Frankfurt Motor Show: Ferrari unveils the 488 Spider

To enrich the superb sound of the JBL PRO system, the Ferrari sports cars will also feature QuantumLogic Surround, which gives audio tracks a controlled sound quality by introducing revolutionary new audio algorithms to extract signal streams and impulse responses from the original recording.

The Frankfurt Motor Show always brings out the exotic cars and this year was no different starting the world reveal of the Ferrari 488 Spider. Of course, the retractable hard top is unique.

The 488’s spaceframe chassis is essentially aluminium, combining 11 different alloys, which Ferrari says endows the Spider with the same torsional rigidity and beam stiffness figures as the coupé, despite the lack of a roof. The new car replaces the mechanically-similar 458 Spider in the Ferrari stable and arrives on the market as a 2016 model.

The roof itself folds backwards in two overlapping sections to rest flush on the engine in a very compact solution.

Running a little counter to recent supercar trends, the 488 uses an aluminum space frame instead of a carbon fiber or composite monocoque, yet the chassis is as stiff as the 488 GTB, and 23% stiffer than the preceding 458 Spider. The roof can be operated on the move, taking 14 seconds to move from one position to the other. These ensure that the 488 Spider is the most aerodynamically efficient open-top Ferrari ever built. This is due to aerodynamic features such as the active front bumper and blown rear spoiler carried over from the GTB.

The aero engineers also took into account factors relating to in-car comfort.

Improvements to the car’s technology and assistance systems see the debut of a new version of the Side Slip Angle Control system, designed to make it easier for less-experienced drivers to handle the car on the limit. Mated to Ferrari’s F1 seven-speed twin-clutch gearbox, the 488 Spider will get from 0 to 62 MPH in just three seconds – and by the time you’ve been on the gas for six seconds, you’ve gone from idle to the rev limiter in 4th gear. Top speed will be somewhere in excess of 200 MPH.