Supercar enthusiasts look forward to the world debut of the new Ferrari 488 GTB at the forthcoming Geneva Motor Show next month.
This would be the second ever turbocharged Ferrari after last year’s California T.
The company says it provides more power and economy.
The 488 GTB is the entry level Ferrari and it replaces the 458 Italia, the brand’s best-selling model.
The mid-engine 488 GTB is powered by a new 3.9-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 engine, which generates 660 BHP, 99 BHP more than the 458 Italia.
The car accelerates from 0-100kph (0-62mph) in three seconds. Top speed is 330kph (205 mph).
The 488 GTB, continues the brand’s quest to improve fuel economy in its vehicles without cutting performance.
Forty years on from the unveiling of its first ever mid-rear-engined V8 model, the 308 GTB, the Prancing Horse opens a new chapter in its 8-cylinder history.
The Ferrari 488 GTB provides track-level performance that can be enjoyed to the full even by non-professional drivers in everyday use.
Its response times, nimbleness and on-the-limit driving guarantee a unique sense of exhilaration and driving pleasure.
The Ferrari 488 GTB’s new 3902 cc V8 turbo is at the top of its class for power output, torque and response times, making it the new benchmark for this class of supercars.
The engine unleashes 760 Nm of maximum torque in seventh gear and a response time to the accelerator of just 0.8 seconds at 2,000 rpm.
These figures are sufficient to allow the Ferrari 488 GTB to accelerate from 0-200 km/h in an astonishing 8.3 seconds. It can lap the Fiorano track in just one minute and 23 seconds.
Ferrari is embracing turbocharged engines as it seeks to slash 20 percent off its CO2 emissions by 2021. By compressing air flowing into the cylinders, turbochargers get more power from a smaller engine.
The new name 488 indicates the individual cylinder capacity of the 3902cc engine. GTB stands for Gran Turismo Berlinetta, Italian for grand tourer coupe.
Ferrari says the car’s efficiency numbers set a new record for a street-legal production car from the brand. The 488 GTB uses 11.4 liters of gasoline per 100km (21 mpg US/25 mpg UK), while emitting 260 grams per km of CO2.
The 488 GTB will compete head on in Geneva with the new McLaren 675LT. It would be a close call between the two cars for performance and acceleration.
Ferrari can get to 124 miles per hour in 8.3 seconds, which 0.8 second faster than the 458 Speciale and 0.6 second faster than the Mclaren 650S.
The gearbox features Variable Torque Management which releases the engine’s massive torque smoothly and powerfully right across the rev range, while specific gear ratios deliver progressive acceleration when the driver floors the throttle.
As is always the case, Ferrari’s engineers have dedicated great attention to perfecting the 488 GTB’s sound, creating a new soundtrack that is full, clear and totally distinctive.
The car’s aerodynamics also made a pivotal contribution to performance: its 1.67 efficiency figure is a new record for a production Ferrari, and is the fruit of 50 percent more downforce and reduced drag than the previous model.
The greatest challenge was achieving these two goals simultaneously.
Several innovative elements were specifically developed to do so, not least a double front spoiler, base bleed side intakes and, at the rear, active aerodynamics coupled with a blown spoiler.
The aerodynamic underbody, which incorporates vortex generators, is highly sophisticated, too.
The new car also features a second-generation version of Ferrari’s Side Slip Angle Control system, which is designed to let the driver slide the car around, comfortable in the knowledge that there’s still an electronic safety net.
This now interacts with the active dampers as well as the E-Diff and the F1-Trak traction control system, keeping the car flatter and under control at all times.
In the cabin, the seamless integration of the new satellite control clusters, angled air vents and instrument panel heightens the sense that the cockpit is completely tailored around the driver. Usability was the key word in the design, leading to an extremely sporty ambience that in no way compromises on comfort.
There are plenty of classic Ferrari styling elements too, such as the clear separation between the dashboard and tunnel, the multifunctional steering wheel, the control-switch bridge and wraparound seats.
The graphics and interface of the infotainment screen have also been completely redesigned while the design of the car’s new key takes its inspiration from the car’s cylinder banks and allows keyless starts.
Ferrari won’t announce prices for the 488 GTB until the 2015 Geneva Motor Show in March, but a budget of $350,000 would be near the mark.
Orders for the 488 GTB are taken as soon as the car is revealed at the Geneva show, and production is set to start in September.