Story & photos by Randy S. Peregrino
THE newest addition to Ferrari’s roster of finest creations is now in the country, as Autostrada Motore Inc., the official distributor of Ferrari cars in the Philippines, recently unveiled the Ferrari 488 GTB. Debuted at the International Premiere of Geneva in March 2015, the Ferrari 488 GTB superseded the previous 458 Italia and represents a new chapter in the history of cars in this magnitude.
“It is an honor to be part of this milestone event. Ferrari has once again raised the benchmark for ultra-luxury sports cars and continues to pave the way for the future of automotive engineering,” said Wellington Soong, chairman and president of Autostrada Motore Inc.
While Ferrari retained the classic clean and legendary styling, the stunning new sporty design exudes from a muscular bonnet, new slicker headlamps and the iconic 308 GTB inspired scalloped flanks. Those exquisitely sculptured engine-air intakes aid in the overall aerodynamics from the double front spoiler with aero pillar and all the way to the ‘blown’ rear spoiler, which greatly reduce air drag.
In fact, the measured aero efficiency is at (E= 1.67)—that’s 53 percent better compared to the 458 Italia. Also, the vertical load (downforce) greatly improved to 325 kilograms at the speed of 250 km/h, which is 50 percent higher than the 458 Italia. Matching with the Ferrari 488 GTB’s wider and lower racing stance is the multispoked 20-inch liquid silver forged wheels wrapped in 245/35 ZR20 J9.0 front tires and 305/30 ZR 20 J11.0 at the rear. At the backend, new LED lights and exhausts layout complements well with the broader diffuser with active slickness.
The cockpit is simply spectacular, with the distinctive shape of the Ferrari steering wheel highlighting the famous prancing horse badge. Finest leather materials were tailored with outline stitches and complemented the straight-forward, yet exotic-looking dashboard. The exterior Rosso Corsa Met livery complements well with black-and-red technical fabric cabin trim oozes with the new “Tradizione Daytona” seats.
Ferrari even upgraded the powertrain required to propel the new 488 GTB by utilizing a dual forced-induction system. As a result, the smaller but more powerful 3.9-liter, 90-degree V8 twin turbocharged engine is able to generate a massive 670 hp at 8,000 rpm, and a staggering maximum torque of 760 N-m at 3,000 rpm—that is 100 hp more and 40 percent N-m of torque stronger than the 458 Italia. This Ferrari motor has no room for turbo lag, thanks to the Variable Boost Management, and it only takes 0.8 seconds to respond when summoned, albeit producing a deep, seductive soundtrack, the signature of all Ferrari engines.
The coupled transmission is a seven-speed, dual-clutch automated manual F1 gearbox, wherein maximum force is achieved in the seventh gear. Remarkably, Ferrari claims that the 488 GTB only needs 3.0 seconds to attain the speed of 100 km/h and 8.3 seconds to grasp the 200 km/h mark. Distance-wise, 10.45 seconds is all it takes to reach 400 meters and 18.7 seconds to complete the entire kilometer stretch. What is more, the recorded total Fiorano lap time is one hour and 23 minutes.
But, of course, what comes with the acceleration is the stopping power of the Ferrari 488 GTB reinforced with the “Extreme Design” braking system reacting in only 0.6 seconds. The end result of decelerating distance were at 29.5 meters from 100-0 km/h and 117 meters from 200-0 km/h, which are 3 and 9 meters less, respectively, compared to the 458 Italia.
Another evolution is the Ferrari 488 GTB’s dynamic vehicle controls. It is now fortified with a new version of the Side Slip Control System (SSC2) along with the F1-Trac and E-Diff that regulates the active dampers. This enables the Ferrari 488 GTB’s to demonstrate superb and more stable handling on complex maneuvers. In turn, even drivers with less expertise can take full control of the vehicle and revel in its outstanding dynamics to feel the ultimate Ferrari driving experience. The Ferrari 488 GTB is available in Rosso Corsa Met livery with black and red technical fabric cabin trim.
Image credits: Randy S. Peregrino