Ferrari 458 Spider

'The latest Mercedes model, set to be released both in the form of coupe and roadster, has improved the horsepower of its 6,208cc V8 engine, taking it up to an impressive 591hp. Thanks to its significant increase in power, it can hit 100km/h in 3.7 seconds, which is 0.1 second (more impressive than what is sounds like) faster than what the previous model could manage, and hit 200km/h in 11.2 seconds whilst its top speed is electronically limited at 320km/h – a 3km/h increase. Maximum revolutions per minute (6,800rpm) and torque at 4,750rpm (66.3kgm) remain unchanged from its predecessor, but the responsiveness of its accelerator pedal has been enhanced. The AMG Speed Shift DCT-7 has considerably reduced shifting time and strengthened the automatic double declutching system. The size of the front tyres (265/35) is smaller than the rear ones (295/30), meaning the centre of gravity will always be on the front of the car. Last but not least, the new AMG Ride Control Performance Suspension, is perhaps the most vital addition to the new model. With the elimination of ‘Comfort Mode’, which was the default setting for the previous SLS AMG, drivers can choose either the ‘Sport Mode’ or the ‘Sport Plus Mode’. The former is recommended while driving on wavy routes and the latter is designed for smooth routes.'

So the 458 has kept its superb profile with the removal of the roof, however has it lost its performance edge carrying that extra 50kg of weight? The engine remains the same 4.5 litre V8, revving to an ear drum bursting 9000rpm, creating 570 rampant Italian horses in the process. Power is still put through a flappy paddle gearbox, an immensely confusing electronic differential and a bewildering array of computer software. All this equates to a 0-62 time of exactly the same as the hard top at 3.4 seconds. That’s the equivalent of how long it takes you, to read this sentence. So based on all that it doesn’t seem like the car has been hindered by carrying the extra weight! Ferrari has also kindly fitted a wind deflector in the cabin, which allows its occupants to hold a civilised discussion about yachts and tax evasion at anything up to 125mph with the roof down.

Ferrari 458 spider

Now on the topic of occupants, who will be the ideal buyers for the 458 Spider? Glamorous, mildly anorexic models, play boys going mental with daddy’s trust fund on the Cote D’Azur? These people, however annoying they are, would perfectly fit the 458’s image. The likelihood however is that Brian, the retired dentist from Norfolk, will buy the 458 Spider and proceed to drive it at no more than 65mph down to the golf club to show his buddies. Nothing on earth can ruin the sexy allure of a Ferrari more than a slightly tubby balding man in a Pringle jumper. Ferrari however, may have inadvertently saved the 458 from the impending doom of ownership by Brian. The equally brilliant yet slightly slower and fatter Ferrari California exists in the model range alongside the new Spider.

Ferrari 458 spider side view

This car, although having been out for longer, may hopefully entice buyers like Brian away from the Spider due to its easier going, lazy, rotund image. This car alone might just save the 458 for the image conscious Ferrari purist among us. Only time will tell.

Ferrari 458 spider

So in the meantime let’s just bask in the beauty of the Spider, and be thankful to the gods of motoring that cars like this can still be dreamt up, designed and built in an ever increasingly sensible marketplace. Let the 458 Spider and its hard top brother adorn the walls of little boy’s bed rooms for many years to come, just like the F40 did for me.