Ferrari 488 GTB, life goes on after the 458 Italia
A high point of the Geneva Motor Show, the presentation of the 488 GTB left a strong impression on fans of the Prancing Horse. Forty years after the launch of the very first V8 berlinette with a central rear engine, Ferrari embarks upon a new chapter in the history of these cars with such special architecture.
An exceptional engine and dynamic controls… The wherewithal to compete with its racetrack cousins. With 670 hp under the hood, this very desirable model was presented to visitors in Geneva clad in the brand's typical shade of scarlet red, with a second model in very elegant dark grey. An up-dated version of the 458 Italia ? Much more than that. Starting with a turbocharged V8 3.9-liter engine versus the earlier V8 4.5 atmospheric engine. It takes a mere 3 seconds for the car to leap from 0 to 100 km/h, 8.3 seconds to attain 200 km/h, figures comparable to those proposed by its main rival, the McLaren 650S. And the roaring 488 GTB chalks up a top speed of 330 km/h, clocking in at 4,568 mm long, 1,952 mm wide, with a wheelbase of no less than 2,650 mm. Up front, the central aerodynamic column and double spoiler, largely inspired by Formula 1, are responsible for the negative lift. The underbody seems to cling to the road. At the rear, an impressive diffuser allows for air to escape beneath the car. The air drawn in through the patented scalloped fin via an intake at the base of the window is expelled through the bumper. Repositioned, the new exhaust pipes leave maximum space for the diffuser, contributing to the impression of power and performance. The flanks of the car are beautifully sculptural. Gear changing has nothing to envy of racing cars, and the ABS braking system is more efficient with a stopping distance improved by 9 %.
The interior follows the sports cars tradition without sacrificing passenger comfort. Space is perfectly functional, and the seats are fitted with fixed headrests. The car's new key features a keyless start function, a first for Ferrari, decidedly unbeatable in its category.
