2015 Ferrari 488 GTB

                    2015 Ferrari 488 GTB

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.

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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.

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.

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.