Ferrari 458 Spider to get metal folding roof: report
With the Ferrari 458 being out for around two years now, speculation about the drop-top version is heating up. One of the hottest topics at the moment is whether or not the new Ferrari 458 Spider will feature a metal folding roof rather than the more traditional fabric design.
(rendered image by Jon Sibal)
According to a number of reports, the new 458 Spider will feature an all-new metal and glass roof design that is said to fold up into a space behind the seats. This design will apparently require the removal of the clear engine cover of the normal coupe version, which could be replaced with a solid cover for rigidity purpose.
It was previously thought the old Ferrari 430 would showcase a folding roof design similar to the one eventually brought out on the Ferrari California in 2008. But due to weight disadvantages the idea fizzed out. Rumour has it Ferrari has now fixed the weight problem and it could be ready for the current 458. Even if it did weigh a little more, surely a few extra kilograms wouldn't hinder the 425kW 4.5-litre V8's performance too much.
The new Ferrari 458 Spider is expected to debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show in September. We'll be sure to provide as much coverage as possible.
In the meantime, tell us what you think of the Spider. Would you sacrifice a fraction of performance for a metal roof, or would you rather a lighter-weight fabric item on the Ferrari 458 Spider?
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