The winds have changed in the supercar world with the eccentrics of the naturally aspirated engine being replaced by the practicality of a turbocharged unit. With Ferrari’s newest creation the 488 GTB too, the world has witnessed a new era in the future of supercars where exorbitant amounts of power and staggering performance continue to satiate the hunger in you as the envelope of performance gets pushed a notch further.
Technically a mid-cycle update to the 458 Italia, the Ferrari 488 GTB is the newest supercar to come from the Maranello based manufacturer. The Ferrari 488 is also the latest model to carry the GTB (Gran Touring Berlinetta) moniker since the 599 GTB and the newest model since the 308 GTB that hit the market 40 years ago. However, what makes the 488 GTB extremely special are the new turbochargers paired to the V8 that offer breathtaking performance.
As scintillating as it gets, the Ferrari 488 GTB looks distinctly Italian with the familiar and flared wheel arches and aerodynamic lines, finished in the Rosso Corsa colour theme. While similarities from the 458 Italia and Speciale are visible, the LaFerrari influence is equally evident and only adds to the desirability quotient of the supercar. The menacing looks are further accentuated courtesy of the strong character lines at the sides with extensive air-intakes scalped out of the doors feeding the massive turbochargers at the rear.
The rear profile on the other hand is reminiscent of the 458 Italia especially with the circular tail lights. There is also a massive opening in the centre that allows some breathing space for the V8 with the license plate enclosure resting right below it. The rear diffuser has been inspired from the 458 Speciale while the triple exhaust unit has been replaced with twin large exhausts.
On the inside, the Ferrari familiarity continues with a similar functionality as the 458. Look a bit closer though and you will spot new and angular air-con vents, revised switches and knob positions and a slightly tweaked centre console. The Launch, Reverse and Auto switches on the centre console are now on top of each other instead of being placed sideways.
Power on the Ferrari 488 GTB comes from the new 3.9-litre V8 engine, which despite being smaller than the 458’s unit is capable of pumping out 660 HP and 760 Nm of torque thanks to the additional twin-turbochargers. With a dry weight of just 1370 kg, the 488 GTB boasts of gut some wrenching figures with the 0-100 kph mark coming up in flat 3.0 seconds on the speedo while the 200 kph figure comes up in 8.3 seconds. The top speed is rated at well over 330 kph.
Ferrari has also ensured that you the ‘driver’ comes as close to authentic F1 track experience as you can with the 488 GTB. The supercar comes with a slew of electronic driving aids for Formula One-esque handling including the updated side-slip angle control system from the 458 Italia as well as the Side Slip Control 2 for longitudinal acceleration around corners. While that sinks in, the 488 GTB also gets electronic differential and active dampers to keep your mind blown at all times.
Ferrari states that the 488 GTB can lap the famed Fiorano test track in 1 minute 23 seconds, a whole 1 second quicker than its predecessor 458 Speciale which in turn is a whole 2 seconds faster than the iconic Enzo. Even with that kind of performance, the Italian automaker says that the 488 GTB is now 15% more environment friendly that will keep the guilt score at a low minimum as you clock 300 kph.
Ferrari will be revealing complete details on the 488 GTB at the Geneva Motor Show next month and will is certainly the showstopper at Ferrari’s pavilion. Fun fact! McLaren too will be unveiling its latest Ferrari competitor the 675 LT at the event. So which of the two ranks up to be your next conquest?
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