THE FERRARI 488 SPIDER

Minimising drag and maximising downforce are normally two mutually exclusive objectives in aerodynamics. However, the Prancing Horse’s engineers have excelled themselves once again with the 488 Spider, by reconciling the two goals. The result is an aerodyanamic efficiency figure of 1.53 a new record for a Ferrari production Spider.

The front of the car is dominated by the central Aero Pillar and an F1-inspired double spoiler.

The Aero Pillar has the job of managing the powerful air flows striking the front of the car and distributing them along both the longitudinal and transverse plane.

The 488 Spider has an innovative aerodynamic underbody that incorporates vortex generators, special curved aerodynamic appendages which accelerate the air thereby reducing pressure. The result is that the car’s underbody is “sucked” down to the ground and downforce is higher but drag is not. The front section of the underbody is flat, generating downforce, which pushes the car lower to the ground whilst having the smallest possible impact on the flow arriving at the front strakes.

The large rear diffuser has curved fences which optimise the expansion of the huge amount of air channelled under the car.

The rear diffuser features variable flap geometry controlled by a CPU, integrated with other vehicle control systems.

The blown spoiler is a new Ferrari-patented solution. Air enters an intake at the base of the rear screen and exits via the bumper. This geometry enables the surface taking the aerodynamic load to have a more pronounced concave curvature which, in turn, increases the upward deflection of the flow, thus boosting downforce. This solution avoids having to extend the height of the rear spoiler and thus helps keep drag low.

The base bleed air intakes on the car’s sides are divided by a central flap. The flow over the upper part of the flap, which is also used for the engine air intake, is deflected and exits from the tail area to reduce the drag caused by the low-pressure wake directly behind the car.

The 488 Spider’s design was adapted to efficiently meet the typical the demands of Spider driving and use. Its dynamic behaviour is effortless on even the most challenging routes, underscoring the feeling of ease in driving on the limit. Over all, response times are 9% more rapid than the previous Spider without any compromising whatsoever on comfort.

This is the result of the unique specialist vehicle dynamics knowledge Ferrari has built up in competition and which led to the adoption of a sophisticated simulator, similar to the one used by the Formula 1 Scuderia.

PERFECT FOR EVEN THE MOST CHALLENGING ROADS

Specific gear ratios combined with Variable Torque Management deliver incredibly fast shifts and acceleration, with progressively greater torque values in higher gears.

The evolved version of Ferrari’s side slip angle control system (SSC2) delivers 12% faster longitudinal acceleration out of corners than the 458 Spider.

The 488 Spider’s excellent dynamics are due in part also to the SCM3 magnetorheological damping system. The dampers have new piston rods to reduce friction for more efficient control which translates into a feeling of greater body control with better bump absorption.

The latest evolution of the ESP guarantees even more efficient ABS intervention in low-grip situations.

Thanks to the new Brembo Extreme Design braking system, the 488 Spider’s stopping distances are 9 per cent shorter than the previous model. Derived from the LaFerrari, the brakes also have new callipers that feature new materials that ensure they reach optimal operating temperature faster and are more durable.

The 488 Spider’s sporty new 20” wheels are lighter too.