2020 Ferrari F8 Spider Review

In recent years, although the sports car market in Malaysia has been dominated by luxury brands, consumer demand for "everyday usable supercars" has been increasing—they want iconic performance without being too "delicate." The 2020 Ferrari F8 Spider is a model targeting this specific market segment. It continues the power core of the F8 Tributo while adding driving pleasure through a retractable hardtop design, and its configuration focuses more on practicality compared to its predecessor. The core purpose of this test drive is to verify whether it can balance both track performance and daily commuting needs.

From the exterior design, the overall style of the F8 Spider continues Ferrari's racing pedigree. The large front air intake grille combined with side air ducts not only enhances aerodynamic efficiency but also strengthens its recognition. The body features smooth side lines, with the arc extending from the A-pillar to the rear blending seamlessly with the retractable roof mechanism. The 20-inch multi-spoke wheels paired with front 245/35 ZR20 and rear 305/30 ZR20 tires give it a very aggressive visual impact. The quad exhaust layout and diffuser design at the rear directly emphasize its performance orientation, while the slim LED taillights significantly increase nighttime recognition when lit. Notably, its hardtop can open or close within 14 seconds at speeds under 50 km/h, and the body proportions remain harmonious in the open-roof configuration without appearing awkward.

Sitting inside, the driver-centric cabin layout is very clear. The combination of carbon fiber trim and Alcantara material reinforces the sporty feel. Meanwhile, the central control area retains most of the frequently used physical buttons for features such as driving mode switching and suspension adjustment, allowing convenient operation without needing to look down at the screen. The 10.25-inch central control screen supports CarPlay connectivity, with a more intuitive interface design compared to older models, making it easier to use. The seats adopt a sport bucket seat design with strong support; the adjustable shoulder and lumbar support ensure even long drives don't feel too tiring. In terms of space performance, as a two-door two-seat sports car, the seating space is just enough to accommodate two adults. The 200L trunk capacity is sufficient to fit two carry-on suitcases, making it suitable for short trips. Additionally, the storage pockets inside the doors and the small storage slots underneath the dashboard can hold items like phones and wallets, making it more practical than some purely track-focused sports cars.

In terms of power, the F8 Spider is equipped with a 3.9T V8 twin-turbo engine, delivering a maximum of 720PS, with peak torque fully unleashed at 3250rpm. It is paired with a 7-speed DCT gearbox. In standard mode, the car takes off swiftly, the throttle response is linear, and there is no noticeable turbo lag. When switched to sport mode, the gearbox shifts noticeably faster, and deep acceleration provides a strong and sustained push-back sensation. The official 0-100 km/h acceleration time is 2.9 seconds, and you can indeed feel the intense acceleration during the actual experience. In terms of handling, the steering wheel is highly precise with minimal play. The car follows perfectly during cornering, and the suspension system filters out small road bumps effectively in standard mode, making daily commutes not overly stiff. When switched to track mode, the suspension becomes firmer, improving body support and controlling body roll very well during cornering. However, on continuously bumpy roads, the stiff suspension may still transmit some vibrations into the cabin, which is a common downside of performance cars.

In terms of fuel consumption, this test drive covered urban congested roads and highways, with an average fuel consumption of about 14L/100km, which is not far off from the official figure of 13L/100km. Considering its performance, this fuel consumption is reasonable. For noise control, when the hardtop is closed, wind and road noise suppression is quite good, and at 120km/h on the highway, there's no need to raise your voice for conversation inside the car. In the open-top state, as long as the speed does not exceed 100km/h, wind noise is also within an acceptable range and does not affect normal communication. In addition, its braking system performs excellently, with linear and strong braking force, providing stable body posture during emergency braking, which inspires confidence.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2020 Ferrari F8 Spider are quite obvious: firstly, its performance is class-leading, with the 3.9T V8 engine output being top-tier among sports cars in the same price range; secondly, the convertible design adds driving fun, and the hardtop structure offers better sealing and practicality compared to a soft top; thirdly, its configuration and space are more catered to daily use than previous generations, ensuring that owners won’t feel like they’ve bought a “toy only for the weekends.” Compared to its peer, the Lamborghini Huracán Evo Spyder, its gearbox is smoother, making daily driving more comfortable, and it also has slightly lower fuel consumption.

The target audience for this car is quite clear: consumers who not only seek supercar performance and brand prestige but also want to occasionally use it for daily commutes—such as young people who enjoy weekend track experiences but can also take the car to grab a coffee on weekdays, or owners looking for a luxury sports car that balances status and practicality. It is not a purely track-focused machine, nor is it designed as a family car, but it strikes a better balance between performance and daily usability than many competitors do.

In summary, the 2020 Ferrari F8 Spider is a "well-rounded" supercar. It has Ferrari's iconic performance while reducing the usage threshold through detailed optimizations, and the hardtop convertible is the icing on the cake. If you're looking for a car that can occasionally hit the track, be used for commuting, and let you enjoy the joy of open-top driving on sunny days, it is a very suitable option.