Forty years on from the unveiling of Ferrari's first ever mid-rear-engined V8 berlinetta, the 308 GTB, the Prancing Horse opens a new chapter in its 8-cylinder history.
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The 488 GTB 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 front is characterised by the dual grille opening which channels air into the two radiators. There is also a double front spoiler which, on close inspection, looks very like those of the F1 single-seaters. At the centre two pylons are combined with a deflector which channels air towards the flat underbody.
The bonnet has pronounced, raised central section and two side channels with the dual function of making the car look more sporty and channelling the air from the two vents in the bumper which have been skilfully hidden from sight in the front view to keep the lines clean.
The tail is dominated by the blown spoiler and the large air vents which help improve aerodynamics. The new exhaust tailpipes have been repositioned to accommodate the greater height required for the diffuser. A new colour, Rosso Corsa Metallizzato, was developed to underscore this model's supremely sporty character and its unique elegance. The color has a surprising depth and glossiness achieved by using a triple-layer formulation in which millions of micro-particles are suspended in the paint.
Power, engine and vehicle response times (0.8 s and 0.06 s respectively) give the 488 GTB a unique character and guarantee unmatched driving pleasure to drivers of all abilities. Ferrari drew on its experience in both F1 and GT racing, in which the 458 holds the WEC title and has won its category in two editions of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The new model also exploits to the full the know-how gleaned by Ferrari engineers through the XX programme which makes extreme track-only cars available to gentleman test-drivers.
The 488 GTB's cabin was designed to exude extreme sportiness without sacrificing occupant comfort. This heightens the impression of a cockpit tailored around the driver's needs: the commands are on the wraparound satellite pods which are angled directly towards the driver. The new lighter, horizontally more compact dashboard features ultra-sporty air vents inspired by military jet air intakes. The overall result is an effortless marriage of innovative volumes and compact, functional forms. ■
A very active and complex mid-May weather pattern is set to produce numerous areas of severe weather, heavy rain, high winds, and anomalous temperatures through this weekend.
