- Twin-turbo 3.9-litre V8 provides extraordinary performance with hardly any turbo lag
- Excellent dynamics and surprisingly compliant ride
- Accurate, sensitive steering
- Lacks aural appeal of past Ferrari 458
- Extra power over Ferrari 458 doesn’t really add to driving enjoyment
- High maintenance costs
Overview
Commencing production in 2015, the Ferrari F142M 488 range initially consisted of the 488 GTB coupe, with the 488 Spider to follow. Manufactured in Maranello, Italy, the rear-wheel drive Ferrari 488 was powered by a 3.9-litre V8 petrol engine that was mated to a seven-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT).
F154 V8 engine and performance
The Ferrari 488 was powered by Ferrari’s 3902 cc F154 V8 engine which has an aluminium block and cylinder head, a flat-plane crankshaft, direct petrol injection, two parallel twin-scroll IHI turbochargers, two air-to-air intercoolers, double overhead camshafts with roller finger followers, four valves per cylinder, variable intake and exhaust valve timing, a compression ratio of 9.4:1 and dry sump lubrication.
Like the Ferrari 458 , the Ferrari 488 has a seven-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT) which is produced by Getrag.
The 488 GTB is capable of accelerating from rest to 100 km/h in 3.0 seconds, to 200 km/h in 8.3 seconds and has a top speed in excess of 330 km/h. The 488 Spider, however, will accelerate to 100 km/h in 3.0 seconds and to 200 km/h in 8.7 seconds.
| Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 488 Spider, 488 GTB |
3.9-litre twin-turbo petrol V8 | 7sp DCT | 492 kW at 8000 rpm | 760 Nm at 3000 rpm* |
Dimensions and body: 488 GTB
Compared to the Ferrari F142 458 Italia which preceded it, the Ferrari 488 GTB is 39 mm shorter (at 4527 mm), 15 mm narrower (1937 mm) and the same height (1213 mm); wheelbase length, however, is unchanged at 2650 mm.
The 488 GTB has a 46.5 to 53.5 front:rear weight distribution and a dry weight of 1370 kg with its ‘lightweight options’. According to Ferrari, the aerodynamics of the 488 GTB provide it with 50 per cent more downforce than the 458 Italia. Innovative aerodynamic elements for the 488 GTB include a double front spoiler, base bleed side intakes, an active rear spoiler and underbody with vortex generators.
Dimensions and body: 488 Spider
Compared to the 488 GTB, the Ferrari 488 Spider will be 31 mm longer (at 4578 mm), 15 mm wider (1952 mm) and 2 mm lower (1211 mm); wheelbase length will be unchanged. Boot capacity for the 488 Spider will be 230 litres.
The chassis of the 488 Spider utilises 11 different aluminium alloys which will be combined with other noble metals such as magnesium. According to Ferrari, this provides the same torsional rigidity and beam stiffness as the 488 GTB. Furthermore, the 488 Spider will have a dry weight of 1429 kg (producing a kerb weight of 1525 kg) with a 41.5 to 58.5 front:rear weight distribution.
The Ferrari 488 Spider features a retractable hard top (RHT) which will fold backwards in two overlapping sections to rest flush against the engine cover and requires 14 seconds to fully retract or deploy. The 488 Spider will also have a power-operated glass rear wind deflector which can be set to one of three positions when the roof is lowered.
Suspension
The Ferrari 488 has double wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear suspension. The suspension includes magnetorheological dampers in which the application of an electric current can vary the viscosity of the damping fluid and, thereby, damping resistance.
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the Ferrari 488 includes dual front airbags, front side airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.
Side Slip Control 2 (SSC2)
The Ferrari 488 is fitted with Ferrari’s side slip angle control system, Side Slip Control 2 (SSC2). According to Ferrari, the new SSC2 system is less invasive than its predecessor and provides greater longitudinal acceleration when exiting corners. In addition to being integrated with the F1-Trac (traction control) and E-Diff (electronically-controlled rear differential), SSC2 also controls the active dampers.
Ferrari 488 features
Standard features for the Ferrari 488 included 20-inch alloy wheels, a six speaker sound system with a six-disc CD player and auxiliary inputs (3.5 mm/USB), Bluetooth connectivity, satellite navigation, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, power adjustable front seats, leather trim, directional bi-xenon headlights with washers, daytime LED running lights, automatic headlights, rear fog lights, rear parking sensors, a leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel, remote central locking with proximity key, power windows and heated mirrors, a tilt-adjustable steering wheel, tyre pressure monitoring, an alarm and immobiliser.
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