Ferrari 458 Spider

Retactable hard top

The 458 Spider is the first mid-rear engined car in the world to be equipped with an all-aluminium retractable hard top. Patented by Ferrari the roof and its mechanism weigh 25 kg less than a traditional soft-top and, when lowered, takes up less space to the benefit of improved design packaging and aerodynamics. The roof takes just 14 seconds - a record speed - to lower or raise.

Chassis design

The 458 Spider was designed to ensure class-leading levels of handling and driving dynamics. The engineering solutions include strengthening to the sill extrusions and the introduction of structural buttresses. The result is a significant increase in structural rigidity both in terms of torsional rigidity and beam stiffness (both up by around 23%) compared to the F430 Spider. The 458 Spider benefits from ideal weight balance with 42% over the front axle and 58% over the rear.

Engine & sound

The 458 Spider is powered by Ferrari’s 570 CV naturally-aspirated, direct-injection 4.5 litre V8, winner of the 2011 International Engine of the Year Award. Special care was taken over ensuring that the sound when driving top down would meet enthusiasts' expectations. To this end Ferrari's engineers developed a different rear silencer to get just the right mix between intake and exhaust.

Aerodynamics

Overall, aerodynamic efficiency is improved by 12% over the F430 Spider. This figure was achieved thanks to the double curvature of the roof and the design of the buttresses which optimise air flow to the rear engine cover intakes and the clutch and gearbox oil radiators, thus ensuring optimum engine breathing and cooling.

Electric wind-stop

The electric glass wind-stop is adjustable in height and provides ideal protection for occupants even at high speed, enabling normal conversation to be held even at speeds over 200 km/h. When opening the roof the wind-stop automatically lowers to its optimum position which was defined by computer simulation and wind tunnel experiments on 1:1 scale models

Rear bench

Internal storage space is exceptional for a mid-rear engined spider with a rear bench that can hold a bespoke set of luggage or a golf carry bag.

Fuel consumption

The 458 Spider boasts excellent fuel efficiency with low CO2 emissions (275 g/km). This result was achieved through a series of key engineering solutions incorporated into the HELE (High Emotions, Low Emissions) system, such as:
- Stop&Start (reduces consumption by around 10% on the urban cycle)
- Pulse Width Modulation controlled brushless fan and low-pressure fuel pump (reduces consumption by about 6%)

Dimensions

Length	4527 mm (178.2 in.)
Width	1937 mm (76.3 in.)
Height	1211 mm (47.7 in.)
Wheelbase	2650 mm (104.3 in.)
Dry weight	1430 kg (3153 lbs)*
Weight/power ratio	2.51 kg/CV (7.42 lbs/kW)
Weight distribution fr/r	42%/58%

* With forged wheels and Racing seats     

Performance

Maximum speed	320 km/h (198 mph)
0-100 km/h	<3.4 s