The ability of the active magneto-rheological dampers to smoothen out pock-marked tarmac is incredible. The fast-acting processor and additional sensors are able to eke out every last gram of comfort while still suppressing body movements with iron-fisted control.
The 488 GTB’s turn-in is phenomenal. The front-end grip seems endless as I grapple with the twisty bits. I’m able to flick the car from side to side as if it were weightless. The vehicle’s limits might be superhuman, but they can be reached if you are crazy enough.
The skies opened up during the last half of my route around the countryside. Apart from dampening my pace, it revealed the incredible grip afforded by the Michelins on wet surfaces. The tyres’ limits again proved to be beyond that of my courage, which is very impressive.
This vehicle’s stopping power comes courtesy of its carbon-ceramic brakes, which are identical to the ones used in the marque’s LaFerrari hypercar. These stoppers are supposedly 9 percent more effective than the 458 Italia’s. The components responsible for their enhanced effectiveness are the higher friction pads, faster ABS processor and a 36 percent quicker rise in hydraulic pressure in the callipers.
To further augment the handling, designers from the Ferrari Styling Centre worked with aerodynamicists to hone its fabulous form. The external door handles, for instance, are placed at a seemingly odd location, but their positions actually redirect air flow into the rear arch vents.
From said vents, air is channelled into the intercoolers, intake tracts and through a rear-facing vent adjacent to the rear tail lamps, which is called the “base bleed”. The idea for the base bleed and “blown spoiler” is to allow air into the rear trailing turbulence to reduce drag.
To keep this supercar planted, its bodywork features vortex generators and an active rear diffuser underneath. Apart from a double front spoiler, this Prancing Horse also has a special centre channel that diverts air down and underneath, as well as to the side intakes. The 488 GTB will remain glued to the road at high speeds – it develops 200kg of downforce at 200km/h and a massive 325kg at 300km/h.
Given that the test cars didn’t have front number plates, I wonder if they would affect the aerodynamics. Unlike other countries, having your number plate on a sticker is illegal in Singapore.
Now, while the car’s exterior looks spectacular, the same cannot be said for its interior. In typical Ferrari fashion, there are few organic lines, but the design is neat and functional rather than stylish, with the main driving controls clustered on the steering wheel.
Controls with related functions are grouped together in pods and separated by either leather or carbon fibre. It’s a good thing that Ferrari drivers spend most of their time scanning the road ahead instead of admiring the interior.
Never before has 670bhp been so well-deployed in a rear-wheel-drive machine. The F40 from yesteryear that has “only” 478bhp is almost undriveable compared to today’s 488 GTB.
An all-wheel-drive system would have undoubtedly simplified matters, but with rear-wheel-drive, lots of intelligent solutions need to be employed.
In the 488 GTB, there’s no single magic bullet. Rather, it is the perfect blend of oily bits and eye candy that delivers the goods. Preconceived notions of turbo cars will cloud opinions, but not once did I feel frustrated that I had driven this turbocharged Prancing Horse. Clearly, Ferrari has achieved the impossible.
DRIVETRAIN
Type V8, 32-valves, turbocharged
Capacity 3902cc
Bore x stroke 86.5mm x 83mm
Compression ratio 9.4:1
Max power 670bhp at 8000rpm
Max torque 760Nm at 3000 rpm
Power to weight 454.2bhp per tonne
Gearbox 7-speed dual-clutch with manual select
Driven wheels Rear
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 3 seconds
Top speed Over 330km/h
Consumption 8.8km/L (combined)
CO2 emission 260g/km
SUSPENSION
Front Double wishbones, coil springs, magneto-rheological dampers, anti-roll bar
Rear Double wishbones, coil springs, magneto-rheological dampers, anti-roll bar
BRAKES
Front / rear Ventilated carbon-ceramic discs
TYRES
Type Michelin Pilot Super Sport
Size 245/35 R20 (front), 305/30 R20 (rear)
SAFETY
Airbags ?4
Traction aids ABS, ESP
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4568mm
Width 1952mm
Height 1213mm
Wheelbase 2650mm
Kerb weight 1475kg
Turning circle 11m
BUYING IT
Price incl. COE $1,054,889 (after $30k CEVS surcharge)
Warranty 3 years/100,000km
+ PHENOMENAL PERFORMANCE, DOES NOT FEEL TURBOCHARGED, REAL SEXINESS
– BIGGER THAN ITS PREDECESSOR, NO MORE HIGH-PITCHED SCREAM
