damper adjustment button and a red start button on it. Most of the buttons are within thumb’s reach.
We found the cabin to be spacious, even for a large framed adult that is 183cm tall. It has enough shoulder room, legroom and sufficient headroom.
When we stepped on the brakes and engage the engine start button, the roar seemed slightly softer compared to the older models.
After a short briefing by the company representative, we drove to Sepang. It was a wet Thursday morning, the roads and highway filled with traffic.
Driving the Ferrari 488 Spider was easy and relaxing. Of cause, the Italian sports car caught a lot of attention with its striking yellow colour. However, what surprised us was that even inching along in a jam, it didn’t growl, but was rather quiet.
As we got on the highway towards Sepang, the traffic was moderate, so we could cruise easily at 110kph. Even at that speed, the rev meter was still below 2,000rpm and we could barely hear the engine noise, as well as the wind and tyre noise. In fact, we were able to have a conversation with the representative throughout the journey.
The car handles uneven and damaged road conditions easily. At first, we expected the hard suspension setting wouldn’t be harsh, but we were wrong. The engineers at Ferrari have done an extremely good job in balancing the comfort and handling performance of the 488.
On an empty road behind Sepang, we tested the true performance of the Ferrari 488 Spider.
On the empty straight, the sports car clawed itself to 100kph in the blink of an eye (the specifications say three seconds). As we floored the accelerator, we could hear the engine roaring loudly after 3,500rpm, and we were glued to the seats. The 3.9-litre V8 twin-turbo engine pushes out 661hp from 6,000rpm to nearly 8,000rpm. There was no power drop off when the rev fell in between gear change.
At high speed, the Ferrari 488 Spider feels glued to the tarmac and when changing direction quickly, the sports car responds accurately and quickly, providing feedback to the driver.
While we were waiting for the traffic lights to change, we opened the retractable hardtop for a breath of fresh air. It took only 14 seconds for the top to come down. Even though it was warm day, once the 488 started to move, it became comfortable enough to drive around in.
Overall, as much as most people would say an open-top car is not suitable for Malaysian roads, we felt otherwise. We find that the Ferrari 488 Spider is suitable for Malaysian roads. It gives the driver an option to take the top down on a cool afternoon, or even to enjoy the fresh air at night.
The 488 is an extremely well made sports car. It is something that can be driven in everyday heavy traffic with ease and comfort. It didn’t struggle or jerk at low speed like many exotic sports car do.
Some might say, the petrol consumption is not practical for everyday usage. At 11.4 litres per 100km, it isn’t really that bad. Those who can afford to buy a Ferrari 488 Spider surely will have no problem running it.
This Italian sports car is undeniably a delight to drive.