TURBO POWER FOR 488 GTB
Ferrari gives the 458 Italia replacement the engine downsizing treatment for better performance and economy
Is this Fezza completely new from the ground up?
The 488 GTB may be an all-new moniker, but it is actually a heavily revised version of the 458 Italia featuring tweaked styling, improved aerodynamics and a new engine.
As you are able to note in the sidebar relating to its ancestors, the transition between the 458 and the 488 is similar to what has happened between the 308/328, 348/F355 and 360/F430.
In fact, most models stay on the market between four to five years, before being given a minor or major overhaul.
That explains why the 488 and 458 still share the same basic silhouette.
I see. The 488 certainly looks a lot more macho ...
Yeah, especially with those newly designed vents on the front and sides of the 488. The new aerodynamic alterations are claimed by Ferrari to give the 488 50% more downforce than the 458.
The 488 tips the scales at 1,370kg — 115kg less than the 458 — although Ferrari hasn’t revealed the leaner stallion’s exact diet.
Ferrari simply says much of the 488’s improvements come from the brand’s XX programme, which takes input from customers’ driving capabilities on the racetrack.
The so-called Side Slip Control, which allows drivers to hold onto a power steer in a less intrusive manner, has been upgraded in the 488.
And while the cabin may look familiar, the 488 has redesigned graphics for the infotainment on the fascia with the usual “manettino” settings on the steering wheel, like in an F1 racing car.
Cool. Has the 488 gone turbo?
Certainly, and that’s the highlight of the revision. The 488 becomes the second model in Ferrari’s modern history to go turbo after the California T.
Although both come with a twin-turbo 3.9litre V8, Ferrari says the 488 has an improved unit (displacing 3,902cc) and isn’t the same with that of the California T (3,885cc).
While the 488 churns out 670hp at 8,000rpm and 760Nm at 3,000rpm, the California T does it strut with 560hp at 5,700rpm and 755Nm at 4,560rpm.
The 488’s predecessor, on the other hand, makes 570hp at 9,000rpm and 540Nm at 6,000rpm.
Figuratively speaking, the 458 has a higher revving engine but less usable power down the engine speed range.
Despite the use of forced induction, Ferrari promises the 488 to deliver on aural thrills — just like any other Fezza.
The seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission has been carried over but modified in the 488 to handle the substantially increased amount of torque in the smoothest manner possible.
How much faster is the 488?
The 488 sprints from 0-100kph in 3.0sec — 0.4sec faster than the 458. The top speed, as well, has climbed from 325kph to 330kph.
But the whole idea of engine-downsizing is to improve fuel economy, in which the 488 is capable of 8.8kpl, up from 7.5kpl.
Got it. How will McLaren respond to the 488?
As you now know, joining the 488’s world premiere in Geneva next month will be McLaren’s next supercar called 675LT (Long Tail).
The British supercar maker revealed a few more details about the 675LT late last week. Power will come from the familiar 3.8-litre bi-turbo V8, tweaked to 675hp and 700Nm.
Downforce in the 675LT is said to be 40% more than in today’s 650S. McLaren confirms that production of the 675LT commences later this year and only a coupe body will be available.
The 488, meanwhile, also hits production lines towards the end of the year and is expected to cost slightly more than the 458, probably around 30 million baht in Thailand.