Just in case you missed it, here’s the video of Fifth Gear presenter Vicki Butler-Henderson testing the Ferrari 458 Spider, which she describes as “the convertible version of the best supercar in the world”. The video looks great and sounds even better, and Vicky does a great job at making you feel how a car like that tastes like, as always.

There’s probably no point on reeling off the usual performance figures and technical specs here as Mrs.Butler-Henderson will tell you all about the Ferrari 458 Spider during this entartaining 5-minutes long video. This is really cool footage, it is a nice watch even if already you saw it.

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Few days ago our Italian team had the privilege to test drive the new Ferrari 458 Spider and here’s the video that summarises this exciting experience. Unfortunately it comes with no English subtitles so we’ve decided to translate the important bits for you.

As you can see and hear in the video, Ferrari’s latest creature features an extraordinary acceleration - from 0-100 in 3.4 sec - which in terms of fierceness, can only be compared to a vehicle with a center-mounted engine. On the road, it reaches a top speed of 320 km/h with the 8 cylinders delivering a captivating melody only interrupted by the dual-clutch transmission’s action.

The folding aluminium roof is one of Ferrari 458 Spider’s most intriguing features: it is divided in two parts that allow this vehicle to turn from a sporty coupe to a spider in the matter of 14 seconds. The two ‘flippers’ at the back provide extra safety in the unlucky case of an overturning and they make roll bars no longer necessary. The reinforced chassis’ structural rigidity guarantees a flawless dynamic behaviour and the overhall feel is of a more complete version of the Ferrari 458 Italia, the impressive coupè it derives from.

View the full Ferrari 458 Spider photo gallery.

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Exciting, provocative and exotic: the Ferrari 458 Spider unveiled at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show seems to have it all, closing the 8 cylinder range in the most spectacular manner. The V8 on display is the first Ferrari spider to feature a rigid roof which folds in only 14 seconds and weights 25 kg less then the traditional one made with fabric. The new roof not only is so compact it allowed designers to add a small compartment behind the seats for luggage storage, it also provides much better sound and thermal proofing.

Sporting a remarkable 4.5 V8 570 HP engine (which by the way has received the International Performance Engine of the Year award in 2010), this spider also features a F1 dual clutch, it reaches a top speed of 320 km/h going from 0-100 in 3.4 sec. Thanks to the HELE package, the Ferrari 458 Spider boasts fuel consumption of 11,8 l/100 km and CO emissions of 275 g/km.

View the full 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show: Ferrari 458 Spider photo gallery.

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The new Ferrari 458 Spider looks set to complete the Ferrari 458 Italia story, providing fans of the 458 model with an open top version to really enjoy that 4.5-litre V8. The 458 Spider has a folding hard top roof with the same flip mechanism as the Ferrari Superamerica, which the company claims is a first for this kind of car.

This model is not just about getting the wind in your hair, as the Ferrari 458 Spider is equipped with the 2011 Engine of the Year for performance cars with 570 hp and 540 Nm of torque. On the technical front for the Spider, the aluminium roof saves weight on a traditional rag top (Ferrari estimates a weight saving of about 25 kg), and can be opened and closed in 14 seconds.

Once closed, the Ferrari 458 Spider roof allows for space for luggage and new “fins” allow for optimal airflow to the engine. Onboard comfort is maintained by way of an adjustable glass “windstop” and Ferrari says you can have a normal conversation at up to 200 km/hr. How often you might like to have a high speed chat is up to you - see the pics and the video above of the new 458 Spider.

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Reports suggest that Ferrari could reveal five new models from 2011 to 2012 as it replaces older models and starts to roll out both hybrid and performance-oriented vehicles. The first model we’ll apparently be seeing is the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti replacement. Known as the F151 at the moment, it is expected to appear at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show in March. It will be the first Ferrari hybrid production model and will be equipped with a V12 with 550 hp matched to two 100-hp electric motors. They will reduce fuel consumption and emissions by up to 35 percent.

The new Ferrari 458 Challenge will also be present at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show and it should prove to be an exciting model for purists of the brand. At Frankfurt we’ll be seeing the Ferrari 458 Spider which could debut with a fancy glass roof. In any case, as the name suggests, it’s the open-top version of the standard 458. 2012 could see the heir to the Ferrari Enzo appear with a twinturbo V8.

In acknowledgement of the Chinese market, production of the Enzo could also take place locally. Then in the second half of 2012 the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano replacement will appear. It’s currently codenamed the F152. If all this is to be believed, it will be a busy couple of years for Ferrari. We’re keen to see what they come up with.

Source | SportAuto.fr via Autoblog.it

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After the leaked Ferrari 458 Spider roof design, another document shows the Ferrari 458 Italia pricing, coming it at 162,900 euros, before taxes. It’s not an official price, and will obviously vary widely depending on what combinations you choose from the 458 Italia configurator. The price makes it an expensive little number for most of us, but not if you’re a true Ferrari fan and plan on purchasing one.

Source | Autoblog

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Here’s looking at the new roof for the Ferrari 599 or Ferrari 458 spider version! This seems to be a patent application, complete with drawings, of a targa-type roof, and according to Ferrari sources, it comes direct from Maranello.

For the engineers among you, check out the design of this folding hard top roof, which then nestles behind the vehicle’s occupants. Logical deductions based on the drawing, would suggest the spider version of the 458 Italia, but as Ferrari says, the design regards the roof part only.

According to the Ferrari source, every design has a drawing, even the ones that don’t go into production. It’s tantalising stuff, and there’s no knowing how these drawings got onto the web, but they’re better than any teaser any marketing department came up with. Literally. Our source below quotes the original story from the Dutch and the Ferrari source information from the Italians.

Source | Autoblog.nl and Autoblog.it

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Here are new renders of the Ferrai 458 Spider, after confirmations that the brand new Ferrari 458 Italia would be made in an open-top version in the future. The 458 Spider will appear a couple of years down the track, likely picking up from where the California leaves off. These renderings are probably a bit premature, in light of the couple of years waiting time we all have, but there’s no harm in dreaming.

Source | Autogespot

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Joy for Ferrari fans as president Montezemolo confirms that the Ferrari 458 Spider will be produced. He also revealed more news on the 458 Italia, saying it follows the 430 Scuderia in having full steering wheel commands. 458 pricing is 197,000 euros with deliveries commencing January. The 458 Spider version won’t appear before a couple of years.

Ferrari is looking to expand its offerings, making a greater range for fans. The California follows a GT model, while the 458 is intended as the supersports model. The spider should prove to be a popular development.

Source | Quattroruote via Autoblog.it

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