Ferrari shows off its new 458 Spider

Sports car designers aren’t known for their sensitivity to the everyday needs of the average driver. Put simply, you don’t buy a McLaren MP4-12C for the cup holders.

But not all piston-obsessed manufacturers are completely indifferent to our needs, as shown by the new Ferrari 458 Spider.

There are clever things happening beyond those sumptuous curves. Previewed ahead of an official unveiling at The Frankfurt Motor Show (starting 13 September), it has a powerful 4.5-litre V8 that cranks out 562bhp, can hit 62mph in 3.4sec and can reach speeds of 198mph.

However it’s the Spider’s retro hardtop roof that provides the most interest. It retracts in just 14 seconds and weighs less (25kg to be exact) than the average soft top. What’s more, it tucks away to leave space for 
a rear luggage bench.

There’s yet another sensible addition in an adjustable electric wind stop behind the seats that Ferrari promises lets you “hold a normal conversation at speeds of up to 124mph”.

It’s estimated to cost £200,000, but some would say that’s a small price to pay for a supercar that can handle an (admittedly small) shop run.