Despite we are big Porsche fans here at WCL, a red Ferrari is always one of those cars that sparks our interest and one that we consider to be very special, much like an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph with blue dial. Just like a Ferrari stands out from the crowd, the same goes for an AP Royal Oak Chrono and no matter where in the world you are, both a Ferrari and a Royal Oak have a very unmistakable look. For the last 71 years, Ferrari has been the benchmark when it comes to legendary sports cars and for 46 years, AP changed the course of the watch industry with the release of the Royal Oak in 1972.
Even parked alongside other super cars like a Porsche or a Lamborghini, the Ferrari 488 Spider is in a league of its own. Recognized from a mile away, Ferrari has built a luxury car brand that is very hard to compete against.
The Ferrari 488 Spider is the latest chapter in Maranello’s ongoing history of open-top V8 sports cars, a story that started with the targa-top version of the 308 GTB, the immortal 308 GTS and which ultimately resulted in the full convertible Spider architecture. Starting with the RHT —Retractable Hard Top— around which the entire car was developed, every area of the Ferrari 488 Spider has been designed to set new technological benchmarks in the industry.
Clearly, the choice of a rigid hard top was essential to the character of the new Ferrari 488 Spider guaranteeing a significant improvement in the in-car comfort. The RHT was a world first for a mid rear-engined car when introduced on the 458 Spider in 2009. The Ferrari 488 Spider was released in 2015 and is powered by a 3.9L twin-turbocharged V8 engine with a higher output than that of the naturally aspirated Ferrari 458.
Designed by the Ferrari Design Center, the 488 Spider features a design that revolves around the need for certain aerodynamics while maintaining the drop-top driving experience unrivaled. The Ferrari 488 Spider also has classic Ferrari mid rear-engine sports car proportions with a short prominent front wing into which the bumper is wedged which lends the whole front of the car a sense of power and speed, and immediately draws the eye to to flanks featuring new side air intakes for the intercoolers. And when see in its Rosso Corsa color, one can hardly think of anything else other than the legendary look utilized by the Cavallino Rampante without modification of hue for almost a century.
Its rear mid-engine boasts 670hp with an acceleration from 0-60 mph in only 3 seconds and all thanks to its 3.9L twin-turbo V8 engine and its 7-speed F1 dual-clutch transmission. In a nod to the 308 GTB, the 488 Spider features a subtle crease line that forms the scallops on the door leading to the intakes. With its front characterized by a single grill opening, the bonnet has a pronounced, raised central section and two side channels which channel air from the two vents in the bumper.
Its interior much like a supple leather glove —thanks to the ultra premium leather utilized in it—, features fixed headrests and new door panels that are more comfortable to the touch and with a more ergonomic armrest. At the end of the day, just like with an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph, every detail counts.
Sticker Price $350,000 USD. For more info on Ferrari click here and for Audemars Piguet here.
