Ferrari 488 Spider debuts at 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show

Ferrari has unveiled the 488 Spider at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show.

The 488 Spider is the convertible version of the 488 GTB that was revealed earlier this year. It is powered by the same engine as the GTB - a 3,902cc, V8, petrol unit that produces 661 BHP and 760 Nm of torque. This engine is mated to a 7-speed, dual clutch automatic transmission. Ferrari claims that the 488 Spider can do 0-100 kph and 0-200 kph sprints in 3 and 8.7 seconds respectively.

The 488 Spider has a spaceframe chassis made of 11 different 6,000 series aluminium alloys, containing varying percentages of magnesium. Ferrari claims that it has the same torsional rigidity and beam stiffness figures as the coupe. The chassis' performance is 23% better than that of the 458 Spider.

Ferrari has given the 488 Spider a retractable hard top that can be raised or lowered in 14 seconds even when the car is moving. The body of the car features flying buttresses, ribbing on the engine cover and the air intakes with mesh grilles. The 488 Spider also debuts a new colour - Blu Corsa.

Ferrari has also announced that it is offering the Apple CarPlay system on the entire Ferrari range. The FF was the first car to adopt the iPhone feature, which offers voice and touch functionalities, allowing users to make phone calls, use maps, send and receive messages and play music. The California T was the next car to get the feature. Apple CarPlay will also soon be available for the 488 GTB, the 488 Spider and the F12 Berlinetta.