Just bought my first new Ferrari - 488 GTB - Spec Listed - Noise, Test Drive and First Impression

Hi All

I read this forum all the time, but only just decided to finally join. Firstly, I'd like to thank many of you for your contribution over the years, I've read so many topics coinciding with my 3 previous used Ferrari purchases, seeking opinion and advice, without joining the conversation.

Yesterday, I went to see a 488 GTB after reluctantly considering and debating for months about N/A and 458, etc. etc. but thought 'I need to drive one'. All I can say, is WOW. Aside from the fact that I nearly SH*T myself when the dealer decided to use Race mode on a wet road and absolutely pushed this car around an English country lane, way harder than I ever would, the car drives fantastic. I was in love straight away.

My first impression was incredible. Yes, it's not got 'quite' the same noise as my 458, but it's not quiet by any means, and I quite like the whirling Turbo noise in the cabin - so I was won over. The car grips, even on wet roads it really grips - I put the car in wet mode and it was still incredible.

I went back the dealership to look at the 2016 Black 488 GTB @ 750 miles I had gone to buy/see, and the experience was so great I decided to buy my first new Ferrari. To me, this was very expensive and my first plunge. I wasn't nervous at all though, I just knew I wanted one and only my way!

I bought my first used Ferrari on my 30th birthday 3 years ago, a Cali 30 (fitting name) and then I bought a fantastic spec 458 (Rosso Red two tone Nero roof, black wheels - lots of carbon). Sadly I let the 458 Italia go just before they shot up at little, then I bought a Cali T - loved it, really high spec car (most options), but I missed the 458 considerably. Moving from a 458 to a T was a bad move, as I've never really appreciated my T, continuously comparing it to my 458 - sometimes you have to learn from your own experiences, but the one good thing to come of this is that I wanted to check out the 488 GTB.

So the move to a 488 was the desire to not go backwards to a 458 but wanted to move forward from my T. It's an almighty jump forwards in my opinion. Despite being very nervous about the N/A argument, I really can say that I love the 488. It looks better, it drives brilliantly, it's insanely quick - I'm totally in love.

So, anyway, I did it. Sat there and built my first new Ferrari, with my wife too, and decided that I wasn't going to hold back - I'm going to do everything I want, because 'why not'. So despite costing £266k I'm pretty elated and today there is no buyers remorse, just pure excitement like a kid at Christmas. Not even bothered about depreciation, because it's *my* car and I have no plans to realise that deprecation for some time. You only live once, and if this is my only go at buying a new Ferrari, I wanted to do it my way without worrying about anything - just enjoy the experience and the excitement. I also managed to get a Summer build slot, so delivery will be later Aug/early Sept.

I opted for the GTB as I love the shape, I got the Blu Corsa with Nero Roof, and Black wheels.

So here it is:

Special colour Blu Corsa
Scuderia Ferrari shields on fenders
Giallo Modena brake callipers
Outer and Inner electrochromic mirrors
Sport exhaust pipes
Yellow rev counter
Embroidered prancing horse on headrests
Premium HiFi system
Front parking sensors
Goldrake carbon fibre racing seat
Carbon fibre exterior package
Rear Parking Camera
Carbon fibre wheel caps
Two tone exterior painting
Colour upon request for special contrasting stitching
Carbon fibre sport package
Carbon fibre outer sill kick
Carbon fibre upper tunnel
Leather and Alcantara® Interior Trim
20" Matt Grigio Corsa painted forged wheels
Azzuro Santorini Stripe In The Racing Seat
Azzuro Santorini On Racing Seat
Gloss Black Paint for Wheels

Hope you like it - and if anyone hasn't test driven a 488 yet - you gotta do it, it's great.

I've uploaded a pic but the colour isn't 100% as the Blu Corsa wasn't on the system - give you the idea!

Very excited!!



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Loved your story and the car is simply stunning and you have some time to make changes. Just wondering if you considered functional options such as the racing seat lifter, AFS and suspension lifter (all of which I choose BTW on my TBD 488 GTB). Regardless, thanks for your post; I appreciate the excitement and comparison as I traded a 2013 Italia and have had moments of "did I do the right thing". Good luck!

 

Hey Viperjoe - I have asked the dealer about AFS, Suspension lift. I'm 6'2 and don't care one bit about the seat lifter, never needed it before - but do you think these three things will hurt my resale?

I've actually asked the dealer today these questions too! Thank you for your comment

 

I do not believe that resale value will be effected significantly, if at all.

I'm 6'0" but for me the seat lifter will provide for minor seating position changes to provide continued comfort on longer drives. I tried it on an 812 and liked the functionality.

In the NE US when the roads are far less than great, the suspension lifter is a must have (my 458 did not have it and I regretted it). AFS is required in conjunction with the suspension lifter so that's that. There's no shortage of opinions on this forum regarding the usefulness of the suspension lifter, but based upon my personal experience and locale, it's a must have.

 

Thank you Viperjoe - Will look at this a bit more closely. Costs are mounting, but will explore these carefully. Again, thank you - hope you get your car soon!

 

I spec-ed my car with most every functional option, alloy wheels, race seats, leather, etc., but no CF (simply not my style). As such, cost containment was an inherent by-product. In that CF options elevate costs rather dramatically, I understand your position.

 

Congrats. Just saw your profile in that business journal, very inspiring. Good call about not sticking to law school. Lawyers spend all day trying to figure out how to make money like their business owner clients...

 

So much for thinking I was being discreet - Just removed my name!
Thank you though, yes, things happen for a reason sometimes!

Anyway, some lawyers make great money (far more than me), but that's more in the USA - so you're fine

 

OK - So I took some advice and changed my spec!

+ Carbon Engine Bay Cover
+ AFS System
+ Suspension Lifter
+ Seat Lifter
+ Azzuro Santorini Recessed Perimeter Seat Piping
+ Azzuro Santorini Stitched Floor Matts
+ Alcantara Headlining

List £277,625

Pretty 'heavy' GTB now!

 

Good specs! Enjoy the car and post some pictures when you receive it.

 

Great story, great car. Well done.

 

My final production photo! Have to say, I think it looks pretty awesome!

 

looks awesome.

 

Thank you - was a gamble going for Blu Corsa on the GTB but with the black contrast, thought it would look great. Think I was right!

Can't wait to see in real life

 

Yes it does ! I also ordered the plastic hanging off the headlamps too.

 

Looks incredible - congratulations!

 

This really was a super post - thank you for taking the time to write it. Ive been back and forth on the whole 488 vs 458 N/A for too long.
like you I drove the 488 and it’s an incredible machine. Don’t have the means that you do to buy new but 2017, 3,500 miles for £30k down and £1,150 doesn’t feel too spiteful so think I’m going to go for it.
This post helped clarify the thought process - so many thanks

 

I own a 2013 458 Italia with great specs . Love it . Had it 2 years . Now feeling very itchy and confused as I test drove a 488 on the weekend. They have come down in price and the 458 so there’s not too much to top up for the 488. I’m in two minds but veering towards trading in for the 488 . Any advice ? It’s wonderful first world problem but jeesh it’s difficult . Thanks


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