Ferrari F8 Spider and 812 GTS premiered at the Frankfurt motor show.
Ferrari is dropping the top on two of its ace supercars this week. The first is a replacement for the 488 Spider, based on the F8 Tributo, known as the F8 Spider. The second is the first V12 convertible the company has produced in 50 years. The Superfast-based 812 GTS follows the lineage of the 1969 Daytona Spider V12, named after the company’s victory at the American round-the-clock race in 1967. We’ll start with that one.
The front-mounted, naturally aspirated, direct-injection 6.5-liter V12 is the same as the one in the Superfast and makes an incredible 788 hp at 8,500 rpm along with 581 lb-ft of torque. It features a stop/start system that kills the engine even when moving to help comply with emission standards, though fuel economy is still pending.
At 3,500 rpm, 80 percent of that torque is available (around 465 lb-ft). Additionally, Ferrari optimized the far end of the power curve (6,500-8,900) for more average hp, “for on track driving when engine revs are kept consistently high.” A seven-speed dual-clutch transmission sends power rearward, good for a 0-62 mph sprint in less than 3 seconds and a 0-124 mph (200 kph) sprint in 8.3 seconds.
Like the Superfast, the 812 GTS comes with all the dynamic controls expected including version 5.0 of Ferrari’s Side Slip Control (SSC) and Ferrari Power Oversteer — both help you look cooler and more proficient when sliding around a corner. All systems are controlled by the Manettino, Ferrari’s drive mode switch. It also adjusts the shock stiffness.
The retractable hard top comes down in 14 seconds at speeds of up to 28 mph and there’s about 9 cubic feet of trunk space.
On the aero side, the retractable hard top necessitated a few changes. Designers resculpted the tonneau cover and adjusted the rear diffuser. Those helped compensate for removing the rear wheel arch bypass duct. Adding air vents on top the of the flanks reduces drag.
To keep the car livable at speed with the top down, Ferrari added flaps at the top of the windshield to break up the wind above the passengers and created a new air passage in the front of the buttresses to vent cabin pressure.
The 812 GTS goes on sale in summer of 2020. Expect the price to be a little more than the base 812 Superfast at $363,000.
The Ferrari F8 Spider is based on the F8 Tributo and is the successor to the 488 Spider.
The Ferrari F8 Spider is based on the F8 Tributo and is the successor to the 488 Spider.
The Ferrari F8 Spider is based on the F8 Tributo and is the successor to the 488 Spider.
The Ferrari F8 Spider is based on the F8 Tributo and is the successor to the 488 Spider.
Moving from grand touring to track touring, the F8 Spider picks up where the 488 GTB Spider left off. It takes its cues from the F8 Tributo, Ferrari’s latest road and track killer, but is a shade less extreme than the 488 Pista Spider.
The F8 Spider’s 3.9-liter turbocharged V8 makes 709 hp at 8,000 rpm and 568 lb-ft at 3,250 rpm, about 50 more hp than the 488. Ferrari redesigned the torque curves and added something it’s calling the Wall Effect. It basically means the engine runs maximum power right up until the rev limiter, “maximizing the amount of power available in power-on dynamic driving situations and consequently improving lap times.” I’d suggest one would want to pay attention when getting close to that limit, so as not to fly through the windshield when you hit the “wall.” Like the GTS it features a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, SSC and all the other acronyms that make you look like a hero on the track. It takes just 2.9 seconds to hit 62 and 8.2 to hit 124 mph. Top speed is 211 mph.
Speaking of those acronyms, the new one is FDE+, Ferrari Dynamics Enhancer Plus, controling brake pressure, and operational “through and exiting corners, but not under braking.” It also works in low-grip conditions to keep you safe and pointed where you want to go.
Inside, almost all the controls are set on the steering wheel. There’s a sliver of carbon fiber separating the upper and lower dash and a 7-inch touchscreen is optional. The tunnel, featuring the gear selection buttons, floats between the occupants. The passenger side gets a mini screen too.
The F8 Spider goes on sale in the summer of 2020. Like the 812, the F8 Spider costs a bit more than the F8 Tributo’s roughly $247,000.
Source: Read Full Article