Ferrari 488 GTB 3.9 (A) Review
18 May 2016|287,445 views
There's been a lot of commotion around Ferrari's decision to turbocharge the California - one that created a new departure from the Italian carmaker's naturally aspirated inclination. If you happen to be among those that got a little upset over the forced induction treatment received by the new California T, you'd better come to terms with it, because the Prancing Horse has introduced the successor to the 458 Italia and it's turbocharged.
As such, the car in question - the 488 GTB - steps into a role that's a clear evolution from the 458, although definitely a bit more racing-influenced in styling and design on the outside, while it aims to offer more accessible performance without compromising on comfort.
Exterior
The sheet metal of the 488 takes inspiration from both the 458 Italia and the LaFerrari hypercar, while paying homage to the classic 308 GTB, although the styling is influenced heavily by the fact that aerodynamics is used to keep the car glued to the road.
Take a quick glance at the head lights and the overall shape of the bumper, fenders as well as the hood, and it becomes quite obvious why the 488 keeps the 458 flame alive. However, with these features redesigned and a host of other details completely remodelled, the 488 is as fresh as it gets on top of having a styling of its own.
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Making the 488 unique among other Ferraris is the bumper's mid-section, which incorporates a pair of vertical struts similar to those connecting an F1 car's front wing to its body. This is also one of the many angles where the car looks superb.
The 458's shadow is present around the back as well by means of a similarly designed taillight/grille layout, spoiler, and diffuser area. There are certain differences, though, as the taillights are slightly larger, while the grilles connected to them are hollow pieces with black surrounds. A trapezoidal dent now resides above the license plate, adding further character to the rear fascia.
Down below, the split diffuser has been replaced by a full piece with an F1-inspired light in the centre. Two large exhaust outlets, placed on each side of the diffuser's centre section, have also replaced the previous three-pipe layout.
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Interior
Inside, the 488 is largely unchanged over the 458, which means it is driver-focused with all of the controls either surrounding or on the steering wheel.
The central rev counter is flanked by a pair of pods, with the one on the right containing all of the infotainment and trip displays, while the left-hand one features an advanced trip computer. This includes a lap timer, G-meter and a vehicle status monitor, which shows when parts of the car are at their optimum temperature.
Of course, there are features that are completely new and in no way related to the 458. The centre console is one of them and now features a simpler, cleaner design with less buttons to distract the driver.
The shape of the air vents is also new, as are upgraded trims throughout, to give this cabin a thoroughly more modern and better-detailed look than that of the 458.
Italian ergonomics are also a thing of the past, with comfortable standard sports seats, all major controls located at your fingertips and good vision. There is even a decent trunk and glove compartment, as well as a small parcel shelf behind the seats for a bit of extra luggage.
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The Drive
You expect a mid-engined Ferrari to be extremely involving to drive and the 488 doesn't disappoint. It's the new, twin-turbocharged 3.9-litre V8 engine that dominates the driving experience, thanks to its monstrous 660bhp power output and thumping 760Nm of twisting force.
While turbochargers have been associated with lag as well as limited low revolutions per minute of torque, Ferrari has incorporated a wide range of technologies to give the 488 a broad, flat torque band.
All this engineering wizardry results in the near-complete masking of the turbocharger's existence and if you didn't know that the V8 was turbocharged, the car's performance wouldn't betray a thing.
The 488 feels like it has an on-off switch between 0 and 100km/h. Reaching the century mark seems to take but a blink, but official figures (three seconds flat) suggest it is slightly more than that. Indeed it is a vast improvement on the 458, which was hardly a slouch, taking only 0.4 seconds more.
The moment the right pedal is squeezed, power arrives and continues in one absolutely linear surge, propelling the 488 towards the horizon. Adding to the sensation of speed is the seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox that responds instantly to the steering column-mounted paddle shifters, ripping up and down ratios almost seamlessly.
More importantly, the addition of turbochargers hasn't diluted the traditional V8 soundtrack too much. As per usual, Ferrari's engineers have put a great effort into perfecting the 488's sound, thus creating a full and distinguished sound. From a low baritone growl through to a full-blooded howl at the red line, this new unit is as loud as you'd expect from a Ferrari.
