Ferrari 488 GTB sets new benchmark
The Ferrari 488 GTB has made its official debut at a private preview held at the new Scuderia South Africa premises and is said to set a new benchmark for the sports car sector.
The Ferrari 488 GTB. Picture: Supplied
Credit for this statement must go to the 488 GTB’s revolutionary proprietary solutions, which deliver a car at the top of its class in terms of power output of 493kW, with engine and command response times of just 0.8 and 0.06 seconds respectively.
Significantly, however, sophisticated dynamic vehicle controls make this massive power completely controllable – even on the limit by drivers of all abilities – resulting in the unique driving pleasure that only a Ferrari can deliver.
Scuderia South Africa CEO Mervyn Eagles says: “As the official dealer of Ferrari in South Africa it is a privilege to be able to showcase this revolutionary model across all three of our dealers during this exclusive private previewing … The 488 GTB exhibits the finest of turbocharged technology since the renowned Ferrari F40 in 1987 and is truly the epitome of superior innovation and design excellence.”
Designed by the Ferrari Style Centre, the 488 GTB’s sculptural forms are completely new. They accentuate the car’s sportiness, yet retain the classically clean, pure lines typical of Ferrari’s legendary styling. The seamless interweaving of form and function is clear in every detail, in fact. Certain design elements are also obvious nods to the past, not least the 308 GTB-inspired styling of its flanks.
The extreme power required by the car is delivered by the new 3902cc turbo engine, coupled with a seven-gear F1 dual-clutch gearbox featuring variable boost management, which optimally distributes torque (a maximum 750Nm in seventh gear). The 488 GTB guarantees exuberant performance that is absolutely exploitable to the fullest regardless of driving conditions and is accompanied by a deep, seductive soundtrack, the signature of all Ferrari engines.
The 488 GTB’s dynamic vehicle controls have also been further evolved. It sports a new version of the Side Slip Control System which, aside from just integrating with the car’s F1-Trac and E-Diff, now also controls the active dampers.
