The long wait is finally over! The highly anticipated Ferrari 488 GTB has been launched today in India by the Maranello-based Italian manufacturer, at a whopping price of Rs. 3.88 crores (Ex-showroom, Delhi). The 488 GTB is the first launch from Ferrari this year in the country, having re-entered the Indian market last year with new dealer appointments. The car is Ferrari’s second recent turbocharged offering to the Indians, having previously launched the California T at Rs. 3.45 crores back in August 2015. The 488 GTB was unveiled to the world in February last year at the Geneva Motor Show and is the successor to the iconic 458 Italia.
The car is an absolute beast under the hood. It boasts an extremely powerful 3.9-litre, turbocharged V8 engine, which is mated to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission. If you were wondering why the car is named this way, let us clear it for you – The car’s new engine gives a 488cc of displacement per cylinder, and this is despite it being smaller than its processor.
This beastly engine pumps out a mammoth 661 HP at 8000 rpm and 760 Nm of torque at 3000 rpm. Therefore it comes as no surprise that this engine results in some otherworldly figures – The car can go from 0 to 100 kmph in 3 seconds, and 0-200 kmph in an impressive 8.3 seconds, while achieving a top speed of 330 kmph. Now you know why you should shell out nearly 4 crores for this baby!
The car is extremely aerodynamic and features an increase of downforce without increasing drag. As a result, it boasts an efficiency figure of 1.67, a record for a road-homologated Ferrari. At the front, an F1-inspired double spoiler and aero-pillar helps to divert air swiftly and effectively. This allows for an impressive 50% more downforce in the 488 over the 458. The bonnet features striking raised central section and two side channels. These two channels serve a dual purpose – They not only provide the car with a more sporty look, but also channel the air from the two vents in the bumper, which are hidden if viewed from the front. At the centre, two pylons are combined with a deflector which channels air towards the flat under body. At the rear, an electric glass window is present that acts as a wind deflector and the rear spoiler adds active aerodynamics to the car.
On the inside, the car features more storage cubby-hole, and the cabin feels more pleasing to the eyes. The angled air vents and instrument panel are centered around the driver. Multi-function steering wheel, bucket seats and top quality dashboard are present. A new Sport infotainment system that is designed for ease of navigation is present. The car’s new door panels are equipped with an extremely comfortable, ergonomic armrest, while the new plush seats feature fixed headrests and are lighter. The 488 GTB boasts a more advanced Side Slip Angle Control system (SSC2), which helps you drift effortlessly. A good amount of focus has went to the exhaust note, and while the brakes are exactly the same as LaFerrari’s, they are nothing short of phenomenal. Finally, the 488 GTB has a keyless start, so if you’re one of those people who keep forgetting where they put their car keys, relax!
Stunning and an absolute monster on the road, the 488 GTB deserves to be driven by the very best of drivers. And with that price tag, it surely will be!
Image source – TopGear
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