Ferrari 458 Spider - the maker's fastest ever convertible

PRICE: £198,856

PROS: Incredible looks and design, glorious soundtrack, stunning performance

CONS: Hefty price tag, limited luggage space, steep running costs

Car Buyer, 4.9/5:

The Ferrari 458 Spider is the latest exclusive convertible sports car to be created by the legendary Italian manufacturer. It uses the same high-revving 562bhp 4.5-litre V8 engine as the sensational 458 Italia coupe and hurtles to 62mph in just 3.4 seconds before reaching an incredible top speed of 198mph. The two-part aluminium roof folds in just 14 seconds, slotting beneath a panel that rises up ahead of the engine cover.

Inside, the Spider features the same Formula 1 inspired steering wheel and high-class cabin as the coupe and to ensure buffeting is kept to a minimum the glass rear screen doubles as a windbreak. The seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, changes gear in the blink of an eye, while the standard ceramic brakes deliver astonishing stopping power. Visually, the Spider looks every bit as stunning as the coupe. The bulges in the snug fitting roof blend into sharp buttresses, while with it folded, the 458 looks even more glamorous.  

Auto Express, 5/5:

Ferrari has retuned the triple exhausts to maximise the aural treat. And it makes a terrific noise – a hard-edged howl that can’t fail to put a smile on your face. The good part is that if the weather isn’t so sunny, you can drop the glass screen when the roof is in place, allowing the engine noise to still enter the cabin.

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