488 GTB 3 month review

It’s been almost 3 months since I took delivery of my 488GTB, it’s been run in for some time so I thought it might be helpful to some to share my thoughts so far.

I will give you some background for context (sorry but this may get long winded). The turbo era of cars scared and annoyed me, I did not want to be part of it, I was firmly in the NA camp – think of me as “mik458spider lite” (no offence intended). So about 2 years ago I purchased a 2014 V8 R8 to get one of the last NA V8’s before they killed them off for good and to further enhance things I purchased a valved capristo x-pipe exhaust. Comments on the R8 V8 sound (stock) – sounds good from the outside, but from the inside you can barely hear it. With the capristo exhaust this thing was extremely loud… too loud in fact. If you think I am exaggerating go listen to one, you will be able to hear if from literally 3-4km away if you are on it. This did cause an issue with the police.

My main gripe with the new exhaust was when the valves were closed it was extremely quiet and when the valves were open you were waking the dead. But even when the valves were closed they still needed to open if you get on the gas, so if you had the opportunity to open it up anywhere near human habitation, you felt you couldn’t. After 8 months of the exhaust I returned the car to stock.

In the meantime I purchased an F10 M5 as a daily. After driving this I’d get back in the R8 and wonder what was wrong with it – where is the power and torque? It felt soooo underpowered and so sedate that I found myself gravitating to the M5 for nearly all my trips, it was more challenging and just more fun… albeit the soundtrack wasn’t great.

When I ordered the 488 I accepted the fact that it won’t sound great, but the speed and excitement and not to mention the looks (I think the 488 is the most beautiful car) will be more than enough to make up for the sound.

But when I first heard/drove it I was really surprised how good the sound was, especially inside the cabin. The car is well insulated but they have really allowed the sound of the engine/exhaust to come through. The R8 was well insulated, but to hear the engine/exhaust from inside the car you had to have an extreme setup - which meant you felt if you were enjoying the car, most others were not. If the windows were down that was better, but then all you could hear was wind noise and buffeting at anything above 80km/h.

Hearing the car whilst driving is actually more important to me than what it sounds like from the outside, as this auditory feedback adds so much to the driving experience. I can assure any of you that haven’t driven it you will not be disappointed in this regard. In fact it really surprises me to say this, but from inside the car the 488 is much more enjoyable than the R8 ever was.

But even from outside the car it is surprisingly good, it has a guttural snarl that crackles and pops even at low rpm. When you are on it, there is very much a sense of drama from both a sound and speed perspective.

What’s it like to drive?

Disclaimer - this is my first Ferrari, but I have owned other exotic cars and have driven most other attainable sports/supercars from an Aventador down. I am not a professional driver or journalist for that matter, but I have had a decent amount of experience both on and off track in varying situations. Take my opinion with a grain of salt.

Speed - Just amazing. In most cars I have owned I have quickly become accustomed to the speed. At first they seem fast, but in a few weeks you somehow get used to them and that buzz fades. 3 months on and this car still shocks me – I think this is partly due to the fact that there are less opportunities to be at full throttle (because of the acceleration) and as such when you do it’s still exhilarating. Knowing there is more than I can use most of the time makes it that much more special for me – as when you do get the opportunity to open the taps that euphoria you first experienced returns!

Torque is impressive – it’s noticeable everywhere but particularly around town. For fun put it in 7th and floor it at 100km/h to see what I mean.

Traction – Seriously, I am not sure how they have done this. My next door neighbour had a 599 and you just couldn’t get the power down at speeds below 100km/h, my M5 is the same. But despite all the extra power/torque it just digs in and finds it. It is simply amazing.

Handling/Ride – A better 458, you won’t be disappointed. I drove a 458 on a smooth race track so I can’t comment on its ride, but the 488 with bumpy road mode on would embarrass many luxury cars.

Interior – I am 6’4” and I only just fit with the full electric standard seats, I won’t with a helmut on. Given my wife will occasionally drives it; on balance I prefer these seats. But if/when I need a helmut I am going to have be uncomfortable (like in my gallardo/R8) – race seats should be strongly considered if you are 6’2” and above.

Sound system – I have the stock one, it is actually ok. Like many, I like high-end sound systems, but for me neither the stock or premium one are “great” given the $10,450 price difference in Australia I passed and remain happy with the decision. Bluetooth streaming etc have all worked perfectly everytime

Clearance/lift kit – This was one that I addedd and deleted in my mind quite a few times before locking it in…I am glad I did. I recognise this will be different for everyone, but I have already been in situations where I have needed it. It has also been very comforting knowing I have it there, as you can never be 100% sure inside the car how close it really is.

I know I am probably sounding biased but I couldn’t be more pleased with the car and the decision to buy it. Well done Ferrari!!

 

Thanks for the comments. To answer the specific questions

Spec458 - I usually keep my cars for around 2 years, however I am not sure if there is anything in the pipeline that i will to replace it with. This is my preference over a 650s/570s/hurucan/911TTS, a 675LT may have been tempting but they are sold out and at close to $200k more in Aus, I am not sure the premium is worth it.

A couple of pics from delivery day and a studio pic I had done
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Are you aware that "bumpy road mode" is a setting on your steering wheel - so if you don't like it, you don't have to use it. Personally I think it's an awesome feature, in fact this setting would actually be faster for many public roads. It was introduced on the F430 at the request of some guy called Michael Schumacher.