488 GTB (458 replacement)

Because they have not denigrated the old model by introducing the new one - it came 5 years after 458, it still has the Ferrari DNA like all the V8s before it (even the unloved ones like the 348), and there is no suggestion of abusing the old model to try and prop up sales of the new one (like McLaren for instance).

They could have said "massive torque to increase driveability and road performance - much better than outgoing model" etc. But they haven't done that. They have the confidence to allow the 458 its place in history and promote the 488 as a solution to the continuation of their philosophy in the turbo era (something forced on them) - some of the new tech seems designed to try and make the new turbo car possess the linearity of response of the old car. They didn't stick the LaFerrari nose on the front of a turbo engined 458 and call it 488 either.

No doubt this is partly made possible by the many LOI that they have. Still, it points to the best way to replace models - the right approach and the right timing. Not like Lambo and their endless line of special editions or McLaren and their hasty update of the 12C by plastering the nose of their halo car all over the front of their series production model, after only 2.5 years.

All cars get superseded by new ones with more modern technology and performance. The best way to do that is to be sympathetic to the old car with the new one - not too quickly, not too slowly, evolved brand values interpreted into modern technology and legislation requirements. I simply think that Ferrari do this best.

 

from the site: The 488 GTB also compares favourably to the Ferrari 599 GTO of only a few years ago, which had 661bhp and 457lb ft from its 6.0-litre turbo-free V12, and ranks as one of the more extreme Ferraris we've seen lately. The 488 GTB, then, won't be slow.

 

£230-£240k base, add options looking at £270-£280k easily

 

I really hope it's just the renderings, but that design is a very huge disappointment for me. The air intakes on the side appear to be - judging from the renderings - way too large, look Porsche Turbo like and generally out of place, the front is uninspired, the wheels are some outdated aftermarket design. To me, that's a real catastrophe.

I really and still hope to be proven wrong.

Reserving final judgment for better photos (and in the flesh).

 

I'm not seeing the resemblance. Front/rear completely different. Side vent/glass maybe somewhat but not really.

 

Playing with interior colors

http://s22.postimg.org/8prcyliq9/985980.jpg

 

From the official Ferrari 488 Press Release (see attached)

"Maranello, 3 February 2015 – Forty years on from the unveiling of its first ever midrear-engined V8 model, the 308 GTB, the Prancing Horse opens a new chapter in its 8-cylinder history. The Ferrari 488 GTB provides track-level performance that can be enjoyed to the full even by non-professional drivers in everyday use. Its response times, nimbleness and on-the-limit driving guarantee a unique sense of exhilaration and unparalleled driving pleasure."

Gee, looks like the 308 GT4 has been erased from the corporate memory. That was the first "midrear-engined V8 model," and was first shown in 1973 and released in 1974......
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In white with some black accents and grey wheels

http://s15.postimg.org/evdilojqj/5648948970.jpg

 

308 GT4 was badged Dino until it became a Ferrari in 1976.

 

OK, I give up. What is a "blown spoiler"?

 

i have just cancelled my speciale preorder and assigned my downpayment to the 488GTB. my dealer says delivery september/october. i am still not convinced about the sound but the rest of the package looks outstanding.
meanwhile i shall enjoy the 458 italia scream at 9K rpm.
i am very pleased by ferrari today.
peter

 

congrats but for sound buy V12

 

i actually think it looks more japanese now with the angles ala lexus LFA

the wheels shouldn't be any bigger they are Speciale wheels same 20" i think they are just rendered larger and fill the space more

i still can't decide if i like it enough to switch from 458 spider. it looks more aggressive for sure, just like the Speciale was a muscled version of the 458. the side vents shape is what is throwing me off, maybe if it was more fluid in shape and less angular. i much prefer the Speciale front mouth lip too.

need real life images and video this render isn't true to form

 

From press release:

 

Good, then they're Official, by Ferrari, Hi-Res Crops. If you look close, you will see that those are not new pictures, no new angles at all, just zooming on the details.

 

This from the promotional release:
"The engine unleashes 670 cv at 8,000 rpm along with 760 Nm of
maximum torque in seventh gear and a response time to the accelerator of just 0.8
seconds at 2,000 rpm."

I don't know about you, but I think 0.8 seconds is a fair amount of lag. The question is what is the lag at higher RPM.

 

Just some numbers to check out:

Length: 488 is 179.8 inches; 458 is 178.2 --> 1.6 inches longer
Width: 488 is 76.9 inches; 458 is 76.3 --> 0.6 inches wider
Height: Both are 47.8 inches
So the 488 is slightly longer and a hair wider.

Dry weight with "light options": 488 is 3014 lb; 458 is 3042 lb. --> 488 loses 28 lb assuming options are the same.

 

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Some initial impressions:

The hood, roof, and rear are F12 "inspired" - maybe a bit too close.

I like the front aero flaps hidden within in the front bumper.

I think the flaps in the side vents are moveable under computer control.

The rear deck lid appears to be another controllable surface ala LaF and others.

The brakes again are fantastic looking (best change on the car).

The F1 light in the rear is not incorporated so well.

Those that said the long, multiple LED headlights are a quick fad are now proven wrong.

The valve covers on the engine also hold down the cam components.

Doesn't look like the oil filter is on the top of the engine.

The turbo does not look to have much advancement in design as many have debated. Computers will have to make it feel that they are not there.

The interior looks more modern but not necessarily better and thank you for NOT putting a big screen in the center of the dash.

I like the rear haunches - very muscular.

Door handle might aid in shaping the air in front of the side vents.

Overall the car is pleasant and is a decent change visually. You can tell there's no Pininfarina influence.

Biggest impact will be from the new software incorporating all the above components. It will be easy to go very fast and the performance will be amazing.

Performance numbers from here on out do not matter because you will never know who did what revisions to the software. Most will get some level of tune. The NA V8 is gone and the vast majority won't care.

 

As a 458 owner that honestly thought Ferrari couldn't find a way to improve this incredible car, all I have to say is wow!!! I absolutely love the 488 and couldn't be happier that I threw my hat in the ring for an early allocation. As to it being a turbo, my 911 Turbo s is an incredible car in every way. It's so freaking fast it scares the **** out of me at times. That being said, it will never have the soul of a Ferrari. I even think there's a good chance the 488 will be faster than my tuned TTS. I cannot wait to take delivery of my 488 GTB

 

I believe the first 308GT4 was not called Ferrari as it was still a Dino, and was as the 206 and 246 not considered a "true" Ferrari at the time. Enzo did not want to put the logo on the "small" car. The first V8 mid engine car to feature our beloved horse and the Ferrari moniker, was the 1975 308GTB.

 

What a great looking car,and those torque numbers are awesome. It will look stunning as a 488GTS.

 

I know you are angry but Lamborghini is nothing but a tool of Audi. They are going the way of turbo or they'll go backwards in HP and displacement.

Ferrari can certainly afford the tax and penalties, Lambo simply can't and Audi isn't going to pay it for them.

I think what's going to happen eventually is we're going to see the hybrid tech trickle down into the V8 once the technology becomes cheaper and the science easier in road cars. NA V8s with a electric battery.

 

We will see what will be suitable around 2020 when all new model will be be unveiled. Maybe hybrid will be old tech in that moment...

 

True................ I prefer NA but I understand where Ferrari is coming from they don't want to get hammered by every country in the world with all the BS penalties and fines taxes.