Ferrari unveils 488 Pista Spider at Pebble Beach

Hardcore drop-top looks to topple the Lamborghini Huracán Performante Spyder.

27 Aug 2018 | 3748 Views | By Autocar UK

Ferrari has revealed the 488 Pista Spyder at Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in California, with identical performance to the coupé. 

0-62mph (0-100 km) in 2.85sec and a top speed of 211mph (339 kph) thanks to a power output of 710bhp and maximum torque of 568lb ft (770 Nm) are claimed.

Power comes from the same 90deg twin-turbo 3.9-litre V8, with Ferrari claiming that the car is its most technologically advanced drop-top to date, despite the relatively recent introduction of the ultra-exclusive LaFerrari Aperta hypercar. The car is 100kg heavier than the coupé, at 1380kg dry to the coupé’s 1280kg.

During the car’s development, the designers main brief was for the car to stay as true to the coupé’s aerodynamic efficiency as possible, so as to not alter the car’s performance.

It’s also got the same Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer system as the regular 488 Pista, which adjusts brake pressure at the callipers to improve cornering.

Lightweight materials have helped keep the car’s weight down, including using straps instead of traditional interior door handles. The carpets are also stripped out and replaced with aluminium footplates. 

Lack of roof aside, the car’s new 20in star-effect wheels mark out the Pista Spyder, while the Pebble Beach car was finished in an exclusive new livery. 

It’s expected to cost well in excess of the coupé’s £252,695 (Rs 2 crore) price before personalisations, although Ferrari hasn’t yet released an official figure, nor a number on how many are planned to be made.

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