Ferrari Releases Official Images Of New 458 Spider

Published: Friday, August 26, 2011, 19:12 [IST]

Ferrari, the Italian Sports carmaker has released the official images of the new 458 Italia spider. This much anticipated convertible sports car was expected to be unveiled in the forth coming Frankfurt Auto Show. Ferrari has reduces some of the suspense around the new car by releasing the official images much earlier than expected.

The 458 Spider was something expected as the model it replaces, the F430 spider has lived its full product cycle. While the F430 Spider has a soft top canvas roof, the new 458 Spider has a hard top roof. The new convertible has the same 4.5-litre petrol engine found in the 458 Italia. The V8 engine paired with a seven-speed dual clutch transmission churns out 570bhp.

Such power will allow the new Spider to accelerate to 100km from zero within just 3.4 seconds. It can also accelerate to a top speed of 320kmph. Such performance does not come with a note worthy fuel economy. Ferrari has claimed the 458 Italia Spider will offer a fuel economy of 5.5 litres per kilometre.

Ferrari has claimed the 458 Italia spider's hard top roof is the first one to be used in a rear engined sports car. The hard top is 25 kg lighter than the canvas roof and can be deployed in just 14 seconds. Ferrari has also made some slight design changes in the rear of the car to ensure better airflow in to the engine.

While Ferrari has started its operations in India it is yet unclear if it will sell its new model in India in the near future.