A place where people and cars meet

Tag: Frankfurt Auto Show

IN THE NEWS: Ferrari Introduces 488 Spider

150723_Ferrari488Spider_Laterale_mod

Maranello, 28 July 2015 – Ferrari announces the launch of the 488 Spider, its most powerful ever mid-rear-engined V8 car to feature the patented retractable hard top along with the highest level of technological innovation and with cutting-edge design.

Ferrari was the first manufacturer to introduce the RHT (Retractable Hard Top) on a car of this particular architecture. This solution ensures lower weight (-25 kg) and better cockpit comfort compared to the classic fabric soft-top. Just like all previous spider versions of Ferrari’s models, this is a car that is aimed squarely at clients seeking open-air motoring pleasure in a high-performance sports car with an unmistakable Ferrari engine sound.

Every area of the car has been designed to set new technological benchmarks for the sector: from the aluminium spaceframe chassis and bodyshell to the new turbo-charged V8, aerodynamics that reconcile the need for greater downforce with reduced drag along with the specific cabin air flow demands of an open-top car, and vehicle dynamics that render it fast, agile and instantly responsive.

The world premiere of the 488 Spider will be at the Frankfurt International Motor Show in September but can be seen from today finished in the new Blu Corsa livery at www.ferrari.com.

The heart of the 488 Spider

Beneath the engine cover throbs the 3902 cc turbo-charged V8 that debuted just a few months ago on the 488 GTB. Its performance levels are nothing short of extraordinary: a maximum power output of 670 CV combined with maximum torque of 760 Nm at 3000 rpm send the 488 Spider sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h in 3 seconds flat and from 0 to 200 km/h in 8.7 seconds. This is also an exceptionally efficient engine as it is not only 100 CV more powerful than the previous naturally-aspirated V8 but also has lower CO2 emissions.

The turbo V8 has a unique character, delivering increasing levels of power right across the rev range, and completely eliminating the traditional turbo lag with a throttle response time of just 0.8 seconds. This is thanks not merely to components such as the turbos, but also to a sophisticated production process only made possible by Maranello’s leading-edge facilities which are shared with the Scuderia to foster the transfer of racing technologies to the road cars.

In line with Ferrari tradition, this model has its own absolutely distinctive soundtrack created using solutions such as exhaust headers with longer, equal-length piping and a flat-plane crankshaft. It was also further enhanced by an in-depth study of harmonics and tonality at different engine speeds. The sound is seductive but never invasive when the top is dropped, with both volume and clarity increasing as the engine instantly responds to the accelerator pedal and revs rise, reinforcing the sensation of massive performance.

Sculpted by the wind

This is also the most aerodynamically efficient Ferrari spider ever built, thanks to a series of complex aero solutions designed to guarantee optimal downforce whilst reducing drag, two normally mutually-exclusive objectives. Maranello’s engineers managed to achieve both goals simultaneously by introducing several innovative devices, including a blown spoiler and an aerodynamic underbody incorporating vortex generators.

The air flow studies also took into account factors relating to in-car comfort. The electric glass rear wind stop can be adjusted to one of three positions to guarantee maximum comfort when the top is lowered. Fully lowering the wind stop allows the occupants to enjoy the engine soundtrack even with the roof raised regardless of the weather or driving conditions.

Form and function sculpted in aluminium

Designed around the concept of the retractable hard top, the 488 Spider has a spaceframe chassis made of 11 different aluminium alloys combined with other noble metals, such as magnesium, each one used in a highly specific way.  This yields the same torsional rigidity and beam stiffness figures as the coupé, improving the chassis’ performance by 23% over that of its predecessor. An extraordinary result, given that the roof is structural, that is only possible thanks to the expertise of the Scaglietti centre of excellence that engineers Ferrari’s aluminium chassis and bodies.

The RHT folds backwards in two overlapping sections to rest flush on the engine in a very compact solution. The mechanism is exceptionally smooth and takes just 14 seconds for the top to fully retract or deploy.

Working with aluminium is important not only in functional terms but also because, by tradition, it demands every detail be treated sculpturally to express the technical excellence of the project through its beauty. Cases in point are the flying buttresses which optimally channel air flows to the engine cover, the ribbing on the engine cover and the air intakes with sculpted mesh grilles which lend that area of the car a sense of incredible dynamism. To achieve this result the Ferrari Styling Centre completely reworked the aesthetics compared to the 488 GTB.

Speed and control across the board

The introduction of a sophisticated simulator, similar to the one used by the Formula 1 Scuderia, allowed the human factor to influence the car’s design from the earliest stages by giving the engineers instant feedback from the test-drivers long before the first 488 prototype was physically built.

To make its dynamic behaviour even more engaging, the development team honed the car’s mechanical set-up in tandem with its electronic systems which are now fully integrated with the SSC2 Side Slip Angle Control System, resulting in 12% faster acceleration out of corners than the 458 Spider.

Over all, response times are 9% more rapid than the previous Spider without any compromise whatsoever being made in comfort.The car’s design was adapted to efficiently meet the typical the demands of open-top driving and use. In fact, the Spider’s dynamic behaviour is effortless on even the most challenging routes. It is remarkably easy to drive on the limit thanks to flawless handling even on the most demanding of roads.

