Face lifts are for old ladies, not Ferraris. So let’s call the 488GTB an update to the 458 Italia, based around a new turbocharged V-8. Et tu, Maranello? That’s right, even Ferrari is giving up on natural aspiration for the sake of fuel economy.
Why It Matters
As great as the 458 still is, it’s about to become the oldest car in its profoundly fashion-conscious segment. The revised styling will keep it fresh for several more years, while the turbocharged 488’s power hike and aerodynamic improvements will make it quicker. Speed never goes out of style.
Platform
The 488 sticks with a modified version of the 458’s aluminum structure, which has served well. Ferrari says the 488’s dry weight of 3020 pounds is 22 less than the 458’s. But it’s still heavier than the carbon-fiber McLaren 650S.
Powertrain
The new twin-turbocharged 3.9-liter V-8 has 488-cc-per-cylinder displacement, hence the name. With 661 horsepower, it’s substantially more powerful than the California T’s turbocharged V-8 and is claimed to rev to 8000 rpm.
Competition
Lamborghini Huracán, McLaren 650S, Ford GT (especially in France).
What Might Go Wrong
Will the faithful endure Ferrari’s typical two-year waiting period if the turbocharged engine fails to deliver the full-lung arias of the 458’s V-8? Will the tifosi accept the inherently lumpier power delivery of a turbo?
Estimated Arrival and Price
Early 2016. Pricing not confirmed, but the 458 starts at $245,690 and when did a Ferrari ever get cheaper?
Credit :CarAndDriver .
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