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The wraps have just been taken off one of the most talked about and arguably important cars of the year with the release of the 2015 Ferrari 488 GTB. The car is the successor to the Ferrari 458 Italia rumoured to have been called the Ferrari 458M. The Ferrari 488 GTB will be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show 2015.

As expected, the Ferrari 488 GTB utilises a twin-turbocharged 3.9-litre V8 engine which is significantly more powerful than the naturally-aspirated 4.5-litre V8 used by the outgoing Ferrari 458 Italia. As a matter of fact, the Ferrari 488 GTB delivers 660 hp at 8000 rpm as well as 560 lb-ft of torque at 3000 rpm. Incredibly, torque from this engine is also higher than the 509 lb-ft of the 6.0-litre V12 found in the Ferrari F12 Berlinetta.

Mated to the twin-turbocharged 3.9-litre V8 is a tweaked variant of the 458 Italia’s seven-speed dual-clutch transmission driving the rear wheels. The gear ratios have been modified to improve acceleration throughout the rev range. When it is all said and done, the Ferrari 488 GTB will sprint to 100 km/h in 3 seconds flat, 200 km/h in a mere 8.4 seconds as well as a 334 km/h (208 mph) top speed. Those figures are almost identical to the 642 hp McLaren 650S which hits 100 km/h in the same time, 200 km/h in 8.5 seconds and a 333 km/h (207 mph) top speed.

Another key element in determining the potency of a new Ferrari product is its lap time around the firm’s Fiorano test track. The 2015 Ferrari 488 GTB has set a 1 minute and 23 second lap time which is two seconds ahead of the Ferrari 458 Italia and the current range-topping Ferrari 458 Speciale.

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While Ferrari supercars are about speed, a key focus of the Italian marque in creating the 488 GTB was ensuring it is more fuel efficient than the 458 Italia and it is just that. Whereas the 458 returns 21.2 mpg over the combined UK cycle, the 488 GTB is rated at 24.8 mpg with CO2 emissions dropping by 47 g/km down to 260 g/km. Helping to further maximise efficiency is Ferrari’s stop-start system.

Elsewhere, the Ferrari 488 GTB uses a second-generation variant of the Ferrari 458 Speciale’s Side Slip Angle Control system dubbed SSC2. Unlike the Speciale’s system, SSC2 also controls the active dampers alongside the E-Diff electronic differential and traction control system. As a result, it creates controllable slides while ensuring the best possible acceleration out of each and every corner.

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Beyond the plethora of mechanical and technological changes and advancements, the 2015 Ferrari 488 GTB features a thoroughly refreshed design over the 458 Italia first revealed in 2009. With that in mind, restyled headlights can be found at the front alongside enlarged air intakes and a new bonnet with large air extractors. At the side, massive air intakes are now present to feed the air-thirsty twin-turbo V8 while at the rear, the taillights have been restyled alongside a new dual tailpipe system, brand new diffuser setup and different grilles.

The interior of the Ferrari 488 GTB has also been tweaked over the 458 Italia with it incorporating restyled air vents with subtle changes to the infotainment system also present.

[showhide] Ferrari 488 GTB: extreme power for extreme driving thrills

Maranello, 3 February 2015
Forty years on from the unveiling of its first ever mid-rear-engined V8 model, the 308 GTB, the Prancing Horse opens a new chapter in its 8-cylinder history. The Ferrari 488 GTB provides track-level performance that can be enjoyed to the full even by non-professional drivers in everyday use. Its response times, nimbleness and on-the-limit driving guarantee a unique sense of exhilaration and unparalleled driving pleasure.
The new berlinetta brilliantly encapsulates Ferrari’s experience in both F1 and the WEC, where the 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 makes extreme track-only cars available to gentleman test-drivers. The data yielded has made a significant contribution to the refinement of the electronic and vehicle control systems so that drivers can make the most of the incredible performance of this new car.
Powertrain
The Ferrari 488 GTB’s new 3902 cc V8 turbo is at top of the class for power output, torque and response times, making it the new benchmark for this kind of architecture. The engine unleashes 670 cv at 8,000 rpm along with 760 Nm of maximum torque in seventh gear and a response time to the accelerator of just 0.8 seconds at 2,000 rpm. These figures are sufficient to allow the 488 GTB to accelerate from 0-200 km/h in an astonishing 8.3 seconds and, when combined with the radical innovations introduced on all aspects of the car’s performance, lap the Fiorano track in just 1’23”.
The gearbox features Variable Torque Management which unleashes the engine’s massive torque smoothly and powerfully right across the rev range, while specific gear ratios deliver incredibly progressive acceleration when the driver floors the throttle. As is always the case, engineers have dedicated great attention to perfecting the Ferrari 488 GTB’s sound, creating a new soundtrack that is full, clear and totally distinctive, as expected from any Prancing Horse engine.
Aerodynamics
The car’s aerodynamics also made a pivotal contribution to performance: its 1.67 efficiency figure is a new record for a production Ferrari and is the fruit of 50 per cent more downforce than the previous model and reduced drag. The greatest challenge was achieving these two goals simultaneously. Several innovative elements were specifically developed to do so, not least 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, is highly sophisticated, too.
Vehicle dynamics
The Ferrari 488 GTB’s subsystems and electronic controls make its power and performance instantly available and controllable. It is, in fact, the most responsive production model there is, with razor-sharp response times comparable to those of a track car.
The evolved version of Ferrari’s side slip angle control system (Side Slip Control 2 – SSC2), is more precise and less invasive, providing greater longitudinal acceleration out of corners. Aside from integrating with car’s F1-Trac and E-Diff, the SSC2 now also controls the active dampers which renders the car’s dynamic behaviour during complex manoeuvres even flatter and more stable.
Exterior design
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 wide front spoiler features a double profile to improve the thermal efficiency of the radiators positioned at the sides. At the centre two pylons are combined with a deflector which channels air towards the flat underbody. The broad, low tail is also dominated by aerodynamic solutions, including an innovative blown spoiler which generates downforce without increasing drag. This works in conjunction with an aggressive ramp angle for the diffuser which features active flaps. The greater height required for the diffuser was achieved by repositioning the exhaust tailpipes. The circular LED tail lights have also been redesigned.
Interior design
In the cabin, the seamless integration of the new satellite control clusters, angled air vents and instrument panel heightens the sense that the cockpit is completely tailored around the driver. Usability was the key word in the design, leading to an extremely sporty ambience that in no way compromises on comfort. There are plenty of classic Ferrari styling elements too, such as the clear separation between the dashboard and tunnel, the multifunctional steering wheel, the control switch bridge and wraparound seats. The graphics and interface of the infotainment screen have also been completely redesigned while the design of the Ferrari 488 GTB’s new key takes its inspiration from the car’s cylinder banks and allows keyless starts.
The 488 GTB will make its world debut at the International Geneva Motor Show in March.
Ferrari 488 GTB
Technical specifications
ENGINE
Type V8 – 90° Turbo
Overall displacement 3902 cm3
Maximum power * 492 kW (670 CV) at 8000 rpm
Maximum torque * 760 Nm at 3000 rpm in VII gear
DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT
Length 4568 mm
Width 1952 mm
Height 1213 mm
Dry weight** 1370 kg
Weight distribution 46.5% Front – 53.5% Rear
PERFORMANCE
0-100 km/h 3.0 s
0 -200 km/h 8.3 s
Maximum speed > 330 km/h
FUEL CONSUMPTION***
11.4 l/100 km
C02 EMISSIONS ***
260 g/km
* With 98 RON petrol
**With lightweight options
*** ECE+EUDC combined cycle with HELE system
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