Today The Car Spotter will be talking about the recently released images and soon to be unveiled at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show; the Ferrari 488 GTB.
Replacing the 458 Italia, the 488 GTB will include a turbocharged V8 661bhp engine, the first mid-engined modern day Ferrari supercar to be turbocharged. This follows the California T that was given a turbocharger, however Ferrari have described the 488 GTB as completely new when compared to the 458 Italia, in terms of components, feel and character.
The Ferrari 488 GTB is set to go into production in September this year after the 458 Italia range is completed during summer.
Ferrari 488 GTB
Ferrari 458 Italia
Ferrari 488 GTB
Ferrari 458 Italia
Ferrari 488 GTB
The 488 GTB will contain a twin-turbocharged 3.9 litre V8 that produces 660bhp and 560lb-ft of torque. This is a large increase on the naturally aspirated 458 Italia and 458 Speciale which produce 562bhp and 597bhp consecutively.
Although the 488 GTB power and torque power outputs outshine the McLaren 650s which has 641bhp and 500lb-ft torque, McLaren will be releasing a new supercar alongside the Ferrari 488 GTB at the Geneva motor show in March named the 675LT (Longtail) which has a confirmed power output of 666bhp.
The Ferrari 488 GTB will have a seven speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox derived from the 458 that sends the power through the rear wheels. It has been reported to achieve the 0-60mph acceleration sprint in 3 seconds flat, and reach a top speed of 205mph. Exactly the same as the McLaren 650S, however the 650S has a higher top speed of 207mph. The McLaren 650S edging the Ferrari 488 GTB slightly in this category.
In terms of styling, the car has received new aerodynamic features that are said to help down force and reduce drag. There is a split air vent with moveable flaps in the rear quarters behind the doors that push air into the engine bay and a new rear spoiler, where air is sectioned from the base of the glass engine cover under the spoiler. The 488 has a flat under body for greater airflow. The rear diffuser, front splitter and bumpers are newly designed and give the Ferrari 488 GTB a mean, aggressive racy look.
Ferrari 488 GTB
Ferrari 488 GTB
Ferrari 458 Italia Interior
Ferrari 488 GTB Interior
The interior has been redesigned. The switches, instrument panel, air vents and much more are all brand new. The F1 style multi-function steering wheel is still present and the infotainment system has been redeveloped with a completely new interface and visuals.
The price has not yet been stated, however it must surely be above the £178,000 of the Ferrari 458 due to the updated performance, styling and new technology.
Ferrari 458 Italia Naturally Aspirated Engine
Ferrari 488 GTB Twin-Turbocharged Engine
Top Ferrari 458 Italia
Bottom Ferrari 488 GTB
I think the Ferrari 488 GTB looks very stylish and updated. It is clear to see that it is the successor of the Ferrari 458 however it certainly looks more aggressive with the visual changes that have taken place. The headlights remain the same style, long and thin with LED technology. The performance figures seem startling and the development in engine technology and efficiency is clear to see. A road car that can achieve the 0-60mph sprint in 3 seconds, like other cars in the same class shows the levels of engineering of modern day supercars. I like the car and think it looks much racier than the previous Ferrari 458. For me, it really is a more modern 458.
What are your thoughts on the brand new Ferrari 488 GTB? Do you prefer the Ferrari 488 GTB to the Ferrari 458? Do you prefer the McLaren 650S or the Ferrari 488 GTB?
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