Like the 458, the 488's wheel features a Manettino ('little lever' in Italian) with five different modes. Each mode alters the car's throttle response, gear shift pattern, suspension settings, exhaust note and stability control behaviour.
'Wet' dials everything down while 'Sport' is the default setting for normal driving. 'Race', 'CT Off' and 'ESC Off' put the car in maximum performance mode with decreasing levels of protection from the electronic nanny.
Elsewhere, there is the razor sharp and quick steering that delivers near-telepathic responses, accompanied by strong high-speed stability and splendid grip. Yet this high-performance fun doesn't come at the expense of comfort and refinement. With the dampers in 'bumpy road' mode, the Ferrari soaks up tarmac imperfections with the aplomb of an executive sedan, while both wind and road noise is remarkably well-isolated.
Conclusion
The Ferrari 488 GTB starts at $995,000 without COE (as of 6th May 2016) and features a wealth of exterior and interior options that can put the price closer to $1.1 million. Yes, that's far more than what an average home costs, but the 488 GTB is far more than an average car.
There's been a lot of commotion around Ferrari's decision to turbocharge the California - one that created a new departure from the Italian carmaker's naturally aspirated inclination. If you happen to be among those that got a little upset over the forced induction treatment received by the new California T, you'd better come to terms with it, because the Prancing Horse has introduced the successor to the 458 Italia and it's turbocharged.
As such, the car in question - the 488 GTB - steps into a role that's a clear evolution from the 458, although definitely a bit more racing-influenced in styling and design on the outside, while it aims to offer more accessible performance without compromising on comfort.
Exterior
The sheet metal of the 488 takes inspiration from both the 458 Italia and the LaFerrari hypercar, while paying homage to the classic 308 GTB, although the styling is influenced heavily by the fact that aerodynamics is used to keep the car glued to the road.
Take a quick glance at the head lights and the overall shape of the bumper, fenders as well as the hood, and it becomes quite obvious why the 488 keeps the 458 flame alive. However, with these features redesigned and a host of other details completely remodelled, the 488 is as fresh as it gets on top of having a styling of its own.
Making the 488 unique among other Ferraris is the bumper's mid-section, which incorporates a pair of vertical struts similar to those connecting an F1 car's front wing to its body. This is also one of the many angles where the car looks superb.
The 458's shadow is present around the back as well by means of a similarly designed taillight/grille layout, spoiler, and diffuser area. There are certain differences, though, as the taillights are slightly larger, while the grilles connected to them are hollow pieces with black surrounds. A trapezoidal dent now resides above the license plate, adding further character to the rear fascia.
Down below, the split diffuser has been replaced by a full piece with an F1-inspired light in the centre. Two large exhaust outlets, placed on each side of the diffuser's centre section, have also replaced the previous three-pipe layout.
Interior
Inside, the 488 is largely unchanged over the 458, which means it is driver-focused with all of the controls either surrounding or on the steering wheel.
The central rev counter is flanked by a pair of pods, with the one on the right containing all of the infotainment and trip displays, while the left-hand one features an advanced trip computer. This includes a lap timer, G-meter and a vehicle status monitor, which shows when parts of the car are at their optimum temperature.
Of course, there are features that are completely new and in no way related to the 458. The centre console is one of them and now features a simpler, cleaner design with less buttons to distract the driver.
Inside, the 488 is largely unchanged over the 458, which means it is driver-focused with all of the controls either surrounding or on the steering wheel.
The central rev counter is flanked by a pair of pods, with the one on the right containing all of the infotainment and trip displays, while the left-hand one features an advanced trip computer. This includes a lap timer, G-meter and a vehicle status monitor, which shows when parts of the car are at their optimum temperature.
Of course, there are features that are completely new and in no way related to the 458. The centre console is one of them and now features a simpler, cleaner design with less buttons to distract the driver.
The shape of the air vents is also new, as are upgraded trims throughout, to give this cabin a thoroughly more modern and better-detailed look than that of the 458.
