Ferrari F8 Spider

Why it matters

Revealed in September 2019, the F8 Spider replaced the 488 Spider and brought the full output of the 488 Pista-derived engine to Ferrari's regular-production open model. Its 3,902 cc twin-turbo V8 produced 720 cv at 8,000 rpm and 770 Nm at 3,250 rpm, driving the rear wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The two-piece retractable hardtop opened or closed in 14 seconds and could operate at speeds up to 45 km/h, stowing above the engine without compromising the car's dramatic mid-engined proportions. Ferrari reshaped the rear deck around twin buttresses and a manta-like engine cover while preserving the Tributo's Formula 1-derived S-duct, blown rear spoiler, four round taillights and advanced underbody aerodynamics. Side Slip Control 6.1 and Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer Plus coordinated the electronic differential, traction control, dampers and brake-based yaw management to make the car's performance approachable even with the roof lowered. A dry weight of 1,400 kg made it 20 kg lighter than the 488 Spider despite its greater power. Ferrari quoted 0–100 km/h in 2.9 seconds, 0–200 km/h in 8.2 seconds and a maximum speed of 340 km/h. As one of Ferrari's last series-production mid-engined road cars powered solely by a V8, the F8 Spider closed an important chapter that began with the 308 GTS more than four decades earlier.