488 GTB Spider trip and impressions | FerrariChat

488 GTB Spider trip and impressions

Discussion in '458 Italia/488/F8' started by 458trofeo, Jul 17, 2017.

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  1. 458trofeo

    458trofeo F1 Rookie

    Feb 4, 2013
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    #1 458trofeo, Jul 17, 2017
    Last edited: Jul 17, 2017
    Carissimi, just got the 488 Spider.

    Rosso Corsa spec with Giallo calipers.

    Drove the car for about 6 hours and am keeping it for the week.

    Let me start by saying that I wish I had rented it for less time
    and am already ready to give it back as it feels commonplace and
    lackluster compared to my car.

    First impressions, all compared to my car: poorer interior build
    quality, poor throttle response, not so much more torque at least feeling-wise
    and torque only available when turbos spool up, poor sound, floaty handling,
    squeaks everywhere from engine and breaks (perhaps just on this car as it is
    a rental), side scoops look ugly in the rear view mirrors imho.

    No one seems to care less about the car, lacking in wow factor.

    Quite a depressing experience so far when compared to the 458 series it replaces.

    The turbo engine is the problem in my book, it makes the car so commonplace.

    As far as the incredible torque and power everyone is talking about, I am amiss
    to have experienced that so far.

    More to come as I am meeting a friend with a coupe in a few days and will give
    impressions upon that.

    In all fairness though, I am basing my impressions upon comparison with my 458
    which is heavily modded and almost 260 pounds lighter than a stock Italia.

    However, my biggest issue is that the car is just as not exciting to drive as an NA
    458 series cars and the main problem is the turbo engine.

    The heart of the car is just not as visceral as the NA model it replaces.
    And many would agree that the adjective that is most sought after or related
    to the marque is precisely 'visceral'.

    Positive points so far:

    The torque when turbos spool up is rewarding and the design, except for the Lambo-esque front
    which become always more so with repeated viewings, is ok.

    More to come!
    xoxoxoxoxo
     
  2. 458trofeo

    458trofeo F1 Rookie

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  3. Eilig

    Eilig F1 Rookie
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    If the 488 represents the future of mid-engine Ferraris, I think its time for me to buy another 458 and keep it in reserve...

    Luca used to always say: "If you ask me which Ferrari is the best, I will always say THE NEXT Ferrari...."

    The 488 is the first Ferrari for which this statement does NOT hold true. No wonder Luca got out just before this thing launched.... :(

    The motivation behind building cars is certainly in process of changing for Ferrari... It used to be more about building 100% out of passion... But now that they are a publicly-traded company, they have shareholders to please as well... And nothing pleases shareholders more than profit.

    It is going to be impossible for Ferrari to 100% please PURISTS AND SHAREHOLDERS at the same time, as the motivating factors between these two distinct groups are clearly at odds with one another... To me, it sounds like the 488 is a physical representation of this fact.
     
  4. Eilig

    Eilig F1 Rookie
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    I think that I just found one more positive point:

    You have a Spider, not a Coupe. Which means that the engine is not visible under glass....

    So here's the additional positive point: Since you can't see the engine, you don't have to look at those puny/wimpy, cheap plastic plenums. :)
     
  5. Ferrari 360 CS

    Ferrari 360 CS F1 Veteran

    Dec 4, 2004
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    Jacques
    Interesting impressions.

    I have driven both the Coupe and Spider and neither lacked torque, short shift into 7th and accelerate, plenty torque. Should one be short shifting in a Ferrari though....

    I just think the bar was set so high with the 458 that any replacement would have a hard time when compared to it.
     
  6. RCorsa

    RCorsa Formula 3
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    Apr 5, 2014
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    Must have been something wrong with the car you had as the improvements over th 458 are not subtle
     
  7. lamarmotte

    lamarmotte Karting

    Feb 5, 2014
    194
    France
    I think he drove a 488 spider replica
     
  8. Rossocorsa1

    Rossocorsa1 F1 Veteran

    May 14, 2017
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    #8 Rossocorsa1, Jul 17, 2017
    Last edited: Jul 17, 2017
    Hilarious review. The 488 is an incredible achievement in design and technology (as is the 458). It has been heralded across the globe as a remarkable car and one of Ferrari's finest. There really is no need to bash one car in order to prop-up another. The 458 is fantastic in its own right. Enjoy it.
     
  9. Flo400

    Flo400 Formula Junior

    Jun 8, 2011
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    Florian
    No. The 458 was fantastic, but coming up so many years later with a 458 that has holes in its bodywork wasn't too impressive. We all know they can do much better. No need to drink cool aid before a review.
     
  10. Eilig

    Eilig F1 Rookie
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    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MMzd40i8TfA :) :) :)
     
  11. LVP488

    LVP488 F1 Rookie

    Jan 21, 2017
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    I understand people may prefer a 458 but for me compared to the 488 the 458 is uselessly noisy and is lacking power.
    But I would also never have a spider, so my evaluation grid is different.

