Ferrari previews 488 Spider ahead of Frankfurt unveil (pictures)

Ferrari released photos of its new 488 Spider, based on the previously launched 488 GTB. The new car will be officially unveiled at the Frankfurt auto show in September.

The 488 Spider uses the same 3.9-liter V-8 engine with twin turbochargers, mounted behind the cabin, as the 488 GTB. That engine produces 660 horsepower and 561 pound-feet of torque.

Ferrari cites a zero-to-62-mph time of 3 seconds for the 488 Spider, the same acceleration time as the 488 GTB. However, Ferrari also notes a weight gain for the Spider of 110 pounds.

Ferrari notes that the 488 Spider uses 11 different aluminum alloys, along with various other lightweight but strong metals, in its frame, giving it the same torsional rigidity as the 488 GTB.

The cabin design looks similar to that of the 488 GTB, using a large tachometer at the center of the instrument cluster supplemented by LCD displays. Drivers change gears on the F1 dual clutch seven-speed transmission with paddles.

Ferrari claims its retractable hard top is the "most technologically advanced" on the market. It folds back into two panels that rest over the engine.

The glass rear wind stop can be lowered to three different positions to minimize cabin turbulence.