Forty years on from the unveiling of its first ever mid-rear-engined V8 model, the 308 GTB, the Prancing Horse opens a new chapter in its eight-cylinder history. The Ferrari 488 GTB provides track-level performance that can be enjoyed to the full even by non-professional drivers in everyday use. Its response times, nimbleness and on-the-limit driving guarantee a unique sense of exhilaration and unparalleled driving pleasure.

The Ferrari 488 GTB's new 3,902cc V8 turbo is at the top of its class for power output, torque and response times, making it the new benchmark for this kind of architecture. The engine unleashes 660bhp at 8,000rpm along with 760Nm of maximum torque in seventh gear and a response time to the accelerator of just 0.8 seconds at 2,000rpm.

These figures are sufficient to allow the Ferrari 488 GTB to accelerate from 0-200km/h in an astonishing 8.3 seconds and, when combined with the radical innovations introduced on all aspects of the car's performance, lap the Fiorano track in just 1 min 23 seconds.

The gearbox features Variable Torque Management, which unleashes the engine's massive torque smoothly and powerfully right across the rev range, while specific gear ratios deliver incredibly progressive acceleration when the driver floors the throttle.

The car's aerodynamics also made a pivotal contribution to performance: its 1.67 efficiency figure is a new record for a production Ferrari, and is the fruit of 50 percent more downforce than the previous model and reduced drag. The greatest challenge was achieving these two goals simultaneously.

Designed by the Ferrari Styling Centre, the new car features very sculptural flanks which are the key to its character. Its large signature air intake scallop is a nod to the original 308 GTB and is divided into two sections by a splitter.

The wide front spoiler features a double profile to improve the thermal efficiency of the radiators positioned at the sides. At the centre two pylons are combined with a deflector which channels air towards the flat underbody.

In the cabin, the seamless integration of the new satellite control clusters, angled air vents and instrument panel heightens the sense that the cockpit is completely tailored around the driver.

The Ferrari 488 GTB will make its world debut at the International Geneva Motor Show in March, but from today can be seen at www.ferrari.com.