The Ferrari 458 Spider Type F142 is an open-top variant of the 458 Italia, designed to provide a driving experience akin to its coupe counterpart while offering the thrill of top-down motoring. Production began in 2011 and continued until 2015.
Design and Features
The 458 Spider retains the sleek design language of the 458 Italia, with several key modifications to accommodate its retractable hardtop (RHT). The rear window is made up of a series of small glass panels arranged in a hexagonal pattern, offering unobstructed views. The RHT itself uses a lightweight aluminum structure that can be raised or lowered electrically within 14 seconds.
Specifications
- Engine: The 458 Spider is powered by Ferrari's direct-injected 4.5-liter V8 engine, producing 562 horsepower (420 kW) and 515 Nm of torque.
- Transmission: It comes equipped with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission dubbed the F1 dual clutch or "Super Fast" as it can shift gears in less than 60 milliseconds.
- Performance:
- Top Speed: Electronically limited to 335 km/h (208 mph) for road-going models, though there were track-focused variants with different settings.
- Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph): Approximately 3.4 seconds.
- Chassis and Handling: The Spider shares its aluminum chassis with the Italia, offering a rigid platform that supports high-performance cornering and braking.
Key Variants
- 458 Spider Roadster (2011): The base model of the open-top 458 series, emphasizing comfort and usability in addition to performance.
- 458 Spider Aperta (2015): A limited-production variant celebrating Ferrari's 60th anniversary. It adds a unique roof design that can be opened without the need for manual intervention beyond activating the roof opening process.
Collectibility and Market
The 458 Spider, particularly the base roadster model, is considered highly desirable in collector circles due to its rarity compared to other variants of the same era. Limited-production models like the Aperta command a premium on the market, reflecting both their exclusivity and the craftsmanship that goes into creating such bespoke Ferrari experiences.
Conclusion
The 458 Spider represents Ferrari's continued commitment to delivering high-performance driving experiences in various configurations. Its blend of speed, agility, and style makes it a standout among convertible sports cars of its generation.
