Like its predecessors, the 458 saloon is available in an open version. But, in keeping with its originality, it swaps the soft top for a retractable hard top, making this Spider a veritable coupé-cabriolet. With the engine in a central rear position, there was little room for manoeuvre, so a system inspired by that of the Superamerica was chosen. Controlled electrically, the roof pivots on its rear axis to lie flat under a bonnet that includes the two large bosses that extend the headrests. The system is simple, light and space-saving. It has just one drawback: it no longer allows you to admire the superb red cylinder heads of the V8 through a transparent bubble, as you do on the saloon. What the eyes lose, the ears gain back, however, since in addition to the pleasure of hearing the exhaust express itself more freely, the new scoops in the bonnet for cooling provide a more present intake sound.