2016 Ferrari 488 GTB: First Look

Competes with: Lamborghini Huracan, McLaren MP4-12C

Looks like: The 458 Italia’s menacing cousin

Drivetrain: 660-hp, twin-turbocharged 3.9-liter V-8 engine with seven-speed transmission; rear-wheel drive

Hits dealerships: Second half of 2015

Related: More Ferrari News

The Geneva International Motor Show has played host to some stunning supercar debuts in recent years, and the trend continues with the debut of the new Ferrari 488 GTB. The mid-engine supercar is the successor to the 458 Italia, and it’s powered by a new twin-turbocharged V-8 engine and also features styling that’s heavily influenced by the LaFerrari hybrid supercar. Pricing will be announced at the Geneva show next month, and the 488 GTB hits U.S. dealerships in the second half of this year.

Exterior

Ferrari says the 488 GTB’s new aerodynamic elements generate 50 percent more downforce compared to the 458, but less drag. Contributing elements include a double front spoiler, side air intakes and a blown rear spoiler. These elements work with an underbody that incorporates vortex generators and a rear diffuser with active flaps. While the 488 GTB has the same mid-engine silhouette as the 458 Italia, the new design is more muscular and assertive.

Interior

The two-seat cabin has been restyled so that it’s even more focused on the driver, according to Ferrari, with new controls and air vents. Unlike many new cars, the 488 GTB doesn’t have a large console separating the driver and passenger; there’s just a small one that houses controls for the seven-speed transmission, among others. Many vehicle systems are controlled by steering-wheel-mounted buttons and switches, and the 488 GTB gains the convenience of keyless start.

Under the Hood

The 488 GTB uses a smaller V-8 engine than the 458, but it features two turbochargers and makes more horsepower and torque at lower rpm. The 3.9-liter V-8 is rated at 660 hp at 8,000 rpm and 560 pounds-feet of torque at 3,000 rpm. The car weighs about 3,000 pounds, with a little more than half of it over the rear axle. The suspension uses active dampers to limit body roll.

Ferrari claims the 488 GTB can accelerate from zero-to-62 mph in 3 seconds and reach 124 mph in 8.3 seconds. Top speed is in excess of 205 mph.

Manufacturer images