2015 Ferrari 488 GTB revealed, the 458 Italia replacement with a 4.0-litre twin-turbo



Say goodbye to the Ferrari 458 Italia, and say hello to the new Ferrari 488 GTB. Ferrari’s mid-engined supercar gets rejuvenated with sharper looks and a new heart, a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged heart, no less. The 488 GTB is the second of the recent Ferraris to receive a turbocharged powerplant after the front-engined California T.

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QUICK FACTS

Name Ferrari 488 GTB
Engine 3,902 cc V8 twin-turbo
Max Power 660 hp @ 8,000 rpm
Max Torque 760 Nm @ 3,000 rpm
0-100 km/h 3.0 seconds
0-200 km/h 8.3 seconds
Top Speed > 330 km/h

The unveiling of the 488 GTB also celebrates the 40 years anniversary since the launch of Ferrari’s first mid-engine car, which was the Dino. Not only that, the new smaller turbocharged engine somewhat bridges the gap closer to the current Formula 1 that promotes engine downsizing and turbocharging technology.

EXTERIOR

At first sight it looks familiar to the 458 Italia it replaces but upon closer inspection, almost all body panels are new on the 488 GTB. The front bumper intake openings are larger, with two “fangs” in the middle hiding a center deflector to channel air towards the flat underbody.

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The door feature a deep scallop inspired by the 308 GTB and cuts upward to the flanks punctured by a huge air intake. The back receives more aero work with a new rear bumper with diffuser that incorporates active flaps, and what Ferrari refers to a “blown” spoiler. All this resulted a 50 percent increase in downforce compared to its predecessor.

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Apart from that, the LED taillights have been updated, accompanied by a central F1-esque rear foglamps, while the tailpipe count now reduced from three to two.

 

INTERIOR

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Most of the cabin design remains intact, which revolves around the driver. All the controls are angled towards the driver, ensuring everything is within reach. For the 488 GTB, the infotainment screen have been redesigned, and it now features a completely keyless start.

PERFORMANCE

The new engine is around 500 cc less than the one in the 458 Italia. Still a V8, it now displaces 3,902 cc, but it gains a pair of turbochargers. It generates 660 hp at 8,000 rpm and 760 Nm at 3,000 rpm.

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That’s 98 hp more than what the 458 Italia offers, and 63 hp more than the 458 Speciale. Sprint time from 0 to 100 km/h is 3.0 seconds, which is similar to the 458 Speciale, and the top speed is claimed to be more than 330 km/h.

To ensure a smooth torque delivery, the gearbox features Variable Torque Management. The side slip angle control system have evolved to Side Slip Control 2 (SSC2), which is said to be more precise and less intrusive than before.

WHAT ELSE?

The 488 GTB is set to debut at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show in March 2015, which is interestingly, where McLaren is tipped to unveil their 675LT. Over here in Malaysia, with the launch of the 458 Speciale and the California T last year, it’s only a matter of time when the 488 GTB is coming to our shores.

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