Early Look: Ferrari 458 Italia Spider

With the coupe scheduled for an official unveil at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show, a 458 Italia Spider will most likely follow next spring in Geneva. Like the 458 Italia coupe, the future Spider would be powered by a midengine 4.5-liter V8. The direct-injection flat-plane crank V8 produces 570 horsepower at 9,000 rpm, and 398 pound-feet of torque at 6,000 rpm.

It sends power to the rear wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. For the coupe, that results in a top speed of near 202 mph. Expect the Spider to be limited to a speed just under 200 mph. Although retractable hardtops are all the rage these days, the 458 Spider will most likely use a conventional soft top to keep its weight down, given its place as the most extreme model in the Ferrari lineup.

Inside Line says: Already gorgeous as a coupe, the Ferrari 458 Italia Spider should make for an equally stunning convertible. — Kelly Toepke, News Editor