Drove the 488 today.. thoughts, photos and videos

I think you're mostly right. It might take longer than that for the full transition but certainly, this is it for NA motors.

The door handles look like they are little fins.

My one little editorial: for many years Ferrari has said they don't need extra aero add ons, but lately it seems they are adding them back. I'm not sure if its good or bad, but its less clean looking and I prefer the cleaner look.

That said, 488 looks good.

 

Totally agreed!

 

Yeah but it's still only 570 horsepower which just doesn't cut the mustard anymore for a car in its weight class. Don't get me wrong, I love the 458 but they, as crazy as it sounds, they needed to make it faster to keep up with the competition.

 

I actually think the front lower lip looks like a tacky add on. It should be a one piece moulded to the bumper not one with exposed joints which are not even flushed well.

 

I agree. Furthermore, the way the rear quarter cut line around the taillights isn't flush makes it look as though an opening panel hasn't quite closed. Fred

 

... and the breathers around the front edge of the hood make it look like the hood isn't all the way closed...
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I have driven the 488

The rev limiter cut the engine at 7500 rpm instead 8000 red line, very annoying

Somebody knows the reason ?

 

Audi RS5 TDI concept already fitted with electrically assisted supercharger

European RSQ7 will be the first in the market with this tech

 

I really WANT this car to do something to me emotionally in the looks department... but it just ain't. Looking under the glass is just boring pieces of plastic. The curved indentations in the hood look odd. The front wing still does not integrate well with the older body fenders and the door handles just look silly.

This is a step forward from the 458?

IMO: too much "wind tunnel testing" and not enough "eye ball testing"

 

I think the problem is, the 458 and the Speciale are just so right, there really wasn't anywhere to go but down.


Mark
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I do like this angle though.



Mark
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I more or less agree with the Mayor. The car looks more aggressive but not better. It looks more generic while the 458 remains eye candy -- alone in a world of huge side scoops, sharp creases and edges. The 458 has creases but they are subtle and disappear over body panels. True artistry.

Just to talk out of the other side of my mouth, I sympathize with Ferrari. They had a tough job to accommodate the turbo which in turn (I believe) was mandated by government pressure on emissions. It was a nice idea to try to link the side scoop to the 308, but where the 308/328 and the 246GT look like they belong, the 488 looks overcooked.

The gee whiz torque will ensure that they sell all they make. Meanwhile I am still in love with my old 458 that still has the burbles and crackles that turn me on. Just a visceral thing. Let's see what the next change brings.

 

You need to see the car in the metal, you will change your mind

 

I really dont think you can go wrong with either car. One may appeal to one person more than another but that does not make the other Ferrari a bad car by any means. If a new 488 spider somehow was in the garage replacing the 458 spider...i doubt if i would miss the old car very long. Hard to know without driving one for more than a few days at least.

 

After seeing the red 488 in person at the unveiling, I really thought this car would look a LOT better in dark colors. But seeing the black one in the photos above, it didnt look good.

Best is the grey color we all saw at online unveiling.

I do think the front and rear are well done when you see it in person. Interior, engine bay and the poor sides are a let down.

Bet it's fun to drive fast though.

 

The 488 sound - which to me sounds good, as does the 458; they're just different- is likely an interim issue.

Once Ferrari has perfected electric driven turbos (and I believe government mandates will cause turbos to be here to stay), then the NA sound will return, along with the significant torque benefit of turbos.

I wouldn't even be surprised if before the 488 is replaced, we see electric turbos on it. If not, we'll certainly see them for its replacement.

 

Electric driven compressor will be fitted for instantanous response and torque at low rpm, at mid and high rpm electric driven compressor will be desactivated, turbo driven compressor take over. NA sound won't be back.

http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1092822_audis-electrically-driven-turbo-to-debut-in-next-gen-q7-tdi

 

Interesting piece, indeed.

 

I disagree. I actually like it even LESS after seeing it in person...

 

+1

Saw it in detail when at the Hungaroring with Murat and like it less and less
based on that experience; Luca you are missed!!!

 

i have ordered the 488, seen it and driven it (in that order). initially i thought it is beautiful and a mini-LaFe but now the looks don't do anything to me anymore, the whole car leaves me cold inspite of being a great technological achievement. in contrast i was like a kid in a toy store for months when i got the 458 italia.
i hope ferrari lets me buy an F12 VS, otherwise i am stuck with the 488. not the worst thing on earth but...
peter

 

Peter, I'm trying for the F12 VS as well, as I now know for sure that unfortunately I won't be buying anymore mid-engine V8 Fcars... Keep us posted on whether you're able to get a slot. Best of luck...

 

+1

 

Just my opinion, don't get things that you are not sure about. I remember last time you said that you were being afraid the 458 would depreciate so bad. IMO, the 488 will depreciate even worse. The only thing interesting about turbo, is the power. But then it's so easy to add power. In less than 3 months after 488 delivery, Mclaren will offer a free upgrade of 650S, and Porsche will come out with MK2, then everybody will boost higher and run faster than 488. Plus the 488 is not really all new, again IMO it's just a 458 with side air vent, with very big power but very bad sound.
If they don't give you allocation (this is my plan too), why don't take a test drive of Aventador and think about.......SV coupe or spider. Speaking about allocation, looks like it's more promising there. Currently it's so hard to get Ferrari's allocation because many people are thinking to get extra income as car flipper. Or else, wait for a desperate flipper. In this kind of game, patience is golden.
Just my opinion, though.