Ferrari 488 GTB: Full details

Ferrari's sequel up to the 458 Italia has followed in the tyre tracks of the California T by gaining a turbocharged V8.

Renamed the 488 GTB, Ferrari’s refreshed McLaren 650S rival now packs a 493kW/760Nm from an all-new twin-turbo 3.9-litre V8. The new engine still produces its maximum power at 8,000rpm but, crucially, delivers its peak torque figure at just 3000rpm.

Both figures are significantly more impressive than the current Speciale’s 4.5-litre atmo V8 it replaces that can ‘only’ muster 445KW at 9000rpm and 540Nm at stratospheric 6000rpm.

Importantly, this finally gives Ferrari the advantage over the current McLaren 650S - that can only manage 478kW/678Nm - although this could swing back in favour of the Brit when McLaren launches its response - the new 675LT supercar at the Geneva motor show.

Like the current 458 Italia, the 488 GTB channels its power through the existing seven-speed dual clutch automatic - although Ferrari’s super-fast gearbox had to be beefed up to cope with the extra torque. Different ratios were also added to help manage the new lowdown punch. Ferrari has also added something called ‘Variable Torque Management’ that’s said to smooth off the edges of that power delivery to avoid those unintentional 100m burnouts every time you pull away from the lights.

With great traction comes even greater performance and the figures for the 488 GTB are predictably off the scale. The 488 GTB can now crack 0-100km/h in just 3.0 sec and, more impressively, smash the 0-200km/h dash in just 8.4sec (0.1sec quicker than the McLaren 650S). Top speed is pegged at 330km/h.

For those worried all this turbocharging will mute the old car’s screaming V8 soundtrack, Ferrari insists its engineers have carefully tuned the 488 GTB for a ‘clear and totally distinctive’ (read loud) noise.

Ferrari has also made some efficiency gains too. The new twin turbo engine gains stop-start and now averages 11.4l/100km while emitting 260g/km of CO2 - that’s 47g/km less than the 458.

Other more exciting technology new to the 488 GTB includes the introduction of the second-generation Slide Slip Angle Control system (SSC2) that harnesses the active dampers, F1-Trac traction control and E-diff to control (and hold) lurid slides. Better still, Ferrari says all of its driver aids have been tailored to people like us to exploit the 488 GTB’s handling rather than pro-racers.

As well as all the new software tweaks, the new Ferrari has spent serious time in the wind tunnel and the result is it’s more slippery than before. This was achieved with a new double spoiler, re-profiled side intakes while, at the rear, there’s active spoilers that work with a ‘blown’ spoiler that has a neat trick of being able to generate downforce without drag.

Underneath, the thorough aero tweaks continue with a new underbody that includes something called vortex generators that continue the air bending to help the 488 GTB generate 50 per cent more downforce than the old 458 Italia.

Away from the aero geekery the 488 GTB’s look is supposed to conjure images of the old 308 GTB with its large air intake scallop. The wide front double profile spoiler is a product of function over form and has two jobs - the first to funnel air to the two nose-mounted radiators, the second to channel air to that underbody diffuser,

Inside, the 488 GTB the old 458 Italia has been overhauled. The dash and vents are now all angled to the driver but the stripped back racer feel carries over.

There’s no word on pricing yet, but we expect an increase over the old car and to not get much loose change from $550,000 - incidentally the 488 GTB takes its name from the fact each cylinder is precisely 488cc. We’re looking forward to see if Ferrari’s investment in turbocharging pays off -- or if we’ll come to miss the old atmo charger.