Ferrari 458 Spider

Why it matters

Introduced at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, the 458 Spider transformed Ferrari's acclaimed mid-engine berlinetta without surrendering its essential performance or purity. Its two-piece aluminum roof folded beneath the rear deck in approximately 14 seconds and weighed about 25 kg less than a conventional fabric roof. Ferrari reshaped the rear buttresses and engine cover to package the mechanism, manage airflow into the engine and preserve cockpit comfort with the roof lowered. An adjustable electric wind stop allowed normal conversation at speeds above 200 km/h while still transmitting the V8's induction and exhaust character into the cabin. The 4,499 cc direct-injection engine retained the Italia's 562 hp at 9,000 rpm and drove through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. E-Diff3, F1-Trac and magnetorheological dampers were recalibrated specifically for the open car, while the aluminum chassis was engineered to maintain exceptional torsional rigidity. Ferrari quoted 0–100 km/h in under 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 320 km/h. By combining coupe-like refinement, open-air theater and one of Ferrari's final naturally aspirated mid-engine V8s, the 458 Spider established the retractable-hardtop formula followed by later Ferrari spiders.