2019 Ferrari 488 Spider

The main attraction on the 488 Spider is the mid-mounted 3.9L Turbocharged V8 engine which can muster a crazy 660 horsepower and 560-pound feet of pulling power. The engine wails all the way to 8000 rpm delivering a delightful performance. The shifting duty on the 488 Spider is handled by a 7-speed automatic transmission which carries a beautiful job channeling those horses to the rear wheels. Not to mention the exquisite styling of the 488 that makes the car look as exciting as it is to drive.

Largely derived from the 488 GTB, the 488 Spider employs the same oeuvre of art body with the iconic performance that Ferrari is always known for. You won't find a lot of choices as there is a single trim on the offer. As for the interior and exterior goes, there are plenty of options to customize. Features like Cruise control, heated exterior mirrors, leather sport seats, rear parking sensors and more are standard on the 488 Spider. You get different options for exhaust pipes, different colored rev counters, upholstery options for seats and more.

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With just one trim for the 488 Spider, there is not a whole lot you can choose from in terms of design and powertrain. Still, if you're going to buy a 488, it is best to choose the Spider over the Coupe for the sheer pleasure of listening to its glorious V8 with the top down.

"With a mid-mounted twin-turbo 3.9-liter V-8, the 488GTB generates a sonorous wail and ferocious acceleration all the way to 8000 rpm. Ferrari's adaptive suspension is relatively compliant without sacrificing handling" -Car and Driver

Engine and transmission

Some purists might not find the logic behind a convertible 488, which is true in many ways. Still, Ferrari appreciates the beauty behind a beasty convertible. Even with the bolted turbochargers, the Ferrari 488 Spider hasn't strayed far from its high pitched maddening wail of its V8 predecessor- Ferrari 458. Unlike some engines, this powerhouse is capable of pinning you back at the seat. The 488's drivetrain has what it takes to connect the Ferrari's rich heritage to a new regime of technological innovation.

The 488's herculean power is channeled through a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The engine produces a tire mantling torque of 560 lb-ft is achieved at 3000 rpm which is meticulously channeled to the rear wheels. The shifts are smooth and take place within an eye blink. Ferrari's secret ingredient to the engine bay is the flat-plane-crank. A flat-plane-cranks is revered due to their lighter weight and compact dimension. This is one of the major reasons that Ferrari's V8 engines have a crazy 8,000 rpm redline.

With the Ferrari 488, you get what the price tag is worth. Its power and torque are unmatched by all the other supercars in this segment. A slick 7-speed dual-clutch transmission is pretty much a norm at this price range. The McLaren 570S has received much praise for its gearbox, yet it has nothing on the tighter ratios that the Ferrari so wonderfully works upon.

Acceleration

Ever since it was introduced in 2016, this engine has won accolades from fans and critics alike. The 3.9L V8 brings out the best of 660 hp while roaring at 8000 rpm. Throttle response is rated at 0.8 seconds which is crisp and matches the territory of normally aspirated engines. The 488 blazes past the 60 mph mark in 3 seconds and it decimates the quarter-mile at 10.6 seconds. The exceptional response time is what makes a Ferrari more than the sum of its parts.

When we stack the 488 head to head with 911, the latter manages to extract most out its 3.8 L engine. The 911 Turbo S Cabriolet manages a neck-snapping 2.9 second 60 mph run with no fuss at all. It is the Ferrari's twin-scrolled turbochargers that give it the edge in a quarter-mile drag, while the Porsche's turbo lag gets it the second place.

Braking

The Ferrari 488 uses Brembo Extreme Design braking system. These brakes use new materials that increase durability and also require less time to reach optimal operating temperature. The 488 comes to a halt from 60 mph within 94 feet, which is better than any other convertible in this segment. The Porsche comes the closest, thanks to its massive brakes and a lightweight chassis.