    I'm not sure why there seems to be this trend on fchat now:
    (some) FF owners bashing the GTC4Lusso
    (some) F12 owners bashing the 812 SF (which is actually ugly, but that's not a so good reason)
    (some) 458 owners bashing the 488
    ... just waiting for California owners bashing the new GT...
     
  12. Eilig

    Eilig F1 Rookie
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    #12 Eilig, Jul 17, 2017
    Last edited: Jul 17, 2017
    Could it be that Ferrari just isn't producing cars these days that are pleasing to their discerning customers' tastes? Certainly no longer having Pininfarina's involvement leaves a deficit in terms of the design portion of the equation...

    One does have a certain level of expectation for any newly released car that wears the badge of a prancing horse, after all.... What happens when that expectation is not being met? Perhaps something like you describe as "bashing"....
     
  13. saraojo

    saraojo Formula 3

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    488 spider is a much better choice than the gtb. I actually don't mind the sound when the top is down.
     
  14. Rossocorsa1

    Rossocorsa1 F1 Veteran

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    #14 Rossocorsa1, Jul 17, 2017
    Last edited: Jul 17, 2017


    It could be - in your case. The truth is, Ferrari is doing a masterful job, and virtually everything suggests that. And, I prefer that they design in-house now. It actually adds allure to me. I'm quit sure if the LaFerrari was penned by Pininfarina, its few (very few) detractors would think it is amazing.

    Sure, there are some that don't like the 488, or the 812, or the LaFerrari. Some, that is. I'm certain the 275's were likely seen as horrific by the 250 faithful at one time. I'm quit sure that the Testarossa was considered awful by the Boxer crowd. I clearly recall 308 lovers hating the 328, and so it goes. To me, the 458 is masterful, but it was always missing the aggression I desired. So what? That doesn't mean it isn't a great car. They're never going to please everyone all the time, but to suggest that Ferrari is some also rand is frankly humorous.
     
  15. boobernackle

    boobernackle Formula Junior

    May 28, 2016
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    488 GTB Spider

    who know such a thing existed...
     
  16. RCorsa

    RCorsa Formula 3
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    This is silly. There are a few on here that hold thier 458s and since there is nothing to talk about a 7 year old car they own, they feel the need to bash the latest car. I honestly think this is the equivalent of "fake news". Of course we can all have our opinion but as someone who has owned the various versions (coupes and spiders of the430,458 and 488) there is no question the evolution has been spectacular. 488 is the king for now.
     
  17. redcaruser

    redcaruser Formula 3
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    You compare the 488 with Lola, which is not a fair comparison (National Guard vs Navy Seals). :)

    Enjoy Europe!
     
  18. Patrick21x

    Patrick21x Karting

    Apr 11, 2014
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    ROFL at this review
     
  19. 100badboy100

    100badboy100 Formula Junior
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    Sep 15, 2016
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    same old people

    Same old story...

    Move on......and leave them to it...

    I'm surprised most of you actually fall for there posts, they only do it as a wind up....!!!

    Best way to put a stop to the nonsense is stop replying to the posts......

    Regards

    Michael

    Dammm....I've just fallen for it to!!!
     
  20. SoCal to az

    SoCal to az F1 World Champ
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    This + 10000
     
  21. Jackp6

    Jackp6 Karting

    May 26, 2013
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    Huh, no spider, why live? I personally like the sound of a 458, otherwise drive a Tesla
     
  22. Robert P

    Robert P Formula Junior

    Feb 10, 2014
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    London
    Plus another 10,000.
     
  23. Rossocorsa1

    Rossocorsa1 F1 Veteran

    May 14, 2017
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    You're right. I'm guilty as charged.



     
  24. dustman

    dustman F1 Veteran
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    Jun 12, 2007
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    ...and I drive a Tesla.

    And had 458, Speciale and now 488 Spider.

    I am stunned how good and loud the 488 Spider is.

    But lets be transparent here...Lola is not a normal 458 Italia. It's THE 458 and sounds amazing compared to stock. Not a fair test Carlo! ;)
     
  25. Lukeylikey

    Lukeylikey F1 Rookie
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    Mar 3, 2012
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    Don't mean to offend but this has to be a loaded review - I understand; if you have built a bespoke car at great trouble, love and expense you are entitled to be a little partisan. This is a passion after all. And no one can contradict your view about appearance because everyone likes what they like. But can't feel the extra torque?!

    You're talking up to 760 through lower gearing v 540 or so with the 458. You absolutely can feel it and I still have a 458 Speciale and a 488. Floaty suspension compared with 458? I don't think so - 488 is far ahead in that respect. Even throttle response, while not at the level of the Speciale, is close to the 458. This is remarkable, given that the other benefits of turbo are also present.

    I plan to keep the Speciale, in part because of n/a engine, but let's not pretend the 488 motor is anything other than an absolute revelation.
     

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