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    458 spider to get folding hard top?

    Looks like patents have been filed for a new mechanismSmiley  This will surely kill sales of the berlinetta once launched?

     

    www.autoblog.nl/archive/2009/10/05/ferrari-patent-voor-een-targa#post-31648

    folding top patent.JPG

     


    Re: 458 spider to get folding hard top?

    2folding top patent 2.JPGnd diagram


    Re: 458 spider to get folding hard top?

     Good find. Weight will be an issue.


    --

     


    Re: 458 spider to get folding hard top?

    Ferrari claim the aluminium folding top on the California weighs less that the fabric top on the 430 spider Nick so the folding top in these diagrams should weigh considerably less than the California's as the panels are smaller as is the rear screen.


    Re: 458 spider to get folding hard top?

    Perhaps this is the future for all convertible top cars.  The spy pictures of the next generation 911Cab seem most c/w a folding metal top concealed under a cloth disguise.


    --

    Carpe Diem--life is but a crack of light bounded by eternities of darkness (Nabokov)


    Re: 458 spider to get folding hard top?

    DaveC:

    Perhaps this is the future for all convertible top cars.  The spy pictures of the next generation 911Cab seem most c/w a folding metal top concealed under a cloth disguise.

     i sure hope not, a folding metal roof will never look as good and classy as a cloth roof, not to mention the issues of weight and space.


    Re: 458 spider to get folding hard top?

    DaveC:

    Perhaps this is the future for all convertible top cars.  The spy pictures of the next generation 911Cab seem most c/w a folding metal top concealed under a cloth disguise.

     

    Could be. I'd be surprised to see a 911 Cab w/ folding metal top. Not unless they ax the rear seats. There's just too much stuff competing for the same space. The space the 911 rag top needs is pretty remarkable, it's tiny.  

    Interesting find! 458 Spider w/ a decent amount of options/CF, etc is going to be up there $ wise. 
    --

    08 PORSCHE Turbo Cabriolet, 06 Ferrari F430,  04 Durango HEMI,  04 Harley Davidson Screamin Eagle,  93 Harley Davidson Nostalgia


    Re: 458 spider to get folding hard top?

    Normally I would agree that a folding metal top would be impractical for the 911. However, several of the spy phots/reports have stated that the next generation of 911 will have a longer wheelbase. If true that would translate to more space for seating in the coupe, and increased stowage space for a folding metal top in the Cab.


    --

    Carpe Diem--life is but a crack of light bounded by eternities of darkness (Nabokov)


    Re: 458 spider to get folding hard top?

    You're right. I had forgotten that the top on the California according to Ferrari is lighter than the cloth top on the 430 Spider. That is if you believe Ferrari.Smileyi


    --

     


    Re: 458 spider to get folding hard top?

    The spy photos I have seen (and have been posted on Rennteam) for the upcoming Porsche 991indeed appear to show what would likes a folding hard top.  It would appear that Ferrari is not alone in moving in that direction.... 


    --

    2009 Porsche Turbo Cab - Cargraphic exhaust, HRE P40's charcoal

     


    Re: 458 spider to get folding hard top?

    Just not sure if that huge C-pillar will make an Targa out of that Convertible


    Re: 458 spider to get folding hard top?

    A quick rehash of the diagrams shows that the roof should stow like this.

    folding top patent 3.JPG

     


    Re: 458 spider to get folding hard top?

    That massive c-pillar is fugly when the car is in cabrio mode.

    Looks OK when coupe though...


    --
    Cash, gas or ass... no one rides for free!

    Re: 458 spider to get folding hard top?

     

    Didn't a Ferrari official confirm that the 458 Italia Spider will have a soft-top, to differ it from the California?

    I wonder which one is true..


    Re: 458 spider to get folding hard top?

    shin:
     

    Didn't a Ferrari official confirm that the 458 Italia Spider will have a soft-top, to differ it from the California?

    I wonder which one is true..


    I don't think they said something officially. LDM assured, that there will be a Spider, but he said nothing about the material of the roof.
     


    --

    The secret of life is to admire without desiring.


    Re: 458 spider to get folding hard top?

    why don't they do it properly and sve more weight by offering the convertible with NOTHING TO FOLD UP! Ferrari's will only be driven in the sunny weekends anyways.....


