Behind the passenger cell is the same dry sump 3.9-litre turbocharged V8 that does duty in the 488 GTB, which was released earlier this year. The engine develops a maximum of 492kW of power at 8000rpm and 760Nm of torque at 3000rpm.
All that fury is delivered to ground through the rear wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Foot to the floor, the 488 Spider is good for a 0-100km/h time of three seconds flat, which is on par with its fixed sibling.
The Spider requires 8.7 seconds to complete the 0-200km/h dash, making it 0.4 seconds tardier the GTB. Top speed is claimed to over 325km/h; the GTB is said to have a top speed of over 330km/h. Under the European testing regime, the 488 Spider has a fuel consumption rating of 11.4L/100km.
The Spider's retractable hardtop folds away or rises into position in 14 seconds. For alfresco motoring, the hardtop sits in two overlapping sections over the top of the engine. According to Ferrari, the Spider has the same torsional rigidity and beam stiffness as the GTB coupe.
The 488 Spider boasts a kerb weight of 1525 kilograms or 50kg more than the GTB. Like the coupe, the convertible rides on 20-inch wheels all around, with 245/35 tyres up front and 305/30 units at the rear.
The 488 Spider will receive its full public debut at the 2015 Frankfurt motor show, which starts in the middle of September.
Click here to view more photos of the new Ferrari 488 Spider.
