Review: 2012 Ferrari 458 Italia Spider

Introduction:

Offered with uncompromising technological solutions, the 2012 Ferrari 458 Italia Spider comes with a refined open-top configuration that widens the range of mid-rear engined V8-series from the Ferrari stables. Joining the 458 Italia, the new 458 Spider is the world’s first sports car to use a fully retractable hard top with the supersport lay-out. The Ferrari patented drop-top, however, does no affect the superb aerodynamics that the original 458 Italia came with and the 458 Spider continues in the same vein offering the same performance and handling as the iconic vehicles that have traditionally borne the Scuderia logo.

2012 Ferrari 458 Italia Spider

What does it offer?

Replacing the outgoing F430, the stunning new 2012 Ferrari 458 Italia takes over from where the 2010 458 Italia supercar left and the open-top version of the Ferrari supercar offers an uncompromising ride experience for the driver with optimal performance capabilities wedded to re-tuned engine sounds. Re-adjusted suspension damping and fine-tuned engine mapping complement the 458 Italia Spider’s exterior engineering ensuring a boosted performance and increased responsiveness from the machine.

The Beauty:

The 2012 458 Italia Spider liberally borrows from the iconic lines of the original 458 Italia, with the most obvious difference between the two being the retractable roof that replaces the hard-top of the latter. Created to recreate the overall performance of the original, the 2012 458 Italia Spider carries the same aerodynamic attributes as its elder sibling with the beauty fitting its aluminum drop-down roof ergonomically in front of the rear-mounted engine with the two seats of the supercar even housing a small storage space right behind them.

The Beast:

Its refinement, economy, performance, drivability, and general engineering excellence earned the direct-injection, naturally-aspirated 4.5-L V8 used in the 458 Italia a prestigious nomination for the 2011 International Engine of the Year award. the 2012 Ferrari 458 Italia Spider uses the same engine which uses an electronic differential and comes mated to a seven-speed dual clutch transmission outputting 400 lb/ft of torque at 6,000 rpm and displacing 570 hp at 9,000 rpm. Maximum handling dynamics for Ferrari's class-leading powertrain are also ensured by their use of high-performance ABS, F1-Trac traction control and dual-clutch F1 paddle-shift transmission.

The Thrill:

With a fuel consumption of just 13.3-L per 100 km, the 2012 458 Italia Spider emits only 307 g/km of CO2 and delivers 127 HP/liter and 120 Nm/ liter power output. The 2012 458 Italia Spider also offers a top speed of 198 mph and accelerates from 0-62 mph in less than 3.4 seconds.

Interiors:

blending extreme responsiveness with truly exciting performance, the chassis adopts innovative technical solutions to guarantee similar levels of structural rigidity whether you choose to drive with the roof up or folded down. An adjustable electric wind stop ensure maximum comfort during top down driving which lets normal conversation be held within the cabin by diffusing the air in the cockpit even when the car is traveling at speeds over 200 km/h.

Exteriors:

The rear of the car was perfected to optimize the flow of air to the gearbox oil radiators, the clutch, and the engine intakes thanks to an innovative buttresses design though the nose of the supercar remains largely unaltered. Compared to the hard-top 458 Italia’s 3,042 lbs kerb weight, the 2012 458 Italia Spider weighs in at 3,153lbs which actually doesn’t make that much of a difference to its performance.

Should I buy one?

If you have the bucks, we say go for it!

Price and availability:

The luscious 2012 Ferrari 458 Italia Spider will start deliveries in the US in January 2012 with Europe receiving the model in October 2011. The drop-top will be offered in a number of trims with the most basic model retailing for EUR 226,800 (approx. USD 309,000). Other add-on packages include a silver plate trim costing €484 (approx. $667), and a carbon fiber package worth €11,592 (approx. $15,990), as well as a bespoke leather luggage set worth €5,651 (approx. $7,900) being thrown in the deal.

Industry buzz:

MotorTrend says:

The Ferrari 458 Spider (is) the world's first hardtop convertible mid-engine supercar, and arguably the finest road-going conveyance money can buy.

The Spider’s behavior is just like that of the 458 Italia, or so close the difference is almost academic. So close are the two, in fact, that Ferrari is applying developments to the roadster’s traction- and stability-control software, as well as the transmission programming, back to the coupe.

With a sticker that might be beyond $300,000 by the time you leave the showroom, the 458 Spider is not inexpensive. It is, however, probably worth it.

With the introduction of the new 458 Spider, Ferrari has made a conscious effort to create a slightly softer 458. Yep, it uses slightly different suspension tuning and a reprogrammed stability control system, but it's no second-class Ferrari. It's still aimed at the Ferrari faithful, while newcomers remain served by the even softer, front-engine California.

Picture Gallery

2012 Ferrari 458 Italia Spider

2012 Ferrari 458 Italia Spider will be equipped with folding steel roof.