SHANCare.blogspot.com: Ferrari 458 Spider (2013)

Ferrari 458 Spider (2013)

The Ferrari 458 Spider is powered by Ferrari's 570 CV 4,499 cc V8 which was named International Engine of the Year 2011. The power is transferred to the road by Ferrari's class-leading dual-clutch F1 paddle-shift transmission through the sophisticated E-Diff, itself integrated with the F1-Trac traction control and high-performance ABS for maximum handling dynamics. The car delivers 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in under 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 320 km/h.

Retractable hard top

The 458 Spider is the first mid-rear engined car in the world to be equipped with an all-aluminum retractable hard top. Patented by Ferrari the roof and its mechanism weigh 25 kg less than a traditional soft-top and, when lowered, takes up less space to the benefit of improved design packaging and aerodynamics. The roof takes just 14 seconds - a record speed - to lower or raise.

Chassis design

The 458 Spider was designed to ensure class-leading levels of handling and driving dynamics. The engineering solutions include strengthening to the sill extrusions and the introduction of structural buttresses. The result is a significant increase in structural rigidity both in terms of torsional rigidity and beam stiffness (both up by around 23%) compared to the F430 Spider. The 458 Spider benefits from ideal weight balance with 42% over the front axle and 58% over the rear.

Engine & sound

The 458 Spider is powered by Ferrari’s 570 CV naturally-aspirated, direct-injection 4.5 litre V8, winner of the 2011 International Engine of the Year Award. Special care was taken over ensuring that the sound when driving top down would meet enthusiasts' expectations. To this end Ferrari's engineers developed a different rear silencer to get just the right mix between intake and exhaust.

Aerodynamics

Overall, aerodynamic efficiency is improved by 12% over the F430 Spider. This figure was achieved thanks to the double curvature of the roof and the design of the buttresses which optimist air flow to the rear engine cover intakes and the clutch and gearbox oil radiators, thus ensuring optimum engine breathing and cooling.

Electric wind-stop

The electric glass wind-stop is adjustable in height and provides ideal protection for occupants even at high speed, enabling normal conversation to be held even at speeds over 200 km/h. When opening the roof the wind-stop automatically lowers to its optimum position which was defined by computer simulation and wind tunnel experiments on 1:1 scale models.

Ferrari 458 Spider - Technical Specification

Engine

Longitudinal mid-rear V8

Bore/stroke: 94 x 81 mm

Displacement: 4499 cc

Maximum power: 570 CV (562 hp) @ 9000 rpm

Maximum torque: 540 Nm @ 6000 rpm

Maximum revs: 9000 rpm

Compression ratio: 12.5:1

Specific power: 127 CV (125 hp) per liter

Weight/power ratio: 2.51 kg/CV

Direct injection

Dry sump lubrication