It’s here folks! No speculation, no mystery, and no games; Ferrari->ke252 has unveiled the successor to the 458,->ke3479 the 2016 Ferrari 488 GTB, and it is a beautiful thing! We’re still working on our full review of this gem of Italian architecture, but I am here to give you a quick rundown on what it has to offer.
Let’s start with the powerhouse behind those seats. I’m talking about a turbocharged, 3,902 cc (3.9-liter) V-8 that punishes – or rewards -- depending on how you think – the tarmac with 670 CV (660 horsepower) at 8,000 rpm and 760 Nm (560 pound-feet) of torque. Ferrari didn’t discuss the gearbox tying the engine to the wheels, but it did mention that it features Variable Torque Management to help deliver power smoothly across the torque band.
Speaking of power delivery, the 488 GTB will sprint to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just three seconds and continue on to 200 km/h (124 mph) in just 8.3 ticks – 0.4 second and 2.5 seconds quicker than the 458, respectively. Top speed arrives at an impressive 330 km/h (205 mph). Just for good measure, Ferrari also announced that it lapped the Fiorano track in 1 minute and 23 seconds, which is 0.5 seconds faster than the 458 Speciale.
In terms of looks, the 488 GTB is clearly a descendant of the 458, with a little LaFerrari->ke4626 and 308 GTB tossed into the mix. The scalloped intake clearly pays homage to the latter. Around back, the 488 GTB is still clearly an evolution of the 458 Italia, and a damn fine one at that. The only clear distinctions between the two are the shapes of the diffuser and the taillight surrounds. Despite their similarities, the 488 GTB has far more efficient aerodynamics, which create as much as 50 percent more downforce than the 458.
We'll learn more about the new 488 GTB in March 2015 at the Geneva Auto Show,->ke228 so stay tuned for more details.
Click past the jump to read more about the 2015 Ferrari 488 GTB.
Why it matters
It’s sad to see the 458 Italia go away, but the fact of the matter is that Ferrari needed to update its entry-level supercar to better adhere to ever-tightening emission regulations. This is evident in the fact that the 488 GTB bests the 458 Italia in emissions and fuel economy, at 260 g/km to 494 g/km and 21 mpg to 17 mpg, respectively. The drop in emissions really stands out on paper, but that is one of the key benefits of modern turbocharged engines.
We’ll have our full review for you shortly.
Ferrari 488 GTB
