IAA 2011: Ferrari 458 Spider Debuts Along with New “Tailor Made” Program

Ferrari’s CEO, Luca di Montezemolo, pulled the wraps off the latest addition to Maranello’s stable, the 458 Spider, at the 64th Frankfurt Motor Show. The open-top version of the acclaimed 458 Italia sports an innovative hard-top folding roof that offers better insulation from noise and heat in the cabin and is even 25 kg lighter than a traditional fabric roof.

The opening or closing operation takes just 14 seconds and, when open, the hard top occupies a very small space, leaving room for a storage bench behind the seats. Additionally, when the roof is stored, the rear windscreen rises automatically and acts as an air deflector, reducing buffeting in the cabin.

Naturally, the 458 Spider is, in every other respect, identical to its fixed-roof sibling. It uses the same aluminium chassis and a 570HP 4.5-liter V8 which is coupled to a dual-clutch F1 transmission and provides a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time in less than 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 320 km/h (200 mph).

It even incorporates the new HELE (High Emotion Low Emission) system that reduces urban consumption to just 11.8 lt/100 km (19.9 US mpg) and CO2 emissions to 275 g/km.

Apart from the 458 Spider, Ferrari also launched a new “Tailor-Made” customization program at the IAA. This program gives customers the ability to choose, in cooperation with their own Personal Designer, from an extensive range of trim, colors, finishes and materials inspired by classic models and racing. The “Tailor-Made” program includes three collections named Classica, Scuderia and Inedita.

 

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New Jaguar C-X16 Concepts Hints at a Porsche Cayman and 911 Rival

Jaguar is bringing a new sleek concept car named the C-X16 to the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, which opens its gates on September 13.

Following the release of a single teaser rendering, the British carmaker unloaded a slew of photos and information on the concept that is believed to lead to a production model sitting under the XK and aiming at the likes of both the Porsche Cayman and 911.

Billed as a true driver's sports car, the strictly two-seat C-X16 is the smallest Jaguar in terms of length since the 1954 XK120. The concept is built around a shortened version of the next generation XK's aluminium chassis structure and it measures 4,445 mm (175-in.) in length, 2,048 mm (80.6-in.) in width and 1,297 mm (51-in.) in height and has a wheelbase measuring 2,622 mm (103.2-in.).

Lurking under its long hood is hybrid powertrain that includes a next-generation 3.0-liter supercharged V6 petrol engine delivering 380-horses (280kW) and 332 lb ft (450 Nm) of torque and an electric motor generator integrated into the eight-speed automatic gearbox that transfers power to the rear wheels.

The electric motor draws power from a 1.6kWh battery pack mounted behind the seats that is charged through a brake energy regeneration system. The motor provides and additional 95-horsepower (70 kW) and 173 lb ft (235 Nm) of torque.

A Formula 1 Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS)-inspired hybrid boost system with a steering-wheel mounted button allows for on-demand acceleration using the electric motor.

Jaguar says the C-X16 tips the scales at 1,600kg (3,527 lbs) and has a perfect 50-50 weight distribution. According to the company, it is capable of accelerating from 0 to 62 mph (100km/h) in 4.4 seconds and from 50 to 75 mph (80-120km/h) in 2.1 seconds, while reaching a top speed of 186 mph (299km/h).

In addition, the British firm reveals that the C-X16 is able to travel at speeds of up to 50 mph (80km/h) using electric power alone and has CO2 emissions of 165 g/km.

The styling of the C-X16 is the work of Ian Callum. The exterior design mixes styling cues from both the XK (up front) and Jaguar's well received C-X75 hypercar study (at the back) from last year's Paris Auto Show, in a more compact form.

“This car has been designed from first principles," says Callum. "It is an evolution of the design ethos of past Jaguar cars and defines the agenda for a future of dramatic, innovative sports cars. Purity of line and intent is what Jaguar does best.”

Like the exterior, the interior of the concept looks very close to production sans the trim and dramatic color choices. According to the British automaker, the inspiration for elements of its layout come from aeronautical ergonomics, such as the joystick-style gearlever and banks of toggle switches, which also refer to classic racing Jaguar cars.

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