Ferrari 488 Spider arrives ahead of Frankfurt debut

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The Ferrari 488 Spider has been revealed ahead of its Frankfurt Motor Show, complete with two-piece folding roof and 660bhp V8 engine.

It’s only six months since the Ferrari 488 GTB arrived to take the place of the 458, but it’s open-top sibling is already making an appearance as the Ferrari 488 Spider, ready, willing and clearly able to take on the McLaren 650S Spider.

Just like the 488 GTB, the 488 Spider gets the 3.9 litre twin-turbo V8 delivering 660bhp and a 0-62mph of 3 seconds, despite an increase in weight as Ferrari strengthens the Spider to make it rigid enough, adding 50kg in the process.

Not that it matters particularly to buyers, but the twin-turbo V8 turns in impressive official economy, with 24.7 mpg and 260g/km – not that owners should expect anything better than mid-teens.

The two-piece trick roof from the 458 Spider is present and correct and can be opened and shut in just 14 seconds (but only when you’re stationary) and there’s a new glass wind stop behind the seats – which can be used in three different positions and even lowered when the roof’s up for better V8 noise.

Ferrari claim the new 488 Spider is the fastest and most aerodynamic Ferrari Spider ever built, thanks to the powerful turbo V8 and a blown spoiler and  underbody incorporating vortex generators.

The 488 Spider won’t get its public reveal until the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, by which time we should have full specs and prices. But if you want a Ferrari 488 Spider you’d better have at least £200k to spare.