Ferrari 488 GTB
With emission standards getting more and more restrictive as time goes by, there was no choice. But instead of just adapting its lineup to smaller, more efficient engines, Ferrari decided to embrace this change. California, to give an example, welcomed forced induction with a whole facelift. But since the mid-engined bigger brother was older, the company sprung for a whole new successor. 458 Italia and its naturally-aspirated V8 make room for a coupé which looks even better, and gives away a little displacement in exchange for a turbocharger and an external design that featuers the most complex work Ferrari has ever done when it comes to aerodynamics. Everything paired to several mechanical tweaks to make the engine sound fulfill what is “expected from any Prancing Horse engine”.
As the company shows in an awesome video, every part of the car was shaped as to optimize the air flow, whether aiming for a smoother passage or to increase downforce when needed. Using a silhouette which is 40.6 mm longer and 15.2 mm wider than 458’s, the new Ferrari uses items such as Aero Pillar, a blown spoiler, a rear diffuser with active flaps, and vortex generators to achieve less aerodynamic drag along with downforce figures as high as 325 kg at 250 kph – everything weighing 1370 kg (46.5/53.5 distribution), which is ten lighter than the outgoing coupé. Along with such modern-day features, 488 GTB’s double air intakes on the sides were sculpted and positioned in a way that pays tribute to 308 GTB, the very first mid-engined Ferrari.
Such body was designed to make the best of an engine which is just impressive. The 90-degree V8 displaces 3,902 cc, uses two twin-scroll turbos and an automated gearbox with two clutches and seven speeds, and delivers 670 cv and 77.5 kgfm – to compare with 458, these figures mean a 13% smaller engine offers around 11% more power and 41% more torque. There are ion-sensing system to adjust ignition timing, high-tumble intake ports to receive more air, low-friction valvetrain, oil pump with variable pressure, flat-plane crankshaft, and compressor wheels made of a low-density alloy of aluminum and titanium. Along with preserving its signature engine sound, Ferrari wanted the new supercar to achieve what it calls “zero turbo lag”.
488 GTB goes from zero to 100 kph in three seconds, to 200 kph in 8.3, and then to the maximum of 330 kph. Not to mention the Fiorano lap in 1:23.0. These figures are awesome enough to defeat its predecessor even in the Speciale variation, which was shown as roadster some months ago. Equipments such as multifunction steering wheel and the signature manettino allow you to set mechanical parameters to suit your driving preferences, while Side Slip Angle Control and Variable Torque Management strive to make everything as safe as fun: the first one works together with the traction control and the electronic dampers and rear differential so as to enhance sporty maneuvers, while the other improves power transmission to the rear wheels.
Those who have found Ferrari’s latest gem too subversive until now will probably feel better with its interior. The entirely new dashboard is just as aggressive and sporty as what anyone expects from this kind of Ferrari model, but it differs from pretty much every contemporary car in the fact that its central console doesn’t carry a big touchscreen on the top: all the controls are operated by knobs and switches, which is totally appropriate in a car designed to go that fast. The only digital screens sit at the instrument cluster, one at each side of the traditional tachometer: they can be configured to show whatever information the driver prefers. Some of the optional items are a cutting-edge stereo with twelve speakers and 1280 watts, LaFerrari’s telemetry system, and carbon fiber trim.
Packed with an incredibly-sculpted body, an extremely efficient engine and a fascinating cabin, 488 GTB is proving that Ferrari’s charm isn’t completely tied to its traditions. This model was released during this year’s Geneva Auto Show, and should go on sale in Europe next July and in North America some months later. Its base price should be somewhat higher than the cheapest 458 (most buyers will add a great chunk due to the options list), but it’s expected to make great competition with names such as McLaren 650S, Porsche 911 and Lamborghini Huracán. There’s still no official information yet, but roadster and Speciale variations probably won’t take long to be presented.
Ferrari 488 Spider (28/07/2015)
If you’re thinking this release is not surprising at all, Ferrari’s staff would say they preferred to fill it with excitement. The latest Italian roadster sports a rigid roof which can be taken up or down in fourteen seconds – the latter stores it in a small compartment behind the seats. The company also claims it weighs 55 pounds less than an “equivalent” soft top. The vehicle also brings a small, independent glass rear window, which can be lowered to three positions so as to give you some rather nice options: hear more of the engine with the top up, or block the wind with the top down. This convertible uses the same mid-mounted V8 engine, which uses two turbos to deliver 661 hp. Since the open-top system didn’t add a lot of weight, it’s possible to expect similar performance figures than those of the coupé.