Ferrari 488 Spider review

The 488 continues a bloodline that began with 1975’s 308 GTB, whose 3.0-litre V8 produced a piffling-by-modern-standards 252bhp. In fact, Ferrari’s merciless technological advance means that this latest Spider is more powerful than 2002’s Enzo hypercar. Forget zero to 60, anything that can accelerate to 124mph in 8.7 seconds is bordering on the otherworldly, and the 488 Spider’s ultra-quick-shifting dual clutch seven-speed ’box harnesses this colossal performance with ease. 

But as good as the new engine is, the turbos definitely alter the car’s character. Accessing it is as much about wading into that vast reservoir of torque as it is tapping up its 661bhp. Ferrari’s clever variable torque geometry effectively mimics the delivery of a high revving normally aspirated engine, dishing up progressively more grunt in higher gears. 

If anything, its handling and ride are even more impressive: magnetic dampers keep everything tied down while filtering out rough surfaces, and the latest ‘side slip angle control’ and E-diff makes an Average Joe feel like Sebastien Vettel.