Ferrari Scuderia Spider 16M

Motoring Channel Staff - 10/November/2008

Modena, Italy — Lewis Hamilton may have claimed the 2008 Formula 1 driver's championship in the dying moments of the final F1 race in Brazil, but Ferrari took out the constructors championship which carries a huge amount of prestige for an automaker.

Keen to capitalise on its Formula 1 success, Ferrari's new hard-charging Scuderia Spider convertible has been unveiled, arguably one of the sexiest drop tops we've seen.

Only 499 versions of the 'special series' model will be built, which will no doubt improve its value once all of them are sold, and is officially called the Ferrari Scuderia Spider 16M.

Shown at the World Finals in Mugello, the 16M part of the Ferrari F430 convertible's name is in recognition of the Prancing Horse's 16th F1 Constructor's title [could it have been called the Scuderia Spider 'Massa' had the Brazilian driver won instead of Hamilton? - Ed].

Powered by a 4.3-litre V8 engine that revs to a brain-busting 8640rpm, the Ferrari Scuderia Spider 16M is one of the world's fastest convertibles with a top speed of 315km/h (196mph).

Ferrari says the Scuderia Spider 16M is "faster round the Fiorano circuit than any other Prancing Horse open-top road car yet built." 

"This truly evocative special series model, of which just 499 unique examples will be produced, is aimed at the most passionate clients, drivers who demand both exclusivity and superb driving pleasure," says the Italian car maker.

It's got more engine power, bigger brakes than its $500,200 sibling the F430 Spider, and weighs 80kg less at just 1340kg dry. That's considerably lighter than a Ford Focus XR5 Turbo as well.

The limited edition Ferrari Scuderia Spider 16M also has a dangerously aggressive style that, according to one staff member, is "sex on a stick".

Ferrari has revealed that the Scuderia Spider 16M will be available in only two 'signature' colour schemes: black with grey trim or a tricolour livery is also available as part of the Carrozzeria Scaglietti Personalisation Programme.

Some of the other visual cues of this very special edition Ferrari include a special plaque on its rear grille commemorating Ferrari's 16th constructor's world title while the interior features a silver "limited series" plaque just above the air vents at the centre of the dashboard. 

Current Ferrari F430 Spider owners will also notice a few smaller detail changes in addition to the beefed up front and rear aprons, such as the carbon-fibre coatedroll-bars and a trendy new audio system that can be combined with the removable (and customised) 16Gb Ferrari iPod Touch that gets its own docking bay in front of the dashboard.

Ferrari says the new model features the very best of Ferrari's latest mid-rear-engined 8-cylinder technology and that's no lie: the high revving 4.3-litrenaturally aspirated mid-rear 90° V8 engine generates 375kW (510hp) @ 8500rpm thanks to a high 11.9:1 compression ratio.

Peak torque is 470Nm @ 5250rpm which shifts the Spider 16M's 1340kg bulk from zero to 100km/h in 3.7 seconds. 

The specific power output for this vehicle is an impressive 118 horsepower per litre, all of which hits the road courtesy of a dual clutch 6-speed F1 gearbox and 'E-diff' electronic differential.

Though fuel consumption is probably not an issue when purchasing a $600,000+ automobile, here are stats:

Fuel consumption: 15.7L/100km
CO2 emissions: 360g/km

While the CO2 figure is lamentable, the fuel consumption isn't too bad for a vehicle of this pedigree, and the Ferrari Scuderia Spider 16M has a large 95 litre fuel tank for extended cruising as well.

It rides on large 19-inch split rims shod with 235/35 front and 285/35 rear Fabbrica Pirelli PZero Corsa tyres respectively, and independent front and rear forged aluminium double wishbones suspend the car and are aided by titanium helical springs, hollow anti-roll bars and lighter electronic shock absorbers.

This exotic Italian convertible sports car also comes equipped with very large, very durable carbon-ceramic disc rotors measuring 398mm x 36mm at the front350mm x 34mm at the rear (all of which are fitted to aluminium 6-pot calipers).

Aiding the Ferrari convertible's already impressive handling abilities is the car's weight distribution at 43% front, 57% rear.

Sexy Italian sports cars are not cheap, and convertibles are even more financially weighty but with just 499 versions of the Ferrari Scuderia Spider 16M being made its future value will rise over the next few years. Ferrari says if you want more info check its website: www.ferrariworld.com.

Related Links:
- Ferrari California (2008)
- Ferrari F430 Scuderia (2008)
- Ferrari FXX Evolution (2008)
- Ferrari F430 Spider (Road Test)
- Ferrari F430 Bi-Compressor Evoluzione (2007)
- Ferrari Buyers Wait 3 Years For New Cars (2007)
- Ferrari F430 Scuderia Novitec (2008)
- Ferrari 599 GTB: Novitec Rosso Bi-Kompressor (2009)
- Ferrari 612 Scaglietti 60th Anniversary (2007)
- Ferrari P4/5 Pininfarina (2006)
- Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano (2007)
- Ferrari GG50 (2006)
- Ferrari FXX (2005)