Ferrari 488. A galloper from Ferrari Stables
Ferrari 488 is a premium sports car of the Italian brand Ferrari, the manufacturer of the legendary racing cars, which is part of the Italian-American concern Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V. The car is produced since. The rear-wheel-drive car is presented in bodywork (coupe), and the letters GTB (GranTurismo Berlinetta) are added to the numbers in the name, and the opening the version in the roadster bodywork is named 488 Spider.
In the 2020 year, the Israeli market was able to accomodate the first generation of this amazing sports car of the 2015 model year, as well as the second generation of the 2018 year, produced by the name of Ferrari 488 Pista, which is distinguished by significantly improved aerodynamics, improved interior, and a more powerful engine of 720 hp.
First generation
Produced from 2015 until now (as of 2020) and presented at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2015 year, the first Ferrari 488 with the bodywork designation, Tipo F142M replaced the 458 Italia model, but it had several designed features if compared to it, a modified gear and more than 80% new parts. The gear mainly used aluminum, but the titanium and carbon fiber were present in other details. The motor is installed in front of the rear axle, so it was possible to achieve an almost ideal weight distribution over the axles - 46.5/53.5 in favor of the rear.
The new Ferrari 488 was equipped with Slide Slip Control 2, an electronically controlled E-Diff F1-Track, multi-mode ‘manettino’ traction control, as well as the Variable Torque Management system, which limited torque in the low gears. And the Launch Control system is provided to minimize slipping when accelerating from a place.
The acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in the Ferrari 488 takes only 3 seconds and the maximum speed of the Ferrari 488 GTB coupe has reached 330 km/h. The 488 Spider roadster accelerates to 327 km/h. It is just a little bit less than the value for Ferrari 488 GTB.
The front independent double-wishbone suspension and the rear multi-link suspension have undergone minor modifications. The new Ferrari 488 features FrS SMC-E magnetic adaptive dampers for better cornering stability. Carbon ceramic brakes 398 mm at the front and 360 mm at the rear, plus a high-performance anti-lock braking system with Ferrari Pre-Fill superstructure reduced the braking distance of the sports car by 9% compared to the previous model. The car received 20-inch alloy wheels with Michelin Supersport Cup tires.
Engines and dynamics
The new Ferrari 488 model was equipped with a new 3.9-L V8 Biturbo engine with 670 hp and 8000 rpm and torque at 3000 rpm reached 760bicron in 7th gear. The cylinder block was completely aluminum. The engine was equipped with ball bearing turbo-superchargers made of titanium and aluminum alloy, as well as 2 air intercoolers. The use of turbo-superchargers has reduced CO2 emissions by 15%. As well, the car electronics could turn off the engine when it stopped, to save fuel. The most powerful Ferrari production car engine was paired with a 7-speed automated manual dual-clutch transmission, which is 30% faster when up shifting and 40% faster when downshifting compared to the Ferrari 458.
These all together allowed to significantly improving the dynamics of the new ‘stallion’ from the Ferrari stable. The acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in the Ferrari 488 takes only 3 seconds and the maximum speed of the Ferrari 488 GTB coupe has reached 330 km/h. The 488 Spider roadster accelerates to 327 km/h. It is just a little bit less than the value for Ferrari 488 GTB. On Ferrari’s signature test track, the car clocked 1.23.00, half a second faster than the 458 Speciale and 2 seconds faster than the regular 458 Italia.
Exterior and interior
The 2015/2016 year Ferrari 488 was distinguished by improved aerodynamics, due to the use of vortex generators that distribute air flows under the bottom of the car, a new shape of the front bumper, and a rear spoiler. The rear diffuser had a computer-controlled flap geometry that balanced between down force and drag. The 1.67 drag coefficient of the Ferrari 488th is the record for a Ferrari road car!
The interior of the sports car has not undergone radical changes, and, as in the previous model, had Start-stop buttons, turn signals, wipers, manettino traction control, and sidelights located on the steering wheel. The electronic filling had a keyless start system, as well as an updated interface for the infotainment system, 12 stereo speakers with a total capacity of 1250 W.
The interior is mostly trimmed with high-quality leather in 2 colors. In some places, the engineers decided to use Alcantara. The sports car is equipped with two seats with sports lateral support and electrical adjustment. Sitting in sports chairs is very comfortable, as they perfectly hold the torso during turns.
Ferrari Spider cabriolet
In September 2015, the Ferrari Spider cabriolet was first unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The roadster received the same engine, transmission, and chassis as the Bernette Coupe. The amount 3.9-liter V8 Biturbo engine with 670 hp. produced 8000 rpm and 760 microns paired with a 7-speed automated manual transmission with a dual-clutch system. The open version weighed almost 50 kg more than the coupe, it was still 10 kg lighter than its predecessor 458 Spider, also, torsional stiffness increased by 23%.
The automatic Retractable Hard Top is inherited from the Ferrari 458. It was made of aluminum, which significantly saved the weight of the car. The roof folded into a special compartment in 14 seconds, with the ability to remove or rise to the top when driving at low speeds. A plus was the fact that the rear window could be lowered regardless of whether the top is open or not. The Ferrari claimed that at 200 km/h with an open-top in the cab of the car, you can talk comfortably without raising your voice.
Ferrari Pista 2018
The word ‘Pista’ is Italian for ‘track’. ‘Extreme’ version of the sports coupe was presented in the spring of 2018 year. The car received unusual touches in the exterior and interior, a powerful engine, and more efficient technical equipment. A little later, the Italians released an open-top roadster supercar with a hard convertible top. Based on official information, the Ferrari 488 Pista has a more 20% down force than the 488 GTB versions. The weight of the supercar has dropped by as much as 90 kilograms. This was partly achieved through the use of carbon in the construction. It was used for the front fairing, engine cover, rear spoiler, and diffuser.
The interior of the 2019/2020 year Ferrari 488 Pista features a sporty interior, with 4-point seat belts, an uncovered metal floor, and the overall feel of a true racing car. On request, you can add additional elements to improve comforts, such as a leather interior or a navigator.
The Ferrari Pista sports coupe reaches 100 km/h in just 2.85 seconds and has a top speed of 340 km/h!
The racing style is enhanced by the ‘bare’ carbon fiber on the dashboard and the tightly sealed wall where the glove box should have been. Otherwise, the interior of the new Ferrari 488 Pista echoes the minimalism, sporty ambiance, and high build quality of the standard version. Sports chairs, which perfectly hold the human body, help to sit comfortably. In front of the driver is the recognizable 3-spoke sports multifunction wheel, behind which is a modern instrument panel.
The new Ferrari 488 Pista 2020 is powered by a 3.9-liter aluminum V8 petrol engine, made of aluminum, with 2 turbos, direct fuel injection, and a carbon fiber intake manifold. As a result, the engine produces 720 hp. The engine is complemented by a 7-speed robotized preselective gearbox. The 488 Pista transmissions have a 3rd generation E-Diff differential and an electronically controlled lock. As a result, the sports coupe reaches 100 km/h in just 2.85 seconds! The maximum speed limit does not exceed 340 km/h. Interestingly, the Ferrari 488 Pista roadster loses to its ‘hardtop twin’ only in speeding up from 0 to 200 km/h – spends 8 seconds (a coupe accelerates to 200 in 7.6 seconds).
The new Ferrari 488 Pista became much better, although its predecessor was already great. The car has become much lighter, received a lighter, but more powerful engine, a new superstructure system, etc. A nice bonus is a fact, that the sports model is available for public roads. Its aerodynamics, exterior, beautiful interior, and a sporty style literally inspire dreams of racing.
