Ferrari Goes Turbo On Its 458 Replacement, The 488 GTB: 660 HP!

It’s a new Ferrari! This time however, there’s something different about it because ever since the entry level mid-engine V8 Ferrari, the 308 GTB came out forty years ago, every model following it have followed the naturally aspirated route. In the new Ferrari 488 GTB however, turbochargers have been added, the first in the Prancing Horse’s mid-mounted 8-cylinder history.

First things first, the power and there is plenty of that with 660 hp and 760 Nm on tap. A 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8 is the provider here and as an added bit of trivia, the ‘488’ name is derived from its eight cylinders and the capacity of each cylinder, which is 488 cc. To put those numbers into perspective, the 458 (562 hp) and its Speciale version (597 hp) are far behind it. Also, the previous mid-mounted turbo V8 Ferrari was the legendary F40.

The gearbox also features Variable Torque Management that ensures smooth torque delivery across the rev range, while specific gear ratios deliver “incredibly progressive acceleration when the driver floors the throttle.”

Translating that into understandable performance, the 488 GTB will hit 100 km/h from a standstill in just three seconds! And if you keep your foot mashed on the accelerator, 200 km/h is achieved 5.3 seconds later, a second faster than the Speciale. Top speed is quoted at over 330 km/h. Around Ferrari’s private test track at Fiorano, the 488 GTB laps it a full second quicker than the Speciale and two seconds faster than the 458.

Ferrari’s Side Slip Control 2 (SSC2) is also present here, being an evolved version of the system, “providing greater longitudinal acceleration out of corners.” This translates to executing powerslides perfectly while remaining in stable control of the car.

Moving on from the performance, we arrive at the 488 GTB’s exterior styling that resembles the previous 458 but with improved aero designs everywhere. At the front, larger air intakes that is divided into two sections by a splitter channels air to the radiators positioned at the sides. Between them, two pylons are combined with a deflector, sending air towards the flat underbody.

Continuing to the rear, a broad, low tail and blown spoiler generates downforce without increasing the drag coefficient of 1.67. This works with an aggressive ramp angle for the diffuser which features active flaps. The LED tail lights have also been redesigned.

As for the cabin, new satellite control clusters, angled air vents and instrument panel promotes a driver-focused cockpit. Other usual elements include the multifunctional steering wheel, wraparound seats, and revised graphics and interface of the infotainment systems.

That is all the information Ferrari have provided for now about its 488 GTB, which will make its full debut at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show in March.