The roof's design is patented and when folded sits under a cover topped by prominent buttresses above the engine. The 4.5-litre V8 engine is unchanged from that in the 458 Italia. By way of reminder, that means 578hp and 540Nm of torque. There appears to be little or no weight difference between the Spider and the Italia so 0-100km/h is quoted as an identical 3.4 seconds, while the top speed is a fraction slower at about 319km/h. The Italia's trick differential and electronic driver systems are also carried over.
Behind the two occupants is a shelf for extra luggage storage, plus an electrically adjustable wind deflector.
Pricing and on-sale dates have yet to be announced so we'll tell you more following the car's premiere in Frankfurt.
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