2012 & 2013 Ferrari Convertible Reviews & Ratings

Ferrari, one of the most successful sports car companies around the globe, has always been known for its sporty coupe and convertible models since the company's auto production began in 1947. Unlike many sports car companies, Italian brand Ferrari continues to thrive after the death of its founder and its Fiat ownership. Ferrari has several coupe and convertible models currently for sale. Some of newest convertible models include the 2011 Ferrari California Convertible, the 2012 Ferrari 458 S... (full review continues below)

Ferrari, one of the most successful sports car companies around the globe, has always been known for its sporty coupe and convertible models since the company's auto production began in 1947. Unlike many sports car companies, Italian brand Ferrari continues to thrive after the death of its founder and its Fiat ownership. Ferrari has several coupe and convertible models currently for sale. Some of newest convertible models include the 2011 Ferrari California Convertible, the 2012 Ferrari 458 Spider (Italia), and the specialty 2011 Ferrari SA Aperta.

The 2011 Ferrari SA Aperta Convertible was first introduced at the 2010 Motor Show and is based on the Ferrari 599 Roadster. The SA Aperta was constructed to celebrate Phinifarina, Ferrari's longtime design partner's, eightieth birthday. The "SA" name refers to Sergio Pininfarina and Andrea Pininfarina, the creators of their family business. "Aptera" means "open" in Italian. Ok, we know it isn't very original, but we forget that with one look at the Aperta. Some of this convertible's interesting features include a rainstorm-only roof (Similar to the Porsche Boxster Spyder's of the same sort), integrated rollover protection, and a V-122 engine that produces an amazing 661 horsepower. This top's the standard 599's horsepower, which is up to 612. Only eighty SA Aperatas were constructed, so if you're looking for a unique, sporty machine, the SA could be it. The convertible has a starting price around $450,000 and comes in several variants: Nero Stellato, Blu Elettrico, Giallo Tristrato, Rosso Fuoco, and Rosso Dino (all representing different colors and interior styles).

The 2011 Ferrari California Convertible has a starting price of $192,000 and is technically a Grand Touring car instead of a sports car. It features the first retractable hardtop convertible roof, the first twin-clutch gearbox (7-speed), the original front V8 engine application, and the original multilink rear suspension. In short, this car is all about sporty innovations. The Ferrari convertible only comes in one trim and achieves 13 mpg in the city and 19mpg on the highway due to its 4.3-liter V8 engine that produces 460 horsepower. The California comes with excellent safety features, including stability and traction control ad several airbags. The Ferrari California competes with such vehicles as the 2011 Aston Martin DB9 and the Lamborghini Gallardo, both of which are more expensive than the Ferrari.

The 2012 Ferrari 458 Spider is the new kid on the block as far as Ferrari cars are concerned. It launched in the summer of 2011 and is available as a convertible or a coupe. This stylish convertible is certainly one of the most aesthetically-pleasing models you'll ever see, if you're lucky enough to view it in-person. The sleek exterior and finely-crafted cabin are nearly unmatched, and the 4.5-liter 570 horsepower engine is certainly hard to compete with. The base model has a starting price around $225,000 and achieves 12 mpg in the city and 18 mpg on the highway. The Spider (Convertible) version's starting price is slightly higher, but its hardtop opens/closes in less than fourteen seconds! The 458 competes with such brands as Lamborghini and Aston Martin.