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Ferrari 488 Spider turbocharges the topless life [w/video]

As expected, Ferrari has followed the Geneva debut of the new 488 GTB with the introduction of the 488 Spider convertible. Like the hardtop model, the new Spider builds on the old 458 cabriolet. The retractable hardtop has been retained for the new model, slated to debut at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show. But thanks to the new aluminum spaceframe, the 488 Spider's torsional rigidity has been increased by 23 percent over its predecessor, promising even sharper handling. The powered roof can be stowed in just 14 seconds. Beyond that, the 488 Spider boasts the same goodies as the hardtop model. A 3.9-liter, twin-turbocharged, flat-plane crank V8 sits amidships, sending 661 horsepower and 560 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Even in this roofless model, 62 miles per hour arrives in just 3.2 seconds, compared to an even three seconds in 488 GTB. The top speed is a toupee-eradicating 203 miles per hour. Prices, not surprisingly, have not been published. You can look forward to much, much more on the 488 Spider when it makes its grand debut in September, at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show. Until then, check out the launch video for the new droptop, as well as the official press release from Ferrari. The Ferrari 488 Spider: performance and effortless driving for maximum drop-top fun Official unveiling scheduled for Frankfurt Motor Show Maranello, 28 July 2015 – Ferrari announces the launch of the 488 Spider, its most powerful ever mid-rear-engined V8 car to feature the patented retractable hard top along with the highest level of technological innovation and with cutting-edge design. Ferrari was the first manufacturer to introduce the RHT (Retractable Hard Top) on a car of this particular architecture. This solution ensures lower weight (-25 kg) and better cockpit comfort compared to the classic fabric soft-top. Just like all previous spider versions of Ferrari's models, this is a car that is aimed squarely at clients seeking open-air motoring pleasure in a high-performance sports car with an unmistakable Ferrari engine sound. Every area of the car has been designed to set new technological benchmarks for the sector: from the aluminum spaceframe chassis and bodyshell to the new turbo-charged V8, aerodynamics that reconcile the need for greater downforce with reduced drag along with the specific cabin air flow demands of an open- top car, and vehicle dynamics that render it fast, agile and instantly responsive.

What next for Stefano Domenicali?

Ferrari is a team that's used to being on top. It does, after all, have more world championships to its name - 15 drivers' titles and 16 constructors' - than any other team in the history of Formula One racing. But despite having some of the best drivers and resources at its disposal, it hasn't won a championship in over five years. Someone had to take the blame for that, and that someone turned out to be Stefano Domenicali.
The team principal who took over after Jean Todt stepped back to focus first on the running of the entire company and then the FIA, Domenicali has presided over the driest spell in the team's history since Michael Schumacher and Ross Brawn arrived in the late 90s to bring Ferrari back to its winning form. Whether that ultimately proves to have been Domenicali's fault or not, the buck stopped on his desk and he resigned a couple of weeks ago, making way for Ferrari's North American chief Marco Mattiacci to take the reins. At least for now, anyway, as rumors circulate of a longer-term solution that could bring Ross Brawn back into the fold following his recent departure from Mercedes.
The big question now, however, is what Domenicali will do next. The latest intel suggests that he could leave four wheels behind but stay in the field of competitive sports to coach an Italian basketball team. The rumors are fueled by reports that Domenicali has been in touch with Giovanni Petrucci, head of the Federazione Italiana Pallacanestro - Italy's national basketball federation. The organization runs two professional basketball leagues within Italy as well as its national team that's won eight international championships, two gold, four silver and four bronze medals in the European league and two silver medals in the Olympics.

Ferrari will expand its lineup of GT cars but won't chase volume

PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. — Italian premium sports car maker Ferrari will expand sales of easier-driving grand touring cars, but will not try to chase rival Porsche's annual sales volume, Ferrari Chairman John Elkann told an audience of classic car enthusiasts gathered at this storied golf resort on the Pacific coast. Elkann also reiterated that Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, of which he is chairman, remains open to opportunities to combine with other automakers, but is positioned to remain independent. Fiat Chrysler in May proposed a merger with French automaker Renault, but the deal fell apart after the French government intervened and Elkann withdrew the proposed merger. Fiat Chrysler Chief Executive Mike Manley sent the same message to Renault and other would-be partners earlier this month. Elkann visited Pebble Beach during the annual Concours d'Elegance, during which wealthy collectors bring some of the world's rarest vintage automobiles to be admired — and sold — and premium manufacturers showcase exotic new models. Ferrari is best known for flashy, high-performance sports cars. Among fans of vintage Ferraris, more understated GT, or grand touring, cars from the 1960s, some with seating for four people, are among the most popular models on auction blocks and at enthusiast events. GT cars were designed to be comfortable on longer road trips. Elkann hinted Ferrari will unveil a new GT type car in November. Ferrari has said previously that about 40% of its total sales could come from GT cars by 2022, up from 32% now. Ferrari has outlined plans to expand revenue to 5 billion euros ($5.54 billion) by 2022 from 3.4 billion euros in 2017. The company has said it plans to add a model called the Purosangue to compete with a growing stable of sport utility vehicles wearing premium sports car brands, such as the Lamborghini Urus. Rival Porsche AG, a unit of Volkswagen AG, has expanded its sales to more than 250,000 sports cars and sport utility vehicles annually. Elkann said Ferrari is not aiming for Porsche's level of sales. Ferrari Convertible Coupe Crossover SUV Luxury Performance