This 710hp Ferrari F8 Spider is your new dream car

As with any successful evolution of any species, the Ferrari 488 Spider has given way to a lighter, more powerful and more aerodynamically efficient drop-top supercar — Ferrari F8 Spider. And unlike the 812 GTS, this Ferrari maintains a mid-ship layout, powered by a turbocharged V8 engine.

Derived from the F8 Tributo, the F8 Spider carries the same V8 engine, which is 49hp (50cv) more than the previous one inside the 488 Spider. The 3,902cc power unit generates 710hp (720cv) at 8,000rpm and 770Nm of torque at 3,250rpm. The F8 Spider also has something called the ‘Wall Effect’ programmed into the V8. This feature sets the Ferrari’s RPM free to rev until its redline cut-off at 8,000rpm as opposed to dampening the revs so it will creep slowly to the limit.

With a seven-speed dual clutch gearbox, the F8 Spider demolishes the century sprint in 2.9 seconds. More impressive is its 0-200kph, which is done in 8.2s. Top speed for the Spider is set at 340kph.

There’s no doubt that the F8 Spider is a very, very fast car with looks to match. An evolution from the F8 Tributo, the Spider distinguishes itself with a redesigned front and rear ends, including the treatment of the engine cover. From the rear screen onwards, the central spine starts and ends under the wing of the blown spoiler, which Ferrari says has a manta-like look.

Ultimately, it is the retractable hardtop that determined the back-half of the F8 Spider. Shifting the separation line between car and body from the belt-line to above the B-pillar became the foundation of the design. By doing so, Ferrari was able to design a more compact, flatter roof that breaks apart into two before stowing it on top of the engine. The retractable hardtop only needs 14 seconds to fold or unfold, even at speeds of up to 45kph.

The cockpit is driver-oriented, as with all Ferrari supercars. The steering wheel is very F1-esque, especially when all the controls are mounted on the helm itself. The dashboard is a mixture of materials — aluminium and carbon fibre — that brings out the unique character of a Ferrari’s interior without losing any of its charms.

If you’re thinking of getting one, you might be happy to know that the F8 Spider, as with the entire Ferrari range, comes with an extended seven-year maintenance programme. Meaning, Ferrari covers all regular 20,000km-interval maintenance for the first seven-years of the F8 Spider’s life.

With that in mind, do you find yourself caught in the F8 Spider’s web?