Italian ergonomics are also a thing of the past, with comfortable standard sports seats, all major controls located at your fingertips and good vision. There is even a decent trunk and glove compartment, as well as a small parcel shelf behind the seats for a bit of extra luggage.
The Drive
You expect a mid-engined Ferrari to be extremely involving to drive and the 488 doesn't disappoint. It's the new, twin-turbocharged 3.9-litre V8 engine that dominates the driving experience, thanks to its monstrous 660bhp power output and thumping 760Nm of twisting force.
While turbochargers have been associated with lag as well as limited low revolutions per minute of torque, Ferrari has incorporated a wide range of technologies to give the 488 a broad, flat torque band.
All this engineering wizardry results in the near-complete masking of the turbocharger's existence and if you didn't know that the V8 was turbocharged, the car's performance wouldn't betray a thing.
The 488 feels like it has an on-off switch between 0 and 100km/h. Reaching the century mark seems to take but a blink, but official figures (three seconds flat) suggest it is slightly more than that. Indeed it is a vast improvement on the 458, which was hardly a slouch, taking only 0.4 seconds more.
The moment the right pedal is squeezed, power arrives and continues in one absolutely linear surge, propelling the 488 towards the horizon. Adding to the sensation of speed is the seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox that responds instantly to the steering column-mounted paddle shifters, ripping up and down ratios almost seamlessly.
You expect a mid-engined Ferrari to be extremely involving to drive and the 488 doesn't disappoint. It's the new, twin-turbocharged 3.9-litre V8 engine that dominates the driving experience, thanks to its monstrous 660bhp power output and thumping 760Nm of twisting force.
While turbochargers have been associated with lag as well as limited low revolutions per minute of torque, Ferrari has incorporated a wide range of technologies to give the 488 a broad, flat torque band.
All this engineering wizardry results in the near-complete masking of the turbocharger's existence and if you didn't know that the V8 was turbocharged, the car's performance wouldn't betray a thing.
The 488 feels like it has an on-off switch between 0 and 100km/h. Reaching the century mark seems to take but a blink, but official figures (three seconds flat) suggest it is slightly more than that. Indeed it is a vast improvement on the 458, which was hardly a slouch, taking only 0.4 seconds more.
The moment the right pedal is squeezed, power arrives and continues in one absolutely linear surge, propelling the 488 towards the horizon. Adding to the sensation of speed is the seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox that responds instantly to the steering column-mounted paddle shifters, ripping up and down ratios almost seamlessly.
More importantly, the addition of turbochargers hasn't diluted the traditional V8 soundtrack too much. As per usual, Ferrari's engineers have put a great effort into perfecting the 488's sound, thus creating a full and distinguished sound. From a low baritone growl through to a full-blooded howl at the red line, this new unit is as loud as you'd expect from a Ferrari.
Like the 458, the 488's wheel features a Manettino ('little lever' in Italian) with five different modes. Each mode alters the car's throttle response, gear shift pattern, suspension settings, exhaust note and stability control behaviour.
'Wet' dials everything down while 'Sport' is the default setting for normal driving. 'Race', 'CT Off' and 'ESC Off' put the car in maximum performance mode with decreasing levels of protection from the electronic nanny.
Elsewhere, there is the razor sharp and quick steering that delivers near-telepathic responses, accompanied by strong high-speed stability and splendid grip. Yet this high-performance fun doesn't come at the expense of comfort and refinement. With the dampers in 'bumpy road' mode, the Ferrari soaks up tarmac imperfections with the aplomb of an executive sedan, while both wind and road noise is remarkably well-isolated.
Conclusion
The Ferrari 488 GTB starts at $995,000 without COE (as of 6th May 2016) and features a wealth of exterior and interior options that can put the price closer to $1.1 million. Yes, that's far more than what an average home costs, but the 488 GTB is far more than an average car.
Photos by Low Fai Ming
Car Information
Ferrari 488 GTB 3.9 (A)
CAT B|Petrol|8.8km/L
Horsepower
492kW (660 bhp)
Torque
760 Nm
Acceleration
3sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Ferrari 488 GTB
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