Ride and Handling

The Ferrari 488 is a ferocious driving companion. The company's Formula One legacy is reflected once you take the car for a spin around your local racetrack. The steering is responsive and gives instantaneous feedback to every movement. The MR-fluid based adjustable suspension tirelessly adapts by the millisecond to provide the best comfort or traction, depending on which driving mode you've chosen. The driver experiences a smooth and supple ride, so long as the tarmac is not too rough.

The rear visibility is not that great with the roof up. Take the top down and you find it way easier to eliminate a lot of blind spots around the car. You can barely hear any wind or road noise within the cabin. Thankfully, the engine roar is not treated to that kind of suppression.

High octane premium fuel is the lifeblood of supercars. The 488 is no stranger to its brethren. These big engines are natural enemies of big MPG numbers. Still, the Ferrari 488 goes out to set an example for this segment. It scores 18 mpg (combined), making it go neck-and-neck with the McLaren 570S in terms of fuel economy. The competition closely follows the 488, the 911 scores 17 mpg while the Huracan scores a 16 mpg.

"A 488's interior works both aesthetically and ergonomically. It's surprisingly bearable right from the moment of stepping in, which doesn't require the contortions often associated with supercars. Even tall drivers are accommodated." -Kelley Blue Book

Seating and Comfort

For a car like Ferrari 488 Spider, it is difficult for the manufacturer to prioritize comfort over performance. But this Ferrari's cabin does a great job of providing comfort for the occupants while staying true to its performance DNA. Everything is tailored to fit the driver's requirements, the same as in the GTB. The steering mounted controls feel like a spaceship though it takes a little time to get the hang of it. Being a Spider, this Ferrari can offer the best of both worlds by amplifying the exhaust note and delivering an open vibe, this may tamper with the performance but totally worth the experience.

Ferrari has done a great job to keep the cockpit less cluttered. Various commands are not clustered on the steering wheel, they have been separated and organized on satellite pods that are angled towards the driver. The 488 only brings the essentials to the mix and provides for a heightened driving experience.

The cabin features exclusively handcrafted materials that are befitting for a really special car. The 488's cabin incorporates classic Ferrari distinction between the dashboard and bridge. This bridge serves as a cluster for main function buttons and also provides space for storing commodities.

Infotainment

The infotainment system included with the 488 supports Apple Carplay. Two infotainment pods rest behind either side of the steering wheel. On paper, it might have been a great approach but two screens with different controls really take your attention off the road. The infotainment is paired with a standard stereo but if you want to mask up the noise of the V8 engine, a 12-speaker option is available for your audio needs.

Some other infotainment features include:

• Remote Keyless Entry
• MP3 Player
• USB Port
• CD Player
• Bluetooth Connectivity

Cargo Capacity

With its nooks and crannies, cup holders and glove box the 488 fares well in-cabin storage. There are ample spaces to store your belongings without getting too much disturbance in the driving dynamics. The 488 offers 8.1 cu-ft. of cargo space in the front which can easily accommodate a couple of small bags for your weekend trip.

When compared to the competition, the Ferrari manages to leave decent cargo space in the front. Surprisingly, the McLaren 570s and Porsche 911 Turbo S run low on cargo space. The Lamborghini Huracan has no real trunk to speak of. So, you are lucky enough to store a couple of flip-flops.

"Fine leather, suede, carbon fiber, and metal accents cover nearly everything inside its racy, driver-focused cabin. The interior is spacious for two adults but don't expect much in the way of infotainment or connectivity." -Car and Driver

Design and Styling

The Ferrari 488 is a chiseled work of art. The design exudes an aura of power and performance. A glance at the 488 and you know that it beautifully fits in the natural order of Ferraris. The sleek lines flow seamlessly through the side profile of the car and merge quite beautifully at the rear of the car. The large air intake scallop in the front is a reminder of the signature design that was invoked in Ferrari's first rear-mid V8 engine design - the revered predecessor by the name of Ferrari 308 GTB.

With the top up, it becomes quite difficult to differentiate the coupe and the spider. It is only a slim profile of the roof that is a telltale sign of the convertible. For a bit of wind in your hair, you can retract the roof into the trunk with a single push of a button and a wait of 14 seconds. Moreover, you don't have to be stationary for that, since the car can travel at a leisurely 25 mph during the convertible action.

