2017 Ferrari 488 Spider Expert Review
Reviewed by Michael Cantu
The 488 GTB Spider is one of Ferrari's most expensive V-8 models after the California T and the 488 GTB (Ferrari has yet to announce pricing for the GTC4Lusso T). The Spider slots above the California T but below the LaFerrari Aperta in the automaker's convertible lineup.
Overview
At a sky-high 8,000 rpm, the 3.9-liter twin-turbo V-8 produces 661 hp and 561 lb-ft of torque at just 3,000 rpm. This impressive power is routed through Ferrari's seven-speed F1 dual-clutch transmission that powers the rear wheels. Ferrari claims that the convertible can hit 62 mph in a rapid 3.0 seconds and has a top speed of 203 mph while delivering an EPA-rated 15/22 mpg city/highway (16/22 with the engine stop-start feature).
Standard equipment in the 488 Spider includes very powerful carbon-ceramic brakes, an infotainment screen mounted in the gauge cluster, Apple CarPlay, a host of advanced electronic driving aids, and remote engine start. A premium JBL sound system, a nose-lift system (lifts the front of the 488 to avoid damage), telemetry kit, fire extinguisher, a smoking kit, and front and rear cameras with parking sensors are optional.
If you want carbon fiber trim, you're in luck, The following 488 Spider parts can be ordered in carbon fiber: front wing, rear diffuser, rear air ducts, engine cover, fog lights, underhood cover, side air splitter, Scuderia Ferrari shields, door sills, door panel trim, dashboard inserts, central tunnel bridge, and the upper tunnel trim. Additionally, the 488 Spider is highly customizable with a vast swath of interior themes, exterior paint colors, and custom interior stitching.
Safety
The Ferrari 488 Spider comes standard with two front and side airbags, the latest generation of Ferrari's ABS system, Electronic Stability Program, F1-Trac Traction Control, and the Side Slip Control Two (SSC2) with E-Diff (electronic differential). The standard carbon ceramic brakes are borrowed from the more powerful LaFerrari and can stop the 488 faster than your average driver needs.
What We Think
In a First Drive review of the 2016 Ferrari 488 Spider, we were so impressed with the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission we called it "flawless" and said that "along some of Italy's uneven mountain roads, the 488 Spider always remains firmly planted, even when ripping through a corner a little too fast. The brakes grab like anchors. The steering feels as precise as a surgeon's scalpel."
We were more impressed with the fact that the 488 Spider shares the same 0-60 mph time of 3.0 seconds with the 488 GTB (although half a second slower to 125 mph), a feat that convertibles usually cannot accomplish against their coupe counterparts. In Motor Trend's Ignition episode 164, we reviewed the Ferrari 488 Spider and said, "What's special here is that Ferrari has retained so much of what makes the 488 GTB coupe with negligible downsides. In fact you can make the argument that the experience is better without the roof."
Cool Fact
Designed around the retractable hardtop, the 488 Spider has a chassis made of 11 different aluminum alloys combined with magnesium; this yields the same torsional rigidity as the coupe, improving the chassis' performance over that of its predecessor.