Information and photographs of the 488 Spider can be downloaded from the Ferrari media site:www.media.ferrari.com 

Ferrari 488 Spider

Technical specifications

ENGINE

Type90° V8, turbo-charged, dry sump
Total displacement3902 cc (238.1 cu. in)
Bore and stroke86.5 x 83 mm (3.4 x 3.3 in)
Maximum power *492 kW (670 cv) at 8000 rpm
Maximum torque *760 Nm at 3000 rpm in VII gear
Specific output172 cv/l (2.07 kW/cu. in)
Compression ratio9.4:1

DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT

Length4568 mm (179.8 in)
Width1952 mm (76.9 in)
Height1211 mm (47.7 in)
Wheelbase2650 mm (104.3 in)
Front track1679 mm (66.1 in)
Rear track1647 mm (64.8 in)
Kerb weight**1525 kg (3362 lb)
Dry weight**1420 kg (3131 lb)
Weight distribution41.5% front – 58.5% rear
Boot capacity230 l (8.12 cu. ft)
Fuel tank capacity78 l (22.7 US gallons)

TYRES

Front                                     245/35 ZR20 J9.0
Rear                                      305/30 ZR 20 J11.0

BRAKES

Front                                   398x223x36 mm (15.7 x 8.8 x 1.4 in)
Rear                                    360x233x32 mm (14.2 x 9.2 x 1.3 in)

TRAMISSION AND GEARBOX

7-speed F1 dual-clutch transmission

ELECTRONICS CONTROL

E-Diff3, F1-Trac, High-Performance ABS with Ferrari Pre-Fill, FrS SCM-E, SSC

PERFORMANCE

Maximum speed> 325 km/h (203 mph)
0 – 100 km/h (0 – 62 mph)3.0 s
0 – 200 km/h (0 – 124 mph)8.7 s
0 – 400 m (0 – 437 yd)10.55 s
0 – 1000 m (0 – 1093 yd)18.9 s
Dry weight/power ratio2.12 kg/cv (6.35 lb/kW)

CONSUMPTION ***

11.4 l/100 km

C02 EMISSIONS***

260 g/km

* with 98 octane fuel

** With optional equipment

*** Combined cycle with HELE system (ECE+EUDC)

IN CELEBRATION: Porsche Marks 50 years of the 911 with Exclusive Limited Edition Model

Porsche_911_50
ATLANTA, June 3, 2013 – The Porsche 911 resolves apparent contradictions like no other sports car – such as between tradition and innovation or between exclusivity and high social acceptance, and of course between performance and efficiency. And so, Porsche is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the 911 at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt with a special anniversary model based on the 911 Carrera S: like the original 911, the 911 50th Anniversary Edition is a coupe with a flat-six rear engine and rear wheel drive. Its efficient performance, active sport suspension – and special body have current relevancy: the anniversary 911 features the wide body, which is typically reserved for the all-wheel drive Carrera 4 models. This special edition will be limited to 1963 cars, a number that represents the year of the 911 world premiere.

For the US market, the 911 50th Anniversary Edition will be equipped as standard with a Powerkit, which increases engine performance to 430 hp and includes the Sport Chrono Package. The 911 50th Anniversary Edition sprints from zero to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds (3.8 with PDK) and can reach a top speed of 186 mph (185 with PDK). The limited edition models will be available at Porsche dealers this fall and will be priced from $124,100, not including a $950 destination charge.

Porsche will present the limited edition model in time for the 50th anniversary of the 911 at the IAA motor show in Frankfurt, which opens its gates to the public on September 12, 2013. In 1963, Porsche presented the original model to the public at this leading international show for the automotive industry. Since its first presentation – initially as the type 901 – the sports car icon has excited automotive fans across the globe, and today it is considered the reference for all other sports cars. Since making its debut in 1963, the model series has progressively developed without interruption. In the process, the unique character of the 911 was always preserved. The result of this evolution over a 50-year period – which included countless race victories as well – is a sports car that fully embodies the authenticity of the Porsche brand. Its DNA is reflected in all Porsche models.

This limited edition of the 911 Carrera S includes features that have contributed to the 50-year success story of the 911. For example, the limited edition includes Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) with special tuning to complement its increased track width and to add support to the exceptional cornering dynamics of the 911. The sport exhaust system outputs a fitting emotional sound. Special 20-inch wheels are a visual tribute to the legendary “Fuchs” wheels and are finished in matte black paint with machine-polished centers. Chrome trim strips on the front air inlets, the fins of the engine compartment grille and the panel between the rear lights emphasize the distinctive appearance of this limited edition model. Another technical highlight of the car’s equipment is the Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS) with bi-xenon headlights and dynamic cornering lights.

Two unique colors are available for the anniversary 911, a darker graphite grey and a lighter geyser grey metallic. In addition black monochrome is also available. Each of the cars has a two-tone 3D-effect badge on the rear lid with the numbers “911 50”. This is repeated in three color embroidery on the headrest and in two colors as a logo on the tachometer and the aluminum door sill plates. It can also be found on the cup holder panel together with the limited edition number of the individual vehicle. Other exterior characteristics of the special model are high-gloss window frames and sport design exterior mirrors on the doors panels.

There are tributes to the original 911 in the interior as well: green labeling on the instruments with white pointer needles and silver caps on the instrument pivot pins, just like 50 years ago. Another special feature is the center panels of the leather seats, which are designed with a fabric pattern reminiscent of the “Pepita” tartan design from the 1960s. The full-leather interior is designed in agate grey or black with decorative stitching, some in contrasting color. The driver and front passenger experience typical 911 driving fun in 14-way sport seats or optional 18-way sport seats plus. The gear shift or selector lever – which matches the decorative panels on the dashboard, doors and center console in brushed aluminum – comes from the Porsche Exclusive program.

© 2024 moto+match

Theme by Anders NorenUp ↑