The Ferrari 488 weighs in at 3362 lbs., the length is 179.8 inches and the 488 is the widest car in the segment at 76.9 inches. The 488 adheres to Ferrari's commitment to a design that brings form and performance closer. The track width of the Ferrari 488 is wide as well. Thus, it might be the closest you can get to an actual Formula One car on the streets. The McLaren 570S comes close but its more edgy design keeps it from truly realizing that dream.

Exterior Features

• Titanium sport exhaust
• Track telemetry system
• Carbon-fiber trim pieces
• Aerodynamic additions

You can abandon all hope of any safety rating from the NHTSA or the IIHS. Ferrari has got you cocooned inside a net of safety features that inspire confidence in any driving situation. The 488 uses an Electronic Stability Program that guarantees better ABS intervention at low traction scenarios. The brakes feature newly designed calipers that allow more cooling under extreme driving. Nevertheless, you better be experienced with several sports cars before getting behind the wheel of a 458 Spider.

Safety Features

• Daytime Running LED Headlights
• Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags
• Electronic Stability Control
• F1-Trac ABS And Driveline Traction Control
• Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation
• Height Adjustable Headrests
• Front And Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System

McLaren 570s Spider vs Ferrari 488 Spider

McLaren's design might not speak like the 488's but their engines sure know how to leave an impression. The Twin-Turbo V8 engine hammers out a robust 562 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of pulling power. Though the tire-melting power will elevate your blood pressure, Ferrari is hell-bent of going to the utmost extremity. All 660 horses on the Ferrari chariot earns an edge of 0.2 seconds from the 570S McLaren. Also, they did a great job of keeping the cabin driver-focused with minimal noise with the roof on, while McLaren struggles to match such a perfection.

Porsche 911 Turbo S vs Ferrari 488 Spider

Coming from the infamous 911 lane, the Turbo S is part of the Porsche's track-focused 911s. In other words, a perfect rival for the 488. While the 911 is known for its ultra-nimble handling, Ferrari counters it with brute engine power. Still, Porsche finds a way to surpass the 488 only with a split second though. One thing which Porsche fails at is the engine sound. You won't find zen with Porsche's engine sound which was better on the yesteryear variants. Ferrari on the opposite end is known for its sonorous engine orchestra which follows on the 488 Spider.

The folks at Maralleno really love naming their car. For this car, they have dropped the old naming tradition that denotes engine displacement. This time they went ahead with using the individual capacity of a single-cylinder 488cc. Ferrari has taken the best of the GTB and decorated with a retractable metal rooftop-To sum up the 488 Spider.

What a fine looker the 488 is even with a new scalloped body design the 488 stays true to pure lines. The 488 is the beginning of a new era in the V8 chapter. With the 488, Ferrari brings a road-legal track-spec car that boasts of "tamable" performance and can be easily handled by lesser experienced drivers.

2019 Ferrari 488 Spider Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

How fast is the Ferrari 488 Spider?

The Ferrari 488 Spider can sprint from a standstill to 60 mph in 3 seconds flat and complete a quarter-mile run in 10.6 seconds. On a long enough straight, it can achieve a top speed of 202 mph.

Is the Ferrari 488 reliable?

The Ferrari 488 is more reliable than other mainstream Ferraris before it. Even so, the car requires a $3000 tune-up every 2000 miles. But that is not much of an inconvenience if you are able to own the car in the first place.

Where is the Ferrari 488 manufactured?

All Ferraris are assembled by hand from the ground up at the Ferrari factory located in Maranello, Italy. The facility maintains the exclusivity Ferrari is famed for and produces less than 7000 cars annually.

Is Ferrari still owned by Fiat?

No. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles announced their decision to separate Ferrari from the pack in October 2014. Though it wasn't until January 2016 that Ferrari officially split from the group as Ferrari NV just before their 69th foundation anniversary in March of the same year.