Ferrari 488

The Ferrari 488 (Tipo F142M) is a mid-engined sports car produced by the Italian sports car manufacturer Ferrari, introduced in 2015 to replace the previous 458.

It is powered by a 3.9-litre twin-turbocharged V8, smaller in displacement and higher in output than the naturally aspirated engine it supersedes.

Specifications
Engine

The 488 GTB is powered by a 3,902 cc (238 cu in) all-aluminium dry sump unit of the Ferrari F154 engine family.[3] Turbocharged with two parallel ball-bearing twin-scroll turbochargers supplied by IHI and two air-to-air intercoolers, the compressor wheels are made of low-density TiAl alloy often used in jet engines to reduce inertia and resist high temperatures within the turbocharger. The engine produces 670 PS (493 kW; 661 hp) at 8,000 rpm and 760 N·m (561 lb·ft) of torque at 3,000 rpm.[4] This results in a specific power output of 126.3 kW (171.7 PS; 169.4 hp) per litre and specific torque output of 194.8 N·m (144 lbf·ft) per litre, both records for a Ferrari car.

Transmission
The only available transmission for the 488 is an automated manual dual-clutch 7-speed F1 gearbox manufactured for Ferrari by GETRAG, based on the gearbox used in the 458.[5]r.

Handling

Improved carbon-ceramic brakes are supplied on the 488, derived from technology used in LaFerrari, constructed with new materials that reduce the time needed to achieve optimum operating temperature. Disc sizes are 398 mm at the front, and 360 mm at the rear. These advancements reportedly reduce stopping distances by 9% over the 458.[5]

A new 5-spoke alloy wheel was designed for the 488, measuring 51 centimetres (20 in)front and rear. Front tires measure 245/35 with rears 305/30.[3]

488 GTB
The first 488 to be introduced was the 488 GTB 2-seat berlinetta, successor to the 458 Italia. It was launched on 3 February 2015, in advance of its world première at the March 2015 Geneva Motor Show.[1]

Claimed manufacturer performance for the 488 GTB is 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) in 3.0 seconds, 0–200 km/h (0–124 mph) in 8.3 seconds, covering the quarter mile in 10.45 seconds and continuing to a top speed in excess of 330 km/h (205 mph).

488 GTE and GT3
The racing versions of the 488 GTB are the successors to the 458 Italia GTC and GT3. They have a more aggressive bodywork compared to the GTE and GT3 specs of the 458 Italia thanks to the new 2016 FIA GTE and GT3 regulations, while their engine is the same 3.9 litre V8 turbo used for the 488 GTB. In 2016 the 488 GTE will be entered by AF Corse in the FIA World Endurance Championship, competing also in the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans, while Risi Competizione will line up it in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. Both the 488 GTB and GT3 were unveiled at the 2015 Finali Mondiali Ferrari which took place at Mugello.

488 Spider
The Ferrari 488 Spider is a 2-seat roadster variant of the 488 with a folding hardtop, like the 458 Spider it replaces. Ferrari released pictures of the 488 Spider at the end of July 2015, and the car debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2015.

The Spider's drivetrain is the same of the 488 GTB, including the 670 PS 3.9-litre twin-turbocharged V8. The 488 Spider is only 50 kg (110 lb) heavier than its coupé sibling, and 10 kg (22 lb) lighter than the 458 Spider. The 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) sprint is unchanged at 3.0 seconds, while the 0–200 km/h (0–124 mph) acceleration takes slightly longer at 8.7 seconds, and top speed is likewise slightly lower at 325 km/h (202 mph). UK sales are expected to begin in late spring 2016.

Design
The body of the 488 has been designed to increase downforce by 50% over the 458 while reducing aerodynamic drag.[10] A new front double splitter increases radiator cooling while a newly designed blown rear spoiler (actually a slotted flap) integrated into the rear decklid and bumper increases downforce without requiring a raised wing.[11] The central "Aero Pillar" deflects air under the flat body of the car while two vents in the bonnet provide an exit for air from the dual intakes of the front bumper, further reducing air pressure over the front of the car.[12]

Underbody vortex generators work to reduce air pressure beneath the car thereby increasing overall downforce. A larger rear diffuser works to increase the velocity of air exiting the underbody to further lower air pressure, in conjunction with active aerodynamic variable flaps that both reduce drag and increase downforce as controlled by a microprocessor.[11] The increased size of the diffuser over the previous 458 requires the twin exhausts of the 488 to be positioned higher in the rear bumper for clearance.

The scalloped side air intakes are a homage to those found on the 308 GTB,[12] and are divided by a central partition. Air entering the top intake is partially directed into the turbocharger compressor intake, while the rest is directed through the rear of the car and exits alongside the rear lights, increasing air pressure behind the car in order to reduce aerodynamic drag. Airflow entering the lower intake is directed towards the intercoolers in order to cool the intake charge.[11]