Ferrari
488 GTB
The Ferrari 458 Italia's replacement is this, the Ferrari 488 GTB.
The 488 GTB carries on the tradition of mid-engined V8-powered supercars
which has been a continuous staple of the Ferrari lineup for 40 years.
The car also carries the iconic GTB badge (which is short for Gran
Turismo Berlinetta) and was last used on the 599 GTB.
Powering the 488 GTB is a new, twin-turbocharged V8, paired
with a seven-speed dual-clutch auto box. Ferrari says the 488 will
lap its Fiorano test track in just 1 minute 23 seconds - two seconds
faster than the 458, and half a second quicker than the track-focused
Speciale.
The 488 GTB's engine displaces 3.9 liters and produces a peak output
of 660 horsepower @ 8,000 rpm and 560 pound-feet of torque
@ 3,000 rpm. By comparison, the most potent variant of the 458's naturally-aspirated
4.5 liter V8 (used in the 458 Speciale) produced 597 hp @ 9,000 rpm
and just 398 lb-ft of torque at 6,000 rpm.
In terms of performance the Ferrari 488 GTB will accelerate to 62
mph from rest in 3.0 seconds and hit a top speed in excess of
205 mph.
From the front, the design influence of the LaFerrari supercar
is obvious. The headlamps are almost identical and there are similar
style lines on the hood. While the front bumper is basically one huge
air duct, split in half down the centre.
Details like these, plus a revised under-tray with vortex generators,
give the car a remarkable coefficient of drag of just 1.67 despite
offering twice the downforce of its predecessor.
The chassis of the Ferrari 488 GTB benefits from technical expertise
carried over from the company's specialist client-based XX program.
The seven-speed dual-clutch transmission now features a Variable Torque
Management system that controls the level of torque so that it is
sent to the wheels smoothly and powerfully right across the rev range.
To further improve handling, Ferrari has added a number of electronic
driving aids. These include an updated version of the side slip
angle control system that debuted on the 458 Speciale. The new version,
Side Slip Control 2 (SSC2) is more precise and less intrusive, providing
greater longitudinal acceleration out of corners. This works together
with existing systems like the F1-Trac traction and stability control,
the E-Diff limited-slip differential, and active dampers.
Inside the cockpit, the angled air vents and instrument panel are
all centred around the driver. The usual multifunction steering
wheel, bucket seats and top-quality dashboard are all present
and correct. An upgraded infotainment system is also featured, and
Ferrari's designers have tried to make the interior more user friendly,
while also being comfortable and extremely sporty.
The final Ferrari 488 GTB price is yet to be confirmed. But it should
command a significant premium over the $230,000 asking price of the
458 Italia.
Ferrari 488 GTB SPECIFICATIONS:
ENGINE
Type
Overall displacement
Maximum power
Maximum torque |
V8 - 90° Turbo
3902 cm3
492 kW (670 CV) at 8000 rpm
760 Nm at 3000 rpm in VII gear |
DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT
Length
Width
Height
Dry weight
Weight distribution |
4568 mm
1952 mm
1213 mm
1370 kg
46.5% Front – 53.5% Rear |
|
