Ferrari F8 Spider, 812 GTS prance into the country

MANILA: Last October 12, Motostrada Philippines, Inc., the official distributor and importer of Ferrari vehicles in the country, virtually debuted the Ferrari F8 Spider and the Ferrari 812 GTS.

The F8 Spider boasts a more compact design and it also features horizontal LED headlights, taillights, a redesigned rear spoiler, and wing elements. Moreover, the design of the lines of the F8 Spider were formed around its retractable hard top.

The F8 Spider marks an evolution that results in the newest range of drop-top sports cars fitted with the most successful mid-rear-mounted V8 in history. The vehicle is said to embody "wild power" along with "unlimited passion and unmatched beauty." 

Ferrari engineers were motivated and enthusiastic in the development of a powerful engine that industry experts admire, and the engine of the F8 Spider has been regarded as the most successful engine that a car manufacturer has ever produced.

The engine was recognized as the “International Best Engine of the Year” for four consecutive years. The four-liter unit generates a maximum torque of 770Nm and an impressive power output of 182 hp per liter.

The F8 Spider is seen to be the replacement of the 488 Spider and upgrades on all areas of its specifications. Apart from the fact that the engine generates an additional 49hp, the F8 Spider is 20kg lighter compared to its predecessor.

Moreover, the F8 Spider is also more aerodynamically powerful and it includes the latest 6.1 version of the Side Slip Angle Control system. It has taken cutting-edge aerodynamic advancements and solutions from the GT and Challenge racing experiences of the Ferrari, which were then utilized for the formation of the vehicle.

The mid-rear-engined drop-top establishes the highest level of performance available to drivers with different capabilities.

Aside from this, the F8 Spider also features rearward-angled front radiators, which help in attaining a 10% increase in the overall efficiency of the vehicle compared to the 488 Spider.

The F8 Spider also boasts of the presentation of the new Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer Plus into the incorporated SSC concept (now in 6.1 guise). The Side Slip Control system, which enhances the control of drivers on the limit for more engagement behind the wheel, has also been modified.

The change from version 6.0 to 6.1 indicates that the Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer system (FDE+) currently activates in the Race position of the manettino. This control system also functions when exiting corners that are not under braking.

The F8 Spider’s cockpit features an optional seven-inch touchscreen passenger-side display sport seats.

Meanwhile, the Ferrari 812 GTS makes a successful comeback as a model type that has played an important role in the brand’s history. This powerful production convertible was launched five decades after the premiere of the last spider to showcase a front-mouthed V12.

Being the newest evolution of the V12 Ferrari, the 812 GTS boasts of the major aspects that a Ferrari should have — a prestigious driver experience, strong grip, speed, and full power.

The Ferrari Styling Center designed the 812 GTS, the spider version of the Ferrari 812 Superfast.

The 812 GTS reflects the formal proportions and language of the front-engined V12 of Ferrari without the need to modify either the interior space or exterior dimensions of the vehicle. It also embodies the ideal combination of elegance and sportiness.

From the side profile of the 812 GTS, anyone will be able to observe fastback sleekness as it demonstrates a two-box design with a high tail that is suggestive of the magnificent 365 GTB4 (Daytona) of 1968.

The draped configuration of its flanks visually condenses the tail and is defined by crisp and slanted crease lines and remarkably muscular wheel arches that instill it with the aggression and power that is guaranteed by the V12 engine.

For the 812 GTS, the whole rear of the car, including the luggage compartment, tonneau cover, and roof has also undergone restyling.

Its engine generates a massive 789hp of power output and torque of 718Nm, which ensures acceleration comparable to the 812 Superfast. The gear-shift approaches of the dual-clutch transmission improve the sportiness of the car.

The geometry of its exhaust system was also changed to enhance and neutralize the sound from the tailpipes and engine, with the goal of emphasizing the extremely athletic character of the vehicle with the roof down.

Another goal in the development of the 812 GTS is the retention of the thrilling feel of power and speed that was brought by the berlinetta version, considering the aspects of agility, response times, and acceleration.

Furthermore, the 812 GTS is fitted with all of the new-generation control systems and components of the 812 Superfast and, similar to its predecessor, it brings impressive handling.

Among its integrated systems are the electric power steering (EPS) for performance integration with all electronic vehicle dynamics controls (which include the Version 5.0 of the patented SSC of Ferrari), and the Virtual Short Wheelbase 2.0 system (PCV), which has been further changed according to the experience that was earned since its launch.

The 812 GTS also takes pride in the Ferrari Peak Performance (FPP), which signals the driver that the vehicle is nearing its limit of grip, the Ferrari Power Oversteer (FPO), and the maximized calibration of the magnetorheological dampers of the vehicle.

The Ferrari F8 Spider and 812 GTS are entitled to a car maintenance program, and this is also is available across the whole range of Ferrari vehicles. This covers regular maintenance services for the first seven years of the vehicle’s life (at intervals of once a year or 20,000 km without mileage limitations) and meticulous checking of spare parts.

Photos from Motostrada Philippines

Also read: Ferrari F8 Tributo to make PH debut Aug. 17