Ferrari has lifted the lid on its most powerful mid-engined convertible to date: the 488 Spider. Although the firm has produced more potent front-engined convertibles, the 660bhp 488 Spider has more horsepower than any of its open-top cars with the engine mounted in the middle.
Based on the existing 488 GTB coupe, the Spider gets its huge performance from the same turbocharged V8 engine, which delivers peak power at a screaming 8,000rpm.

The Spider’s electric folding hardtop opens in 14 seconds and sits flat above the engine when it’s down. Ferrari claims the cabriolet is just as sturdy as the 488 GTB even though most convertibles lose some rigidity compared to their coupe equivalents – but it is 50kg heavier than the GTB.

Despite the weight increase, Ferrari reckons the metal folding hardtop is actually 25kg lighter than if the 488 were fitted with an equivalent cloth roof; it’s also 10kg lighter and 23% stronger than the 458 Spider it replaces and supposedly the most aerodynamic Ferrari convertible to date.