Gear -- 8 days ago
A new Ferrari is always a headline grabber. This particular one is set to replace the modern icon that is the 458, and despite its obvious aesthetic differences, the big fuss is about what’s under the hood. The Ferrari 488 GTB features the marque’s all-new 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8, breaking the naturally-aspirated mold that has become synonymous with mid-engined Ferraris.
The 488 GTB’s timing is a double edged sword however, as 2015 marks the 40th anniversary of Ferrari’s first ever mid-mounted V8, the 308 GTB. Replacement, celebration, whatever you want to call it, this particular horse is a quick one. It has 99bhp more than its 458 predecessor, pushing the power up to a whopping 661bhp and thanks to its forced induction, torque figures have spiked from 640Nm to 760Nm.
With all of Maranello’s finest tech thrown in to it, the 488 GTB will go from 0-60mph in just three seconds, matching the time of the 458 Speciale. It wouldn’t be a Ferrari if it didn’t look the part though, and thankfully it does.
The car’s styling is instantly reminiscent of the 458, although aspects of the LaFerrari have been borrowed, giving it an even harder edge. The headlights are practically the same, the F1-style nose is present and there are gaping side vents for increased ventilation, similar to its hypercar cousin.
Typical of Ferrari, the functional styling cues continue throughout. The rear of the car copies the 458 Speciale with its twin-pipe layout, although an even bigger diffuser is utilised resulting in 50% more downforce.
The Ferrari 488 GTB will be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March. For more information, click here.
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