Ferrari 488 GTB

 Turbo boost for Maranello’s smallest mid-engined car could change the way how supercars of the future will move forward, says Automan

The metamorphosis of Maranello’s forthcoming Gran Turismo Berlinetta or GTB from normally-aspirated machine to a forced-fed set-up may have a result of the regulatory environment practices, but Ferrari engineers have toiled hard to ensure that the replacement of the epic 458 Italia is better than the car it replaces.

The interesting fact with the incoming 488 GTB is that this mid-engined V8 supercar arrives four decades after the debut of the first 308 GTB. It may be remembered that it was the 308 GTB the launched Ferrari into the segment officially.

The unique selling proposition of the 488 GTB and the core engineering focus is that this car has been designed to offer track-level performance even in stock form that can be enjoyed to the full even by non-professional drivers in everyday use.To achieve the given business objectives, the new berlinetta encapsulates Ferrari’s experience in both F1 and the World Endurance Championships. Where the outgoing 458 GT holds the World Championship title and has won its category in the last two editions of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the new model also exploits to the full the know-how gleaned by Ferrari technicians over the last decade through the XX programme which is devoted exclusively in the design and manufacturing of extreme track-only cars for gentleman drivers.

Designed by the Ferrari Styling Centre, the new car features very sculptural flanks which are the key to its character. Its large signature air intake scallop is a nod to the original 308 GTB and is divided into two sections by a splitter. The circular LED tail lights have also been redesigned. Inside the well-appointed cabin, there’s seamless integration of the new satellite control clusters, angled air vents and instrument panel. There are plenty of classic Ferrari styling elements too, such
as the separated section between the dashboard and tunnel, the multifunctional steering wheel, the control switches and the wraparound sports seats. The graphics and interface of the infotainment screen have also been upgraded from the 458 while the design of the car’s new key takes its inspiration from the car’s cylinder banks and allows keyless starts.

The unique selling proposition of the 488 GTB is that it has been designed to provide track-level performance that can be enjoyed to the full even by non-professional drivers in everyday use.

Besides the design and user-friendly cabin, core to the car’s performance is the new 3,902cc V8 bi-turbo engine. Ferrari claims this engine is at the top of its class for power output, torque and response times, making it the new benchmark for this kind of architecture. The engine unleashes 661bhp at 8,000 rpm along with 760Nm of maximum torque in seventh gear and a response time to the accelerator of just 0.8 seconds at 2,000 rpm. These figures permit the car to accelerate from 0-200 km/h in 8.3sec flat. Compared to the 458 Speciale’s performance, the smaller by 600cc engine offers extra 64 horses and impressive torque boost. Despite all the extra plumbing, the car doesn’t gain any weight and tips the scale at 1,370kg.Torque management has also been a focus area during development. Factoring in the possible effects of turbo lag, the gearbox comes with variable torque management feature. This system ensures that the driver gets a fat, flat torque band available across the entire rev range. Furthermore, the gear ratios ensure “progressive acceleration” when the driver floors the throttle. Ferrari engineers have also dedicated great attention to perfecting the 488 GTB’s sound track!

The car’s overall performance also benefits from extensive wind tunnel testing which has helped it to be the most slippery surfaced car from the brand. Its Cd 1.67 figure is a new record for a production Ferrari and results in 50 per cent more downforce than the previous model and considerable reduction in drag thanks in no small part to the active diffuser that necessitated moving the exhaust pipes upwards, a double front spoiler, base bleed side intakes and, at the rear, active aerodynamics coupled with a blown spoiler. The aerodynamic underbody, which incorporates vortex generators and a “blown” diffuser [now banned in Formula One] is claimed to be highly sophisticated.

That’s not all. There’s more to the 488 GTB than the turbocharged engine and a slippery body. Ferrari claims that it has revised the electronic Side Slip Control system, effectively a second-generation system that is “more precise and less invasive.” The revised Side Slip Control 2 (SSC2) system now which also controls the active dampers and working in tandem with the F1-Trac and E-Diff systems to keep it on the razor’s edge without sliding off of it.