Ferrari opens up a new chapter in its history by unveiling the 488 GTB—the newest car in the Prancing Horse’s stable to pack a turbocharged engine under its shapely body. The successor to the widely successful 458 Italia, the 488 GTB is Ferrari’s newest mid-rear-engined V8 sportscar that’s been designed not just for track use, but for everyday driving as well. Utilizing all of Ferrari’s engineering know-how from Formula One, World Endurance Championship, 24 Hours of Le Mans, and even the XX program, the 488 GTB has been tweaked to deliver incredible performance.

The Ferrari 488 GTB features a new 3.9-liter V8 equipped with a turbocharger for increased power output and torque. And despite the notoriety of turbos for their so-called ‘lag’, Ferrari has tuned their engine to give great response; a new benchmark for this kind of engine, they say. The engine peaks at 670 horsepower at 8,000 rpm and 760 Nm at 3,000 rpm using 98-octane RON fuel. It does 0-200 km/h in 8.3 seconds, or the same time as a regular sedan (0-100 km/h is 3.0 seconds). Smoothening the power delivery is a Variable Torque Management system in the 488 GTB’s gearbox while the gear ratios are engineered to provide progressive acceleration.


This is also the most aerodynamically efficient production Ferrari that produces more downforce than the 458 Italia at a reduced drag. In order to achieve this, designers integrated innovative elements including a double front spoiler, base bleed side intakes, and rear active aerodynamics and a blown spoiler. The underbody too has been smoothened out and incorporates vortex generators for high-speed stability.

Designed by the Ferrari Styling Centre, the 488 GTB has clear nods to the original 308 GTB including the large air intake scallop. The rest were designed in order to maximize aerodynamic and packaging efficiency. Inside, the driver-centric cabin continues its nod to classic Ferraris such as the clear separation between dashboard and tunnel. Nonetheless, it compromises comfort in no way and still lends a luxurious yet sporting ambience.