Ferrari’s future under turbo charged rule looks to be poised for more success following the reveal of the Ferrari 488 GTB at the Scuderia premises in South Africa Johannesburg. The Ferrari 488 GTB made its international debut in February and credit must be given to the work behind the scenes to have the car here so promptly – usually we are at the back of the queue when it comes to new models.
These are big shoes to fill. Its predecessor, the Ferrari 458, was highly revered as being one of the ultimate versions of the modern era and saw several evolutions culminating in a Spyder and Speciale version. This model, on paper at least, trumps that model in every discipline from fuel consumption to acceleration. Dare we say looks too…
Of course the big announcement is the 3.9-litre V8 turbo which has already been rolled out in the California T. Compared to the Ferrari 458, power has increased to 492kW – roughly 70kW gain – and torque rises by 40% to 760Nm. That translates to 0-100km/h in 3.0s and 0-200km/h in 8.3 seconds. The Ferrari 488 will also provide a unique driving experience through the way it delivers torque; software linked to the 7-speed gearbox modulates the amount of torque, trimming it back in lower gears and providing maximum levels in the higher gears. Not only does this provide more traction and drivability at low speed but as you hammer through the gears, rather than having less torque surging through the drivetrain, you get more.
Sadly while journalists were allowed to slide behind the wheel and leave greasy fingerprints, we weren’t allowed to hear if Ferrari had achieved their goal of retaining that distinctive noise with the turbo charged engine. Throughout the development of the Ferrari 488, getting it to make all those spine shivering noises through sound enhancers was imperative. We’ll wait for the test drive before deeming it a success.
Changing the engine had a dramatic effect on the cars’ overall design. Engineers were now working with a more compact unit but one that required additional cooling. Those side vents, perhaps the most tell-tale sign of the new car, house the intercoolers and pay homage to some of the marque’s earlier designs. As per the norm with every new Ferrari, downforce has been improved with a larger diffuser and active aerodynamics that can supply grip or reduce drag depending on the circumstances. At 250km/h, the aerodynamic devices generate 325kg of downforce. Against the model it replaces, the Ferrari 488 is some 53% more efficient. It brakes better too thanks in part to being lighter; 100kmh-0 requires three metres less and 200km/h-0 achieved in nine fewer metres than in the 458.
The order books are now open and providing you don’t want any extras like the additional touches of carbon fibre fitted to the display model, you’ll need to part with R4.200 000. After first impressions, we don’t think people will be too hung up on this turbo saga.
