Prior to its big 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show debut, Ferrari held a press event for European media to introduce the all-new 2012 Ferrari 458 Italia Spider.
Equipped with the same 4.5-liter V8 engine powering the 458 Italia Coupe, the Spider is expected to perform just as well. In addition, Ferrari has said its move to a hard-top convertible is for the better. That's because its components actually weigh less by more than 50 pounds and takes less than 15 seconds to deploy.
As you can see in the video down below, that is one seriously quick top. Hell, I guess you could say it's the "Ferrari of retractable hard tops."
In addition, note that the engine cover doesn't feature glass. It's now employing the use of louvers as seen on the new Audi R8 Spider and lovely 348 and 355 Spiders of the 1990s.
Teamspeed.com on location at the 458 Spider private reveal in Maranello, Italy...