When the 488 GTB replaced the 458 Italia in 2015, Ferrari didn't just do a one-to-one exchange, with nips and tucks to make the newer car look nice. The super carmaker decided to swop from a natural aspirated engine in the 458 to the turbocharged lump in the 488, which caused a controversial uproar.
But that's also because the 458 Italia is one helluva car to pilot, thanks to its naturally aspirated 4.5-litre that is more than capable of providing the driver a full-on action movie, edge of the seat experience. Thus, understandably, such a significant change in engine can, quite possibly, lead to a replacement that's less exciting. Of course, in the eyes of Ferrari purists, this could also mean nothing less than blasphemy.
So this car isn't any good, huh?
Not one bit true. Mated to an ultra-quick and silky smooth seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, the 488 Spider may sport a shrunken and force induced 3.9-litre V8 powerplant but it keenly produces 670 Italian horses and a dizzying 760Nm of twisting force that pulls itself to the century sprint with absolute aplomb in a flashy three seconds - almost half a second faster than the 458 Italia.
But it isn't just about the figures the Spider boasts that make the supercar such a hoot to pilot. You see, in our eyes, the hard-top GTB is the epitome of being a die hard 'push' power, where the driver gets to enjoy every bit of the car's acceleration, body movement and ruckus from the back, where the engine is located.
But that's also because the 458 Italia is one helluva car to pilot, thanks to its naturally aspirated 4.5-litre that is more than capable of providing the driver a full-on action movie, edge of the seat experience. Thus, understandably, such a significant change in engine can, quite possibly, lead to a replacement that's less exciting. Of course, in the eyes of Ferrari purists, this could also mean nothing less than blasphemy.
So this car isn't any good, huh?
Not one bit true. Mated to an ultra-quick and silky smooth seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, the 488 Spider may sport a shrunken and force induced 3.9-litre V8 powerplant but it keenly produces 670 Italian horses and a dizzying 760Nm of twisting force that pulls itself to the century sprint with absolute aplomb in a flashy three seconds - almost half a second faster than the 458 Italia.
But it isn't just about the figures the Spider boasts that make the supercar such a hoot to pilot. You see, in our eyes, the hard-top GTB is the epitome of being a die hard 'push' power, where the driver gets to enjoy every bit of the car's acceleration, body movement and ruckus from the back, where the engine is located.
The 488 Spider that you see here, on the other hand, has a completely different proposition. The drop-top supercar has, quite quaintly, an effective 'pull' presence, thanks to its resplendently sheet metal. It's the kind of car you want to be seen with a sexy passenger. It's the kind of car that's simply… perfect for two.
You're making it sound like a love ride
It is, if you think about it from a different perspective. It's love with and without a sexy passenger.
Without, you have the full authority to give the Spider the beans without having to worry if the person on your left is going to spew dinner out of her mouth. You move out slowly from your parking lot, make a few turns towards to the exit and gun towards the horizon once the barrier lowers behind you.
Along stretches of empty straights, there is nothing to worry about, except incurring a kerb incident. Instead, the only thing that comes across your mind is the question of how fast you would like to push the car. Admittedly, it does take more than a pair of balls to breach the 200km/h mark on public roads and the Ferrari will swallow the roads without making a single fuss.
Approach a corner and the ceramic brakes do a splendid job at ensuring you tackle the bend with a slow entry while the instantaneous acceleration, despite it sporting a turbocharged engine, will see to it that you exit the corner in a Formula One-quick fashion.
You're making it sound like a love ride
It is, if you think about it from a different perspective. It's love with and without a sexy passenger.
Without, you have the full authority to give the Spider the beans without having to worry if the person on your left is going to spew dinner out of her mouth. You move out slowly from your parking lot, make a few turns towards to the exit and gun towards the horizon once the barrier lowers behind you.
Along stretches of empty straights, there is nothing to worry about, except incurring a kerb incident. Instead, the only thing that comes across your mind is the question of how fast you would like to push the car. Admittedly, it does take more than a pair of balls to breach the 200km/h mark on public roads and the Ferrari will swallow the roads without making a single fuss.
Approach a corner and the ceramic brakes do a splendid job at ensuring you tackle the bend with a slow entry while the instantaneous acceleration, despite it sporting a turbocharged engine, will see to it that you exit the corner in a Formula One-quick fashion.
Sweeeeet! What if I have a partner with me?
With the accompaniment of a passenger, you don't have to worry about not being able control the 488 Spider in a gentlemanly manner. Flick and hold the button on the centre console and the roof lowers itself in just 14 seconds and up to speeds of 35km/h, making it the perfect choice for those who enjoy showing off a little without having the need to come to a complete stop to operate the roof.
While most coupes lose their beautiful lines when the roof is kept, the Spider seems to look more ravishing than its coupe counterpart. There is a great sense of occasion to be around it, let alone drive it.
Around town, where driving at lower commitment levels are required, the car remains to be very easy to handle. Despite its 1,952mm width, you seldom find yourself having difficulties placing it on the road. More surprisingly and impressively, the supercar soaks up bumps and ruts better than most in its class, which makes it that much more convincing and easier to live with on a daily basis.
With the accompaniment of a passenger, you don't have to worry about not being able control the 488 Spider in a gentlemanly manner. Flick and hold the button on the centre console and the roof lowers itself in just 14 seconds and up to speeds of 35km/h, making it the perfect choice for those who enjoy showing off a little without having the need to come to a complete stop to operate the roof.
While most coupes lose their beautiful lines when the roof is kept, the Spider seems to look more ravishing than its coupe counterpart. There is a great sense of occasion to be around it, let alone drive it.
Around town, where driving at lower commitment levels are required, the car remains to be very easy to handle. Despite its 1,952mm width, you seldom find yourself having difficulties placing it on the road. More surprisingly and impressively, the supercar soaks up bumps and ruts better than most in its class, which makes it that much more convincing and easier to live with on a daily basis.
Which is a better choice then? The 488 GTB or the Spider?
From a pure driver's perspective, the 488 GTB would certainly be the weapon of choice. But it somehow lacks the extraordinary feel that the Spider offers. While the GTB is undoubtedly good, the convertible adds another topping on the cake that makes it so much easier to swallow, and positively tastier at that!
Given a sum of $1,105,000 (as of 20th December 2016 without COE and options), the 488 Spider would be our choice. It's the one car that never fails to stop alluring you, even after a long day with it.
From a pure driver's perspective, the 488 GTB would certainly be the weapon of choice. But it somehow lacks the extraordinary feel that the Spider offers. While the GTB is undoubtedly good, the convertible adds another topping on the cake that makes it so much easier to swallow, and positively tastier at that!
Given a sum of $1,105,000 (as of 20th December 2016 without COE and options), the 488 Spider would be our choice. It's the one car that never fails to stop alluring you, even after a long day with it.
