Ferrari, together with authorised Malaysian importer Naza Italia, have launched the new Ferrari 488 GTB with an introductory price of RM1,068,800. Hold your horses now, because the price stated is excluding taxes and excise duty.
The 488 GTB, the acronym of which is Gran Turismo Berlinetta, replaces the highly acclaimed 458 Italia, and at first glance bears great resemblance to the car it succeeds. It isn’t an entirely new car, but more of a refreshed and modern take on its successful predecessor.
QUICK FACTS
| Name | Ferrari 488 GTB |
| Engine | 3,902cc; turbocharged V8 |
| Transmission | 7-speed F1 dual clutch transmission |
| Max Power | 661 hp @ 8,000 rpm |
| Max Torque | 760 Nm @ 3,000 rpm |
| 0 to 100 km/h; Top Speed | 3.0 seconds; 330 km/h |
| Price before taxes and duty | RM1,068,800.00 |
EXTERIOR
As such, almost all body panels on the 488 is new. The front fascia features larger air intakes with two “fangs” in the lower grille that functions by channelling air towards the flat underbody. It also carries over the 458 GT-derived aerodynamic underbody with vortex generators.
Long-time Ferrari followers will notice the doors features a deep scalloped design first seen on the 308 GTB and cuts upwards into the air intake. It sits on 20-inch wheels as standard, with the front wearing 245/35 series tyres and the back, 305/30 profile.
Round the back, this turbocharged Ferrari receives more extensive aerodynamic revision courtesy of a new bumper with diffuser that incorporates active flaps, including a “blown” spoiler, as Ferrari calls it. The result is a 50 percent increase in downforce compared to the 458. Its LED tail lights have also been updated, complemented by an F1-inspired fog lamps and dual exhaust pipes (the 458 had three pipes).
INTERIOR
The cabin on the other hand, remains largely the same. Although many would prefer an updated interior, but in the case of a Ferrari, familiarity does not breed contempt. The design layout is still very much driver-oriented, and the ergonomics are thoughtfully placed to ensure that everything is within reach.
What’s new however, are the updated infotainment screen and keyless push-to-start.
PERFORMANCE
Contrary to typical Ferrari fashion, the 488 doesn’t represent the 4.8-litre V8 engine that we would expect, because here it gets a downsized 3.9-litre twin-turbocharged engine. Make no mistake, although it’s 600cc smaller, the 488 GTB boasts the best power-to-weight ratio of any road-going Ferraris to date.
Here are the numbers. The engine makes 661 horsepower at 8,000 rpm (the previous 4.5-litre NA engine redlines at 9,000 rpm) an 760 Nm of torque from 3,000 rpm. That’s a good 98 horsepower and 220 Nm of torque more than the 458! This allows the 488 GTB to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.0 seconds and 0 to 200 km/h in 8.3 seconds before reaching a claimed top speed of 330 km/h.
It gets mated to the familiar seven-speed F1-derived dual clutch automatic with Variable Boost Management which optimally distributes torque. Aiding the 488’s cornering abilities is an evolved Side Slip Control 2 (SSC2), that is said to be more precise and less intrusive than before.
WHAT ELSE?
You might have noticed that the 488 here is a left hand drive version, but it’s merely a display unit that will be touring elsewhere in our region. It will come here in a RHD configuration, and Ferrari is asking for a base price of RM1,068,800, excluding duties, taxes and of course, personalisation.
The car is projected to be sold in excess of RM2 million, and about 20 units of the car have been booked to date.
IMAGE GALLERY
