FOLLOWING its recent debut in early March at the Geneva Motor Show, the 488 GTB was unveiled in Jeddah on Thursday at an exclusive regional launch which took place at The Hilton. Forty years from the original launch of Ferrari’s iconic first-ever mid-rear-engined V8 Berlinetta, the 308, the 488 GTB opens a new chapter in the history of cars with this particular architecture as the 488 GTB has set a new benchmark for the sports car sector globally.
Credit for this achievement must go to the 488 GTB’s revolutionary proprietary solutions which deliver a car at the top of its class in terms of power output (670 cv) with engine and command response times of just 0.8 and 0.06 seconds respectively. Significantly, however, sophisticated dynamic vehicle controls make this massive power completely controllable even on the limit by drivers of all abilities, resulting in the unique driving pleasure that only a Ferrari can deliver.
Ferrari drew extensively too on its experience in both Formula One and endurance racing, bringing to the road the technology that delivered victory in two editions of the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the title in the WEC (World Endurance Championship). Also pivotal was the XX program in which Ferrari’s technicians have developed a unique knowledge of the dynamic behavior of extreme cars driven by non-professional drivers.
The 488 in the car’s moniker indicates the engine’s unitary displacement, while the GTB stands for Gran Turismo Berlinetta, a reference to its deep roots in Ferrari history.
Designed by the Ferrari Styling Centre, the 488 GTB’s sculptural forms are completely new. They accentuate the car’s sportiness yet retain the classically clean, pure lines typical of Ferrari’s legendary styling. The seamless interweaving of form and function is clear in every detail, in fact. Certain design elements are also obvious nods to the past, not least the 308 GTB-inspired styling of the flanks.
The extreme power required by the car is delivered by the new 3902 cm3 turbo engine which is coupled with a seven-gear F1 dual-clutch gearbox featuring Variable Boost Management which optimally distributes torque (a maximum 750 Nm in seventh gear). The 488 GTB guarantees exuberant performance that is absolutely exploitable to the fullest regardless of driving conditions and is accompanied by a deep, seductive soundtrack, the signature of all Ferrari engines.
The 488 GTB’s revolutionary aerodynamics incorporate patented solutions, such as the blown rear spoiler, as well as innovative features like the 458 GT-derived aerodynamic underbody with vortex generators. The result is a new efficiency record for a Ferrari (E=1.67). Downforce increases to 325 kg at 250 km/h, thanks in part to active aerodynamic devices which reduce drag whilst simultaneously generating downforce when required.
The 488 GTB’s dynamic vehicle controls have also been further evolved. It sports a new version of the Side Slip Control System (SSC2) which, aside from just integrating with the car’s F1-Trac and E-Diff, now also controls the active dampers. This renders the 488 GTB’s dynamic behavior during complex maneuvers even flatter and more stable, so that less expert drivers can enjoy its potential to the fullest, resulting in an astonishingly engaging driving experience. — SG
Technical specifications
ENGINE
Type V8 - 90° Turbo
Overall displacement 3902 cm3
Maximum power *
492 kW (670CV) 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
