This stunning 458 Spider is the star of Ferrari’s stand here in Frankfurt. Its retractable hard top is being raised and lowered every so often to wow the crowd, which is kept at bay by a short glass wall. Raising the folding all-aluminum roof panel takes only 14 seconds. When Ferrari released preliminary show information before the show, the Maranello company called this new 458 Spider “the world’s first mid-rear engine berlinetta equipped with a retractable hard top.” And we’ve not found any proof to the contrary.
Compared to a traditional folding soft top, the design for this new 458 Spider is said to save some 55 lb. while also being engineered to fit nicely into the well ahead of the engine bay without compromising aerodynamics or performance. What’s more, the small amount of space needed for the stored top has enabled the designers to include a generous rear bench for luggage behind the seats.
When the 458’s top goes down, a vertical rear window serves as a wind block. It is said to diffuse cockpit air enough to allow conversation at speeds in excess of 125 mph. And with further regard to airflow, the back of the new 458 Spider has some attractive shapes and buttresses that are designed to optimize flow to the engine intakes as well as the clutch and gearbox oil radiators. (more)
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