Segment:
High-performance luxury exotic convertible
Target Audience:
Enthusiast owners seeking premium driving experience and Italian automotive heritage
Key Competitors:
Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder, Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet, Aston Martin DB9 Volante
Engine Placement:
Mid-engine
Drivetrain:
Rear-wheel drive
Convertible Top:
Fully automatic soft top with aluminum frame
Design Philosophy:
Blend of extreme performance, Pininfarina styling, and open-top driving pleasure
Engine:
V8 Engine operation, lubrication, cooling, ignition system overview
Transmission:
F1 (Fiorano Manual) transmission operation, automatic mode, paddle shift explanation
Brakes:
ABS, EBD, brake system general operation and safety precautions
Electrical:
Lighting system, instrumentation, warning lights, battery care, fuse identification
Chassis Suspension:
Double wishbone suspension overview, electronic damping control (optional)
Body Exterior:
Door operation, hood/trunk release, convertible top operation and care
Interior Comfort:
Climate control, seat adjustment, infotainment system basics, interior lighting
Operation:
Starting the engine, gear selection, driving modes, convertible top operation
Maintenance:
Basic fluid level checks (oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid), tire pressure checks
Troubleshooting:
Explanation of dashboard warning lights and their meaning, basic troubleshooting steps for common indicators
Safety:
Seat belt usage, airbag system overview, safe driving practices
Cleaning Care:
Exterior paint care, interior material cleaning, convertible top care
Diagnostic Level:
Owner-level understanding of system functions and basic checks
Repair Level:
Not a repair manual; focuses on operation and ownership, not detailed repair procedures
Specification Detail:
Provides essential specifications for owner reference (e.g., tire sizes, fluid types)
Searchability:
Searchable text content for quick information retrieval
Resolution:
High-resolution scans for clear readability of text and diagrams
Printable:
Printable for physical reference
Original Binding:
Typically perfect bound or saddle-stitched (for original printed manuals)
Original Paper:
High-quality glossy paper stock (for original printed manuals)
Engine Type:
Naturally aspirated V8
Displacement:
3586 cc (3.6 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
85 mm x 79 mm
Compression Ratio:
11.1:1
Valve Train:
DOHC, 5 valves per cylinder (3 intake, 2 exhaust)
Horsepower:
400 PS (395 hp; 294 kW) @ 7200 rpm
Torque:
375 Nm (277 lb-ft) @ 4750 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point fuel injection (Bosch Motronic ME7.3)
Recommended Fuel:
91+ Octane Unleaded Gasoline
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 10.5 Liters (11.1 US Quarts)
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 13.5 Liters (14.3 US Quarts)
Type:
F1 Sequential Gearbox (Semi-automatic with paddle shifters)
Type:
6-speed Manual Transmission (less common on Spider)
Gear Ratios:
Specific ratios detailed in workshop manual, but designed for spirited performance
Clutch Type:
Twin-plate clutch (F1 transmission)
F1 Transmission Fluid:
Specific hydraulic fluid, often proprietary or specialized synthetic fluid (consult manual or dealer)
Length:
4477 mm (176.3 in)
Width:
1909 mm (75.2 in) (excluding mirrors)
Height:
1270 mm (50.0 in)
Wheelbase:
2600 mm (102.4 in)
Front Track:
1630 mm (64.2 in)
Rear Track:
1562 mm (61.5 in)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1550 kg (3417 lbs)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 1450 kg (3197 lbs)
Weight Distribution:
Near 50/50 front/rear
Trunk Volume Front:
Approx. 130 Liters (4.6 cu ft)
Trunk Volume Rear:
Minimal storage behind seats
Crash Test Results:
No specific NHTSA/Euro NCAP ratings due to low-volume exotic classification, but designed to high internal safety standards
Traction Control:
ASR (Anti-Slip Regulation)
Stability Control:
FDS (Ferrari Driving Assistance - integrates ABS/ASR)
Brake Assist:
EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution)
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags, side airbags
Seat Belts:
Three-point inertia reel seat belts with pre-tensioners
Rollover Protection:
Integrated rollover protection bars behind seats
Lighting:
Xenon headlights, LED taillights
Audio System:
Bose premium sound system (optional), CD player
Climate Control:
Automatic climate control
Suspension Control:
Optional adjustable electronic damping control
Features:
Basic connectivity for its era; no advanced smartphone integration (e.g., Apple CarPlay/Android Auto).
Minor Service:
Annually or every 7,500 miles (12,000 km), whichever comes first (includes oil change, filter replacement, general inspection)
Major Service:
Every 2-3 years or 15,000-20,000 miles (24,000-32,000 km) (includes belt replacement, spark plugs, brake fluid flush, coolant flush, differential fluid change)
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 5 years or 30,000 miles (48,000 km) (crucial for engine longevity; manual will advise on this).
Engine Oil Type:
Synthetic SAE 15W-50 or 10W-40 (API SG/SH/SJ or higher, ACEA A3/B3)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based antifreeze with corrosion inhibitors (Ferrari recommends specific blend)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 (High performance, high boiling point)
Gearbox Oil Type:
GL-5 SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil (for manual and differential)
F1 Pump:
F1 hydraulic pump actuator can be a point of failure, leading to shifting issues.
Clutch Wear:
Clutch wear can be significant with aggressive driving; F1 clutches are replaceable units.
Exhaust Valves:
Exhaust valve actuators can seize, affecting exhaust note and performance.
Paint Clearcoat:
Some early models experienced clearcoat peeling or delamination.
Maintenance Recommendations
Special Care:
Regular battery tending is essential, even when not in use, to maintain charge.