New Ferrari 488 GTB launched in India

Ferrari launches the 488 GTB in India. The 488 GTB replaces the 458 Italia, and comes powered by a downsized, and turbocharged, V8 engine. 

Ferrari has launched the all-new 488 GTB in India at a whopping price of Rs 3.88 crore. The 488 GTB replaces the 458 Italia in the company’s model line-up and marks the 40^th anniversary of the GTB (Gran Turismo Berlinetta) moniker since the 308 GTB from 1975.

Apart from a new name and a few visual upgrades here and there, the newcomer has traded the mid-mounted naturally aspirated 562bhp/540Nm producing 4.5-litre V8 of its predecessor for a smaller 3.9-litre V8 – headlined by a twin-turbocharger. This is the same engine that does duty in the California T, albeit it has been uprated to produce 661bhp of max power and 760Nm of peak torque in the 488 GTB. Mated to a seven-speed dual clutch automatic transmission that sends power to rear wheels, the 488 GTB is claimed to hit 0-100km/h in 3 seconds. Top speeds in excess of 330km/h can be achieved, claims Ferrari.

Design wise, not much has changed - at first glance you can in fact mistake it for the 458 Italia. Having said that, the 488 GTB features new ‘sculptural flanks’ and bigger air intakes. The rear end has also been revamped and now comes with two exhaust openings on either side as opposed to the 458's centrally-mounted triple exhaust design. Ferrari claims the 488 GTB also comes with a raft of aerodynamic aids, helping it produce 50 per cent more downforce than the 458. Inside, the cabin design and layout looks familiar to other Ferrari models with angled air events and instrument panel centred around the driver.

In addition to that, the 488 GTB has a new version of Side Slip Control System that works in conjunction with traction control and E-Diff in order to make the car corner flatter and more stable around corners.

Also read: Ferrari 488 GTB first drive