The new-generation Ferrari F8 Spider has been revealed; designed alongside the F8 Tributo coupe, with the same engine and output.
The new Ferrari F8 Spider is the latest addition to the Prancing Horse’s range of open-top V8 cars that begun with the 308 GTS in 1977. Ferrari claim that the new F8 Spider is not as extreme as the 488 Pista Spider, but sportier than the 488 Spider it replaces in the range. The engine has been developed from the V8 unit that won the “International Engine of the Year Award” for four consecutive years from 2016 to 2019. Innovative track-derived aero solutions have been added to the design of the car, which in turn gives it better performance and effortless-handling characteristics.
Powering the new Ferrari F8 Spider is a 3.9-litre, twin-turbo V8 unit that produces 720 hp at 8,000 rpm and a peak torque of 770 Nm at 3,250 rpm, mated to a seven-speed, dual-clutch, F1 gearbox driving the rear wheels. This engine can deliver a top speed of up to 340 km/h and sprint from 0-100 km/h in 2.9 seconds, and 0-200 km/h in 8.2 seconds. This is an increase of 50 hp from the 488 Spider, achieved by moving the air intakes from the flanks to the rear where they are located on either side of the blown spoiler and are directly connected to the intake plenums. This drastically reduces losses and ensures greater air-flow to the engine, thereby increasing the power. The air-flow also benefits from increased dynamic pressure created by the shape of the rear spoiler. To maximise acceleration and minimize wheel-slip, the F8 Spider gets Adaptive Performance Launch technology which analyses the grip as the car accelerates and then uses electronic controls to optimize the torque delivered to suit the road’s grip level
The design of the new F8 Spider is more aerodynamic and features a RHT (Retractable Hard Top) as seen on the 488 Spider. This roof takes around 14 seconds to retract or deploy and can even be opened and closed on the go at speeds of up to 45 km/h. The front of the car features an S-Duct around which the front end has been redesigned, which highlights the new horizontal LED lights and the aerodynamic modifications at the front. On the rear end, we see a new spoiler that is larger and wraps around the tail-lights.
The F8 Spider has taken its aerodynamic inventions from Ferrari’s GT and Challenge racing experience. The position of the front radiators are rearward-angled, unlike the 488 Spider, which helps cooling but, at the same time, shrinks the underbody surface area that can be used to generate downforce. Ferrari have redesigned the geometry of the channels, which ensured that maximum downforce was generated while cutting drag.
FDE (Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer) is a lateral dynamics control system that uses Ferrari software to adjust the brake pressure at the calipers. The F8 Spider features the new FDE+ control system, which is operational through and exiting corners (but not under braking), now also extends to low grip conditions and to the Race setting of the manettino.
Ferrari will also offer their seven-year maintenance programme with the F8 Spider which covers all regular maintenance costs for the first seven years of the cars life.
Story: Azaman Chothia
