ferrari reveals 2020 f8 spider with more power and less weight

ferrari unveils the f8 spider, a new generation drop-top sports car equipped with the most successful mid-rear-mounted v8 in history. the f8 spider replaces the 488 spider, boasting an engine that delivers an extra 50 cv. the new ferrari is also 20 kg lighter than its predecessor, weighing just 20 kg more than the more extreme 488 pista spider.

images courtesy of ferrari

the 3902 CC unit unleashes 720 cv at 8,000 rpm and also has an impressive specific power output of 185 cv/l. its maximum torque is now higher at all engine speeds, peaking at 770 nm at 3,250 rpm. the v8 is coupled to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and has a redline of 8,000 rpm. ferrari claims the setup is able to rocket the car from 0-62 mph in 2.9 seconds, and 0-124 mph in just 8.2 seconds. top speed is 211 mph.

the 2020 f8 spider is significantly more aerodynamically efficient and features the new 6.1 version of the side slip angle control system. ferrari has moved the air intakes from the flanks to the rear where they are located on either side of the blown spoiler and are directly connected to the intake plenums. this drastically reduces losses and ensures greater air flow to the engine, thereby increasing the power. the air flow also benefits from increased dynamic pressure created by the shape of the rear spoiler.

the design of the 2020 f8 spider’s lines was crafted around its RHT (retractable hard top) and is the latest addition to an exclusive and prestigious bloodline of open-top v8 cars begun with the 308 GTS in 1977. it continues the direction embarked upon with the f8 tributo which acted as a bridge to a new design language that will continue to emphasise ferrari’s key characteristics of high performance and extreme aerodynamic efficiency.

suspended wing elements create an air vent below them which helps improve dissipation of the heat coming off the engine. meanwhile, three sculpted strakes on the side elements of the engine cover also make their own contribution to this. the crests that emerge from the prominent volumes of the tonneau cover fins flow sinuously rearwards and into the spoiler in an interpretation of the f1 ‘swan neck’ which, in turn, enhances the already-powerfully sporty personality of the car.

‘the key to the whole design was the shifting of the separation line between the car’s body and the roof from its conventional position at the belt-line (occupant shoulder level) to above the b-pillar,’ ferrari explains. ‘the top itself is thus more compact and two-dimensional, with the result that it can be divided into two parts and stowed on top of the engine. the rht takes just 14 seconds to deploy or retract and can be closed or opened while the car is on the move up to 45 km/h.’

the front view of the car is characterised by the s-duct, which is designed around more compact, horizontal led headlights. the rear spoiler is now larger and wraps around the tail lights, visually lowering the car’s centre of gravity and allowing a return to the classic twin light cluster and body-coloured tail.

pricing and availability have not yet been announced for the 2020 f8 spider. we expect price further announcements closer to the model’s showroom arrival next year.

project info

brand: ferrari

model: 2020 f8 spider