As previously reported, Ferrari has just released information on an updated version of their mid-engine entry level sports car ahead of its' physical debut at the Geneva Auto Show later this year. What was once the 458 Italia is now known as the Ferrari 488 Gran Turismo Berlinetta, or 488 GTB.
Although the 488 GTB might only look like a mildly updated version of the 458, there is actually a lot that has been changed from the last car to this one. Instead of the naturally aspirated 4.5 Liter V8 found in the 458 Italia, the 488 GTB uses a new 3.9L twin turbo charged V8. The old V8 in the 458 was rated at 562 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque, while the new, smaller V8 is making 661 hp and 561 lb-ft. That is an astonishing 99 hp and 163 lb-ft more than the previous model. Ferrari says that all this extra power and torque mean that the 488 GTB accelerates from 0-60 mph in 3.0 seconds, 0-124 mph in 8.3 seconds, and a top speed of "over 204 mph". This, by any standards, is pretty darn quick and the upgrade in power also puts the 488 GTB directly against the 641hp McLaren 650S. Ferrari says that it will lap Fiorano in 1 minute and 23 seconds, which is actually one second faster than the 458 Speciale. Other changes include a new front and rear fascias, active aerodynamics, a 10 kg weight reduction, and new side air intakes for the engine.
While no one apart from the people within Maranello has seen the physical car, it is going to make its official debut at the 2015 Geneva Auto Show. Although pricing has yet to be announced, expect the 488 GTB to stay within the same price range as the 458 Italia it replaces.
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