    --

    indeed shifting is ancient technology - so is a fuel burning engine..  I happen to like both :) 
    _____________________________________________________________________
    1986 BMW 325e 5spd 2.7L 121 hp (172 lb·ft) Le Mans Blau on Tan leather.
    1986 BMW 325is 5spd 2.5L 168 hp (164 lb-ft) White on Tan leather (parted out) 
    2005 Ford Focus S, 5spd 2.0L 136 hp (120lb-ft) CD silver on grey (sold)
    1986 Porsche 944, 5spd 2.5L 150 hp (168lb-ft) champagne gold on grown leather. (sold)


    Re: 458 spider to get folding hard top?

    Atzporsche:

    why don't they do it properly and sve more weight by offering the convertible with NOTHING TO FOLD UP! Ferrari's will only be driven in the sunny weekends anyways.....

     

    The weather is unpredicatable in many countries so a roof is essential.

    I drove my spider through some torrential rain on a road trip through France and Switzerland. I've also been caught out when taking trips in it at home.

     


    Re: 458 spider to get folding hard top?

    Atzporsche:

    why don't they do it properly and sve more weight by offering the convertible with NOTHING TO FOLD UP! Ferrari's will only be driven in the sunny weekends anyways.....

     That could be interesting but its not that functional, maybe nothing at all would be way too much. i still think a cloth roof would be better.


    Re: 458 spider to get folding hard top?

    ISUK:
    Atzporsche:

    why don't they do it properly and sve more weight by offering the convertible with NOTHING TO FOLD UP! Ferrari's will only be driven in the sunny weekends anyways.....

     

    The weather is unpredicatable in many countries so a roof is essential.

    I drove my spider through some torrential rain on a road trip through France and Switzerland. I've also been caught out when taking trips in it at home.

    Ian,

    Your Scud in the avatar looks AWESOME. Smiley

    Cheers Smiley

    Would like to see more pictures of her.


    --

    ONUR

    09 Audi TTS Ibis

    07 997 Carrera S / 05 M3 Coupe / 03 M3 Coupe / 96 M3 Coupe EVO (ALL BUT HISTORY)

     


    Re: 458 spider to get folding hard top?

    Shawminator:

    The spy photos I have seen (and have been posted on Rennteam) for the upcoming Porsche 991indeed appear to show what would likes a folding hard top.  It would appear that Ferrari is not alone in moving in that direction.... 

     

    Hi Shawminator, may you forward me the link or post a pic of the 991 cab spy pic? I've been wondering about what's coming down the pipeline for convertible Porsches.

     


    --
    2008 Boxster S

    Re: 458 spider to get folding hard top?

    pride355:

    Ian,

    Your Scud in the avatar looks AWESOME. Smiley

    Cheers Smiley

    Would like to see more pictures of her.

     

    Thanks. I've not got many pics to be honest but here are a few taken at various Italian car days this year along with a link to a video someone took of me leaving an event. The effect is somewhat spoilt by my friend who followed me out in his 993 with that old air cooled sewing machine motor rattling away in the rear Smiley

    Bedford Italian car day 2009 jp.JPGGaydon AutoItalia day Sept 09 jp.JPG1255860824194CIMG0958.JPG

    F1 SCD large.JPG

    www.autojunk.nl/2009/07/optrekkende-ferrari-430-scuderia


    Re: 458 spider to get folding hard top?

    Iain,

    Thank you for the pictures; AWESOME car

    Enjoy it in good health

    I have read in Audi forum that you sold your R8. I hope it was a good ownership for the short period of time.


    --

    ONUR

    09 Audi TTS Ibis

    07 997 Carrera S / 05 M3 Coupe / 03 M3 Coupe / 96 M3 Coupe EVO (ALL BUT HISTORY)

     


    Re: 458 spider to get folding hard top?

    The Audi was great fun but the time was right to move it on without it having cost me a lot in depreciation.

    I've got quite a few toys lined up to replace it starting with a GranTurismo S which is due to be delivered next week, a California a few weeks later then an AMG SLS, 458 Italia and 997 GT3 next year


    Re: 458 spider to get folding hard top?

    ISUK:

    The Audi was great fun but the time was right to move it on without it having cost me a lot in depreciation.

    I've got quite a few toys lined up to replace it starting with a GranTurismo S which is due to be delivered next week, a California a few weeks later then an AMG SLS, 458 Italia and 997 GT3 next year


    Great cars Iain Smiley Wish you good time to enjoy them.

    I just don't understand why you go for the GranTurismo S if you have California (a convertable), 458 italia (best of the best), 997 GT3 (ultimate track weapon), AMG SLS (instant classic, a GT car). And there is also Scuderia.

