Ferrari has unveiled the 488 GTB which is the successor to the 458 Italia. The supercar is set to make a debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2015.
Ferrari has updated the 458 Italia substantially in a bid to make it faster, more luxurious and even more desirable. Since the car has been updated substantially, it will now be referred to as the 488 GTB. It is powered by an all-new turbocharged 3.9-litre V8 engine producing 670 PS of power and 760 Nm of torque. These figures help the 488 GTB do a 0-100 km/hr sprint in just 3 seconds and a 0-200 km/hr run in a mind numbing 8.3 seconds. The vehicle’s top speed exceeds 330 km/hr and Ferrari claims it can lap the Fiorano track in 1 minute 23 seconds.
The engine of the Ferrari 488 GTB is mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox which comes with a very clever Variable Torque Management system. This system deploys the engine’s massive torque smoothly and powerfully throughout the rev range. This results in great responsiveness and razor-sharp response times which can be compared to a track car. The supercar features a host of aerodynamic upgrades which increase the downforce by around 50% compared to the previous model and reduces drag. To achieve both these things, Ferrari has added specially developed elements such as double front spoiler, base bleed side intakes and active aerodynamics combined with a blown spoiler at the rear.
The 488 GTB features a large air intake scallop similar to the 308 GTB – Ferrari’s first mid-rear-engined V8. The scallop is divided into two sections by a splitter. At the rear, the exhaust pipes had to be repositioned to achieve the greater height of the diffuser. The LED tail lights have also been redesigned.
Inside, this Ferrari gets new satellite control clusters as well as angled air vents. Classic Ferrari styling elements like clear separation between the dashboard and tunnel, the multifunctional steering wheel, the control switch bridge and wraparound seats have been retained. The interface of the infotainment system has been completely redesigned and this Italian beast now also gets keyless start facility. The Ferrari 488 GTB will arrive in India later this year, priced at around Rs. 4 crores.
