i found the most interesting part of the article was when he said all the engineers did was talk about how they made the 488 feel naturally aspirated... it's clear they don't like turbo charging and they are trying every gimmick in the book to artificially create a naturally aspirated experience (i'm surprised they didn't add artificial engine noise!) so why not just buy a naturally aspirated ferrari? oh they won't make them anymore
But if you can have all that extra omph and it not have any turbo drawbacks, then why not? If they can get it to feel just like a N/A engine then, other than for dogma, what's not to like? That's the point, get all the advantages and engineer out all the drawbacks.
The only thing Ferrari managed to eliminate is the turbo lag. The throttle response is slower and the screaming is gone. These two are the most crucial things in a super car.
As I said somewhere else, do you remember what Ferrari paddle shift was like on the 355? I do, and it really wasn't very good. And look where they've taken that. Just imagine where Ferrari will be able to take turbo charging. Instead of bemoaning the end of an era we should be celebrating the beginning of another.
In the 355, especially in slow traffic, could sometimes be a little embarrassing, making it look as if you didn't know how to drive the car. It got better in the 360 and I didn't mind it there, but it still wasn't great. They cracked it in the 430 and, obviously, have taken it to new heights after that. I have to say, though, as soon as I drove it in the 355, even though it was so raw, I said to a friend, this is the future, they'll all be like this some day soon. Ferrari's first mainstream V8 implementation of turbo charging is not nearly as deficient compared to the alternative as the F1 box was compared to the manual box when it first appeared, so they're already way ahead. And if their work on paddle shift is anything to go by, the future's bright.
I dont disagree fundamentally...but this would have been a much more accepted transition if the car was more bespoke and good looking than it is. Reserve right to eat those words when I see the car in the flesh.
With modern Ferraris, seeing them in the flesh is essential. I don't think any of them photograph well. I was at my dealer yesterday look at the stock and I just can't get over how good the 458 looks. Probably my favourite Ferrari of all time in the looks department. For me, perfect. Yet I don't think I've yet seen a photograph of the 458 in which I'm any more than lukewarm about the design. And in most I think it looks quite awkward. I'm hoping this applies to the 488.
I agree wholeheartedly that modern Ferraris can be quite a challenge to photograph in a flattering manner. Although I have no intention of trading my 458 Spider for a 488, I do hope that it looks better in person than it does in most of the photos I have seen. Having said that, while the 458 has some design flaws, I don't think that the judgment on the 488 design will conclude that it has eclipsed that of the 458. Fred
Well said. With the many sharp edges and seemingly flat panels on modern cars, it really does take one to see them in the flesh to appreciate the design and car's presence as a whole. Pictures tend to leave them looking dull and lacking. Even though I saw the 488 in early March, I'm still warming up to its looks. I'll probably end up loving it. Rear end is in my eyes a definite improvement over the 458.
O.K, having pontificated at length above, I've just opened the latest issue of evo and there's a spread in the 488 article with an absolutely great shot of the car. So, that will teach me! Looking good. Image Unavailable, Please Login
Today I went to my dealer for the unveiling of the 488 in person...and I have to say, it looks better than in photos. Same spec as the car in the post by Lesia44 above. Rear looks fantastic, like the Speciale and Scuderia. Superb. However, one would need to order carbon for the F1 style 3rd light, as well as the rear light surrounds. In basic trim of flat black both look very cheap plastic, like a modern 3 series cheap BMW. Lots of air ducting esp exiting the trunk lid, pretty cool. Front end is MUCH better than photos. Really liked it, including the hood. So much detail and spacing in the spoilers down below. And no "horse on a stick" in the front like our 458's have. Well done. Interior was fine, found it to be a bit busier than the 458 actually as the passenger's central vent has been replaced and redesigned, leaving that area busy and with a lack of cohesion. The 3 buttons (Launch, etc) in the elevated center are more akin to the Speciale, but I dont think they work well visually. Perhaps with a ton of carbon they will. Overall inside is fine. Side view...well, what can I say. The oversized vents make a statement, and open to your personal opinion. I'm not a fan. But, having seen photos of the 488 in other colors, I think it will be fine in dark exterior colors. Seemed to be the consensus from onlookers I was with. Net net, I like it more than I thought I would. If the price is similar to 458 in USA, then this is a nice upgrade until a more hardcore version comes out or they replace the 488 entirely. I wouldnt order it in red though, and I'd want a lot of carbon outside/inside. I have no doubt the exhaust note will be optimized further via aftermarkets to the point it is acceptable by the majority of buyers. Die hards will want the CS, Scud, 458's, F12's etc still. Off topic, but the red LaFerrari being prepped was stunning!
Thanks for sharing that 488 GTB image here. Hard to beat spring time in Italy enjoying a new model Ferrari. Another glowing review no doubt...
Now that is a good idea. Haven't read it yet, just scanned it in for you good folk. I shall sit down with a coffee tonight and have a read.
Huracan is as fast as the 991 turbo S, even from stand still. This is considered very fast for NA. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMzhRtYxh3Q
It's not just McLaren. While not regarded nearly as "exotic," the 991 Porsche Turbo has very comparable performance to a 458, at a fraction of the price of a California, let alone a 458. So Ferrari understandably wants similar if not better performance for its new 488. But I agree that it's as much about "entertainment" as much as anything. In a lot of ways, a stick 360 or 430 is even more fun to drive than a 458 (except maybe a track where it's not so great to have to point by every 458, McLaren or 991 Turbo). So Ferrari is in a tough spot, trying to meet the needs of performance and entertainment.
Last time I predicted that 360 CS and 599 GTO would skyrocket. Now I think the next to skyrocket is V12 models. Just wait for the first delivery of 488 GTB. If the result is similar to California T, it's going to be tough to get an F12. 599 will also skyrocket. Nobody wants their super car to sound like Subaru. If this is investment, it's time to pick-up stocks of those custom-exhaust companies, maybe too late already.