    Will you have time or will you spare time for Maserati Smiley


    --
     

    ONUR

    09 Audi TTS Ibis

    07 997 Carrera S / 05 M3 Coupe / 03 M3 Coupe / 96 M3 Coupe EVO (ALL BUT HISTORY)

     


    Re: 458 spider to get folding hard top?

    The GranTurismo will be my daily driver whilst the California will be used as my weekend convertible replacing my 430 spider. I hadn't planned on getting another GranTurismo but found myself missing my old one and my dealer put an offer on the table for a brand new S that was very hard to ignore

    The Scuderia will make way for the 458 next summer at some point. Depending upon the build slot I get the GT3 will most likely replace the GranTurismo this time next year. I think the SLS may be a keeper somehow.

    My current plan is to replace the California in 2011 with a 458 spider and to try and get a Maclaren MP4-12C to replace the 458 berlinetta. By the time I've had some fun with the MacLaren the 458 Scuderia variant may be on the horizon. Got to plan ahead you know   Whilst I juggle cars around in an effort to minimise depreciation and experience a bit of variety MikeS would sensibly just call the builders in to get more garage space to grow the collection

     

     

     

     


    Re: 458 spider to get folding hard top?

    ISUK:

    The GranTurismo will be my daily driver whilst the California will be used as my weekend convertible replacing my 430 spider. I hadn't planned on getting another GranTurismo but found myself missing my old one and my dealer put an offer on the table for a brand new S that was very hard to ignore

    The Scuderia will make way for the 458 next summer at some point. Depending upon the build slot I get the GT3 will most likely replace the GranTurismo this time next year. I think the SLS may be a keeper somehow.

    My current plan is to replace the California in 2011 with a 458 spider and to try and get a Maclaren MP4-12C to replace the 458 berlinetta. By the time I've had some fun with the MacLaren the 458 Scuderia variant may be on the horizon. Got to plan ahead you know   Whilst I juggle cars around in an effort to minimise depreciation and experience a bit of variety MikeS would sensibly just call the builders in to get more garage space to grow the collection

     

     

     

     

    Iain,
     

    Nice plan.

    Personally, my choice is 997.2 Turbo PDK Coupe and 458 Italia. I am not interested in 458 spider since IMHO spider versions of mid engine sportscar do not look right. Even R8 Spyder is well, not as good design as R8 Coupe, at least IMO.

    I am somehow interested in some "lesser" cars like Golf R/Scirocco R, RS5 or something similar as daily driver.


    Re: 458 spider to get folding hard top?

    KresoF1:

    Personally, my choice is 997.2 Turbo PDK Coupe and 458 Italia. I am not interested in 458 spider since IMHO spider versions of mid engine sportscar do not look right. Even R8 Spyder is well, not as good design as R8 Coupe, at least IMO.

    I am somehow interested in some "lesser" cars like Golf R/Scirocco R, RS5 or something similar as daily driver.

    Hi Kreso,

    I thought you are going to deliver your R8 V10 in december. 997.2 Turbo + 458 italia is the ultimate combo, IMO.

    I couldn't buy R8 V8 since I couldn't sell my TTS, but still working on it Smiley


    --

    ONUR

    09 Audi TTS Ibis

    07 997 Carrera S / 05 M3 Coupe / 03 M3 Coupe / 96 M3 Coupe EVO (ALL BUT HISTORY)

     


    Re: 458 spider to get folding hard top?

    Well, maybe 997.2 Turbo PDK coupe + Scuderia or even Scuderia 16M is a better and the ultimate combo since Turbo is the best all around car and Scuderia is the most raw, exciting and sporty option on the market. 


    --

    ONUR

    09 Audi TTS Ibis

    07 997 Carrera S / 05 M3 Coupe / 03 M3 Coupe / 96 M3 Coupe EVO (ALL BUT HISTORY)

     


    Re: 458 spider to get folding hard top?

    I liked my 997.1 turbo and thought it would make an ideal compromise car if it was used as a daily driver and a toy. I found it too clinical after a while though and found I was driving other cars in preference to it. It just never connected on an emotional level because it was perhaps a little too competent if that makes sense? You really need to be be doing incredible speeds in the turbo for it to really come alive.

    I'm keen to try a 997.2 version though to see if things have changed.

    I'd agree with you Kreso that the spider variants can look less pretty than their coupe siblings but I've found that I tend to drive the spiders more as you really can't beat the enjoyment of open top driving on a sunny day with a raucous V8 or V10 wailing memorably out back

     


     
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