Ferrari 458 Spider Review

The Ferrari 458 Spider is the convertible version of the 458 Italia . It is available in Spain since autumn 2012, from € 257,476. Having a roof comprised of a piece of aluminum. The folding and unfolding process resembles the Ferrari Superamerica that tilts on two points onto the rear of the body. The hood is stored in a compartment in front of and above the engine-it is positioned longitudinal rear center, behind the passenger compartment and the rear axle. As the roof, space behind the seats is a spacious to carry luggage.The process of folding and unfolding the roof is completed in 14 seconds, which is very little. 

Behind the seats is a glass spoiler and electric actuator that reduces turbulence and noise inside when traveling top down. According to Ferrari, this piece allows normal conversation even at 200 km / h.

The 458 Spider measures 4.53 meters long, 1.94 meters wide and 1.21 meters high. All dimensions are identical to the 458 Italia, except that the height is less than 2 mm.

Both have the same 4.5 liter V8 engine, direct injection and 578 hp.It is atmospheric and has the peculiarity that gives maximum power to a particularly high rate: 9000 rpm. This engine is mated to a automatic transmission dual clutch ("dual clutch F1") with seven speeds and steering wheel paddles.

Currently, the convertibles over 450 hp for sale in Spain exceed whatever the make and model, the € 130,000. With a starting price of € 257,476, the 458 Spider is the most expensive. At that price there are many models to choose from, such as a Jaguar XKR-Swith 549 hp, Mercedes-Benz SL 63 AMG with 537 hp or an Audi R8 Spyder with 525 hp, Bentley Continental GTC of 507 hp or aLamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4 560 hp-the latter two exceeding € 200,000 -.

Yes they are more expensive the Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG to 630 hp, the Aston Martin DBS Volante of 517 hp and the Rolls Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe 460 hp. The second is sold for more than € 300,000 and the third exceeds € 530,000.

The 458 Spider is slightly slower than the 458 Italia as far as speed is concerned, not in acceleration. It consumes 1.5 l/100 km less. The main reason for spending less is that you have start-stop system of the engine ("Stop and Start") in the arrests and the other not. Faced with the alternatives, it is faster and consumes less than a Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster GT, A Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder and Bentley Continental GTC W12.

According to Ferrari, there is a weight difference of 50 kg between the 458 Spider and 458 Italia, the latter is lighter. Not a great value considering that, as a rule, the convertibles are much heavier than the equivalent versions of closed body, and even more so if they have fabric hood but metal.

Ferrari has not provided the final weight-approval conditions with fluids and driver, that is how we show all the weights in the data sheets of km77.com-, so we can not compare with the alternatives. He gave an indicative figure: 1620 kg. A Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder weighs 1679 kg, an SLS AMG Roadster GT 1735 kg and 1820 kg R8 Spyder. The low weight of the 458 Spider is achieved with special sports seats and forged aluminum wheels.

Equipment and insurance rates

Take a rear differential with electronically controlled locking system ("E Diff3") who already have a while Ferrari models, traction control ('F1-Trac') with a specific tuning for sporty driving and Suspension "MagneRide SCM2" variable hardness dampers-inside fluid changes its resistance when applying a magnetic field.

The 458 Spider is standard dual-xenon headlights, brake discs carbonocerámico material, leather, navigation and 20-inch wheels, among many other elements. The option list is very long, with numerous items to personalize the interior trims with different materials such as carbon fiber.

We tried to calculate the price of insurance for a 458 Spider a British businessman married 40 years, living in Marbella (Málaga), occasionally using the car and park in a single garage. Our insurance comparator has offered no results due to the special characteristics of this course.