| Engine | Power | Torque | 0-100kph | Top speed | Weight | Basic price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| V8, 3902cc, twin-turbo | 661bhp @ 8000rpm | 560lb ft @ 3000rpm (in seventh gear) | 3.0sec | 330kph+ | 1475kg (455bhp/ton) | $313,200 |
HIGH RES downloadable wallpapers available HERE and HERE
In ‘Sport’ the steering, while almost insanely responsive, is sufficiently subdued to make cruising a far more civil experience than one might expect from a 661bhp Italian supercar. Beautifully stitched leather upholstery is accompanied by an updated and, mercifully, more intuitive infotainment, offset by quirky if rather charming design aspects like the floating centre ‘console’ (though I question the logic of a fire extinguisher being mounted diagonally in the passenger footwell). With the roof stowed, that thumping V8 soundtrack adds a layer of driver involvement arguably more difficult to find in the GTB, and yet with the roof up, noise levels are no different to those in the coupe.
The dampers meanwhile, though taut through the corners, somehow prove malleable enough to offer a supple ride quality, one that could shame many executive saloons. Even the 488’s sports seats, while offering Ferrari’s traditionally excellent lumbar support, still prove comfortable enough that our long drive through the mountains and on the highway is not plagued by back issues or cramp. And this is before I twist the Manettino dial on the steering wheel from ‘Sport’ to ‘Race’…
Sport’s subtly more subdued character takes a back step, the 488 suddenly rippling with a new, more visceral energy. The darting nature of the front end remains unchanged, though there’s now a greater sense of urgency through the acceleration and accompanying soundtrack, as well as a fraction more density to the steering. Though there’s barely any room for the Spider to hunker any further, a renewed sense of dynamism takes over, simultaneously encouraging both my confidence in the balance and grip of the tyres, but also my bravery.
The darting front end remains planted while the rears now offer feistier feedback as an electronic safety belt is unbuckled (not that this hasn’t left a sufficient glut of them in its place). The rear wheels begin to ‘jink’ their enthusiasm through the lower-speed corners despite the enormous amount of traction, the well-weighted poise and subtle manipulation of the right pedal allowing me to keep this in-check. It’s a staggering example of how the 488 Spider can be driven dramatically with ease, albeit with that sonorous V8 bark and explosive throttle response making it far from relaxing. It’s a heart-pumping experience.
It’s incredible, this sensation of both speed and mind-boggling composure striking me right in the gut as the twisting stretch starts drawing to a close, the sun still not quite fully up in the sky. The lights on the steering wheel, at one point alive with activity, now settle to idle as I start bringing the revs down, a Blu Corsa bedecked rear wheel arch intermittently appearing in my peripheral vision through the wing mirror. I’ve been privileged to drive some fast – and indeed, very fast – cars during my time with crankandpiston.com, each in their own distinctive manner offering a composed drive with stellar acceleration.
“The 488 ripples with a new, more visceral energy: the darting nature of the front end remains unchanged, though there’s now a greater sense of urgency through the acceleration”
But there’s something different about this. Something I hadn’t quite prepared myself for. A sensation that’s lingering deep in my core that tells me this is not ‘just’ another mountain run. It’s difficult to describe, the superb agility of the Ferrari combined with those phenomenally aggressive bursts of speed, the scintillating soundtrack booming just over my right shoulder, and that stunning profile combining to leave a partial lump in my throat. The GTB-like resilience and determined drive; the awe-inspiring levels of traction; a beautiful ‘golden hour’ backdrop devoid of traffic and other distractions, and a stretch of winding tarmac seemingly built for this moment today. It’s one I know I could not adequately have prepared myself for, nor am unlikely to replicate regardless of place, time or circumstance.
I finally understand what my friend went through in Italy with the 458 Spider, and why that day stayed with him in the years that followed. I know this one certainly will.
Technical specifications available on page 3
