Ferrari 458 Retractable Hardtop Spider Debuts at 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show +VIDEO

New exclusive "Bespoke" program also showcased

FRANKFURT - September 16, 2011: Ferrari’s exclusive new 8-cylinder, the 458 Spider has finally was unveiled to the public at the 64th Frankfurt International Motor Show.

     • SEE ALSO: Exclusive Press Pass Coverage of the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show

The latest addition to the Ferrari range is a mid-rear-engined two-seater featuring a fully retractable aluminium hard-top, a world first for a sports car with this layout.

Highlights from the unveiling at the Frankfurt Motor Show

The 458 Spider’s innovative new hard-top is not only 25 kg lighter than a traditional folding soft-top, but is also quieter and thermally more efficient when raised. Aside from taking just 14 seconds to open or close, the hard-top was engineered to occupy a very small space when stored so that the designers were able to include a generous rear bench for luggage behind the two seats.

The rear windscreen doubles as an effective wind-stop which is electrically adjustable. When the hard-top is folded away the wind-stop opens to the height that guarantees the most efficient aerodynamics, reducing buffeting in the cockpit.

Watch the Ferrari 458 Spider promo video

The 458 Spider is powered by Ferrari’s 570 CV 4,499 cc V8 which was named International Engine of the Year 2011. This is coupled with Ferrari’s class-leading dual-clutch F1 paddle-shift transmission which delivers 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in under 3.4 seconds and a maximum speed of 320 km/h.

The all-aluminium chassis incorporates new alloys and castings, also adopted on the coupé, which ensure the 458 Spider already conforms to 2020 safety legislation.

Its category-topping performance aside, the new car also boasts class-leading fuel consumption and emissions levels. Thanks to the HELE (High Emotion Low Emission) system, in fact, fuel consumption on the combined urban cycle stands at 11.8 l/100 km with CO2 emissions of 275 g/km.

Tailor-Made Programme

Ferrari chose Frankfurt to introduce a new service, displaying an area of the stand dedicated to the Tailor-Made Programme which will enable owners to reach an even more personal level of distinctiveness with the specification of their cars.

The Tailor-Made Programme provides clients with an extensive range of exclusive cloth trim, colours, finishes and technical materials for a final specification inspired by unique classic Ferraris and by motor racing. The selection is available in three innovative collections - Classica, Scuderia and Inedita – specifically conceived by Ferrari’s Styling centre.

In creating a truly bespoke car clients will be assisted by their own Personal Designer throughout the decision-making process, right up until delivery.

The Carrozzeria Scaglietti programme continues the range of personalisation options open to clients.

The Ferrari range

Lining up alongside the 458 Spider is the entire Ferrari range, including the 458 Italia, the maximum expression of an extreme, high-performance driving experience. Today the V8 berlinetta is even more sporty.

New control software for the magnetorheological dampers improves body control, enhancing the feedback in sporty driving.

With the manettino in RACE - in other words, at the highest level of performance with all the dynamic vehicle control systems still engaged - an evolved software for the F1 dual-clutch transmission makes gearchanges even more decisive, while there’s even faster acceleration out of bends thanks to an improved calibration of the F1-Trac traction control.

Also being showcased on the Ferrari stand is the Ferrari California, the mid-front-engined V8 GT that melds performance, versatility and driving pleasure. The example on display is finished in an elegant two-tone Bianco Fuji with a Nero Daytona roof and bordeaux interior.

It is flanked by the Prancing Horse’s two majestic 12-cylinder models. The FF is the revolutionary four-seater which, for the first time in Ferrari’s history, employs a Ferrari-patented four-wheel drive system to combine unprecedented levels of performance from its 660-CV engine with comfort and versatility. The 599 GTB is shown at Frankfurt with the HGTE Package.

No Ferrari stand would be complete either, of course, without a Formula 1 single-seater to celebrate the most victorious team ever in this, the ultimate motor racing category.