Ferrari 458 Spider under glass?

Ferrari is looking to usurp the Frankfurt Motor Show crush by launching its 458 Spider to a select audience a week before the start of the German festival of new cars.

But those select few are in for a shock. While most people have been expecting a traditional folding cloth roof to steer well clear of the California’s market for folding metal roofs, Ferrari found another way. Sources insist it will steer the 458 Spider down the path it once took with the 575M SuperAmerica with its odd, folding glass roof (pictured).

Insiders say the 458 will use a similar roof, which will simply flip back 180 degrees when you want sunshine and fresh air. It then sits flat – and upside down – on top of the 458’s engine cover. The chromatic glass system also allows the roof to let in just the right amount of light for the weather conditions, while the 4.5-litre V8 and the seven-speed twin-clutch gearbox do the rest.

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