First Official Photos of the 2012 Ferrari 458 Spider

August 19th 2011 - Drew Dowdell - CheersandGears.com

While there have been a few illustrations floating around out there, the first official photos of the 2012 Ferrari 458 Spider showed up in our inbox today. Set to debut in September's Frankfurt Auto Show, the 458 Spider will share the same mechanicals as its coupe counterpart packing the same 570 horsepower and 400 lb-ft 4.5 liter V8. The retractable hard top and extra chassis strengthening will add weight and likely lower the overall performance compared to its coupe sibling. European deliveries begin in September 2011 with U.S. deliveries starting in early 2012.

2012 Ferrari 458 Spider Official Photos

Ferrari has certainly built some tight, stylistically-cohesive machines, but lately they seem to have no vision or concept. This has so many disharmonious lines/ edges/ directions I don't know where to look.

The 'bugeye' taillights can't disappear soon enough, either.

I like it better as a hard top. Mid engine cars look a bit weird in convertible form, although the Audi R8 looks pretty good. But the great looking convertibles seem to be front engine with the longer hood, like an XK or SL.

The 458 looks alright with it's top off, but I can't say I like the rear deck styling, as functional as it may be. I'll miss the engine window as well. The side view is easily its best aspect. And I'm trepidatious to learn what the hardtop will look like when it's up. Overall, I like the coupe better, and the 360 Spider is still the most gorgeous modern Ferrari convertible.