The naturally-aspirated Ferrari V8 engine has come to an end as the Ferrari 458 GTB arrives with a whopping 661 horsepower from a twin-turbocharged V8. This absolute beast can hit 100 km/h in 3.0 seconds and 200 km/h in just 8.3 seconds. GTB stands for Gran Turismo Berlinetta but the 488 refers to something we are not used to. The new engine is 3902cc turbocharged V8 and if you divide this number by the number of cylinder, you get 488cc (well almost). The peak power is developed at 8000 rpm and with a claimed throttle response time of 0.8 seconds (according to Ferrari), there is minimal turbo lag. Power comes through their newest version of the twin-clutch gearbox which uses variable torque management to release the torque smoothly across the rev range. Those worried about the noise? Well it seems they have paid special attention to ‘perfecting’ the 488’s exhaust note.
Believe it or not, the shape brings in 50% more downforce than the predecessor and a lower drag coefficient. Double front spoiler, active aerodynamics at the rear and a blown spoiler are all contributing to the immense aerodynamic targets. Ferrari’s Side Slip Angle Control has been equipped but this is a newer version which promised to be less invasive and provide more longitudinal acceleration out of corners. So what did it do around Fiorano? Well it completed the lap in 1 minute and 23 seconds which means it is 0.5 seconds faster than the 458 Speciale and a full 2 seconds quicker than the 458 it is replacing. This sounds like one hell of a car! Is it the McLaren 650S beater we have been waiting for? For those wanting to see it in the metal, you will have to wait until the Geneva Motor Show in March.
