3 reasons why Fathers want the the Ferrari 458 Spider [video]

Want a great Fathers Day present? How about getting behind the wheel of the new 2013 Ferrari 458 Spider to drive on Father’s Day. It’s the folding-hardtop convertible version of Ferrari's magnificent 458 Italia coupe and would make any father happy. It offers an open-top experience for those who prefer the wind in their face and the Ferrari V8 screaming right behind their head. Readers of the prestigious German sports car magazine Sport Auto couldn’t agree more. They have crowned the 458 Spider “Best Cabrio” in the over 150,000 euro category in the 2013 Sport Auto Awards.

The 458 Spider continues the long tradition of Ferrari mid-engined V8 convertibles and is the first mid-engined model to feature a folding hard top combining performance and style perfectly. The sports car's open top, features three specific designs that have been praised by the readers and reasons for the award. It is the world’s first mid-rear engined berlinetta with a retractible hard top, it offers best-in-class opening and closing time and its light-weight design is lighter than a soft top.

The world’s first mid-rear engined berlinetta with a retractible hard top

The roof is perfectly integrated in the design of the bodywork, and the double curvature of the roof increases aerodynamic efficiency, 12 percent more compared to the F430 Spider. Most roofs would be stored where the engine on the 458 Spider sits and Ferrari engineers had to come up with a special design to overcome the engineering obstacles. Ferrari says that structural modifications mean that the Spider features the same level of rigidity with the top up or down.

Best-in-class roof opening and closing time

It features best-in-class roof opening and closing time: 14 seconds. The retractible top is designed to both save weight and add to the 458 Spider's sporty profile. It has simple packaging and is very compact. It also features an automatic electric wind-stop that is height optimized in the wind tunnel for maximum comfort at high speeds. Ferrari says that normal conversations can be had at up to 124 mph. It also features integrated roll bars for safety and style and an additional rear bench space for storage or luggage.

Simple and light roof

The simple and light roof weighs 25 kg less than a traditional soft top. The new design saves weight and also adds to the 458 Sider’s profile. The new aluminum roof is the first such application on a mid-rear-engined sports car. The 55 lbs is a huge weight savings and means the 458 Spider is faster and more agile.

The Spider is powered by a 4.5-liter direct-injection V8 that is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automated-manual transmission. The V8 cranks out 562 horsepower at a staggering 9,000 rpm and 398 lb-ft of torque at 6,000 rpm. The 458 Spider will sprint 0-62 mph in just under 3.4 seconds. The car’s ultra-performance V8 Engine has also received the International Engine of the Year award for two consecutive years.

Fathers will love the new Ferrari 458 Spider and would be the perfect gift. Put the retractible top down in 14 seconds and you’ll be ready for a great Fathers Day drive.

Watch 458 Spider-Focus on retractible hard top video.