Ferrari add the 458 Spider to its lineup (updated with videos)

UPDATE: New videos released by Ferrari, 22.09.2011

UPDATE: Images added of the 458 Spider at the Frankfurt Motor Show, 13.09.2011

Ferrari has today unveiled the first images of its new model the 458 Spider which joins the 458 Italia and widens the range of mid-rear engined V8s of the Italian brand. The new model from Ferrari is set to debut at next month’s Frankfurt Motor Show.

The 458 Spider is powered by the naturally-aspirated, direct-injection 4.5 litre V8, an engine which was nominated as the 2011 International Engine of the Year. It is coupled with Ferrari’s class-leading dual-clutch F1 paddle-shift transmission.

The accelerator pedal mapping and the damping of the multilink suspension on the 458 Spider has been calibrated to guarantee maximum sportiness, as part of spider tradition of the Italian brand. The Maranello engineers have also sharpened the car’s sound in order to ensure that the passengers get the most advantage of the drop-top driving experience.

The 458 Spider features a Ferrari patented, fully retractable hard top, a world first for a sports car with this lay-out. This technology advantages include a reduction of 25 kg in weight and a deployment time of just 14 seconds. The hard top has been fully integrated into the styling of the car and engineered to fit neatly ahead of the engine bay without compromising aerodynamics or the performance of the car.

At the back the design of the 458 Spider is characterised by innovative forms with the buttresses designed to optimise the flow of air to the engine intakes and the clutch and gearbox oil radiators.

The 458 Spider has a claimed top speed of 320 km/h and is able to accelerate from 0 t0 100km/h in just 3.5 seconds. This power results in fuel consumption of 11,2l/100km of fuel with CO2 emissions of 275g/km.

Ferrari 458 Spider Official Video

Ferrari 458 Spider - Behind the scenes official video