Ferrari 488 Spider

Inside, the Ferrari convertible doesn’t have much space. There’s only enough room for two people, including the driver. The space behind the seats can fit small bags at most. And if you don’t get the optional spare tire, you also get some space underneath the front bonnet.

Beige Italian leather and carbon fiber accents give the Spider’s interior a snug and luxurious feel that’s perfect for cruising. Its seats are nicely cushioned and supportive. Everything that the driver needs – such as turn indicators, controls for wipers and headlights, and buttons for launch control, reverse, and activating car modes – are either on mounted on the steering wheel or the center tunnel.

The center dashboard is missing a digital display. Instead, the driver gets two small screens flanking the analog tachometer. The right screen is for entertainment and navigation, while the left one shows car information.

Pista Spider has that unmistakable Ferrari sportscar look with its wide stance and low roofline. Based on the 458 Italia Spider, it has the same electronic z-folding roof.

The roof doesn’t look out-of-place when pulled down. Though it’ll make it difficult to get inside; like riding a Pista Coupe. Retracted, it is neatly tucked behind the seats and doesn’t compromise its handsome looks.

Speaking of looks, Ferrari 488 has a sleeker and less aggressive design than the 458 thanks to its curvier outline. It blends in more easily into the cityscape, while still catching the eye of curious onlookers.

Visible features such as the central air pillar, hood-mounted vents, and a blown rear spoiler help with the Spider’s aerodynamics. However, less obvious features like the door handle, rear diffuser, and vortex generators were specially engineered to channel air for additional downforce.

Firing up the V8 is as easy as depressing the brake pedal and pushing a red button. Variable torque management lets you easily shift gears while getting the satisfaction of hearing the engine grunt whenever you revv up or switch to higher gears.

The steering feels very natural on the Ferrari Spider. Magnetic dampers and E-DIFF hydraulics help to provide a stable ride. Because it is loaded with various drive modes and traction control features, the driver gets to stay in control.

The Pista Spider is mostly similar to the GTB variant. Both are mated to a 3.9L twin-turbo eight-cylinder V8 engine. Both also run on gas, have 7-speed automatic transmissions, and are capable of churning out 720 hp of power and 770 Nm peak torque.

That being said, it has a larger 86-litre fuel tank compared to the coupe which can only carry 77 litres of gas. Given its average fuel economy of 7.65 kmpl, it should have an estimated mileage of 658 kilometers.

Brembo brakes give you the confidence of safe and efficient braking, even when you’re blazing through the highway. Other than that, the convertible is equipped with a standard set of safety features. Among them are automatic brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, a parking aid, a back-up camera, brake assist, seatbelts, and airbags.

The Ferrari 488 Spider is meant for the occasional drive and not for practical daily use. It’s intended to be enjoyed by those who are seeking a racecar experience within city limits. Between the 488 GTB and the Spider, the latter not only has more flare - but a larger fuel tank that will take you to greater distances.