Drove the 488 today.. thoughts, photos and videos

+1

.. and to that gorgeous 850 csi!!

 

Thank you kind sir.

 

This really is the point. It is the "Gotta-Have-It" factor. I first looked at and drove the 458 in 2011. Three days later I was in the dealer's store and have never looked back. The 488 does not arouse the same response.

But to be fair, the 488 is an evolution, not a break-out car. The 458 was a break-out car. My own problem is that I don't like what it has evolved TO. I don't like the TT. And I certainly don't think the stylists have made for an enticing package in the Ferrari tradition. But I can understand why many will find it attractive.

 

If they're measuring without the mirrors then the W222, at 83.5", is wider than the 458. With mirrors folded I measured my 458 Spider at roughly 81" wide from widest protruding edge to widest protruding edge - which still happen to be the mirrors even when folded. My guess is when Ferrari measures it themselves they do so without the mirrors at all which seems kind of foolish if you ask me. I'm not even a fan of measuring with mirrors folded. If people are trying to figure out clearance for their garages or narrow laneways then unfolded mirror to mirror is the most important figure when you're driving down a laneway or backing into your garage. Driving or parking (reversing especially) with mirrors folded isn't very safe.

 

Maybe from people who have never driven it and judge it solely on configuration and videos. But let's all wait and drive the car and then decide how history will view it. It is a Ferrari after all. One day we may all say "this 488 was the very start of the new Ferrari ethos of being the most powerful in its class and delivering knock-out performance through the clever use of turbocharging". Or we may not. But let's not try to write history without even sampling the actual car. I can't imagine I would drive the 488 and think it is a step back from the 458. I can't recall a recent Ferrari that wasn't a nice improvement over it's immediate predecessor and I suspect I'll feel the same in the 488.

Also that famous Ferrari "wail" someone mentioned here is a fairly recent invention on their road cars. For a long time their cars amazing but didn't have that high-pitched (former) F1 style scream you get from the 458 when the revs climb to redline. The V12s don't have that same sound and V12 and V8 Ferraris from yesteryear certainly didn't have it. So let's be careful when we try to rewrite Ferrari history based on it. We need to also remember that 488 and CaliT are also not the first-ever turbocharged Ferraris.

 

Mark you are right- we have to wait for people to get their hands on these cars. I agree with you, until you get to the noise.

Does anyone ever hold up the prior turbo Ferraris as examples for the best Ferrari sound? They were turbocharged simply to make more power. At least off the top of my head we're talking 288 GTO and F40. And it wasn't across the range. And I can tell you this as an F40 driver, I love the car, but without the history, just grading on the sound of the motor, the sound is good but not great. When I consider- thats how they did it back in those days because that's how they could get the 288 to qualify for Group B so turbo charging is what it was- I accept that and I enjoy the extra other sounds of the turbos and the wastegate etc. But compare that to when I drive a 250. Its not even close. That 250 sound is truly inspirational. The F40 is more utilitarian. But there was a very good reason (racing) for the turbo and it was only for a special range of cars.

Now its for a different reason and its across the range.

No doubt Ferrari will do a masterful job with the turbo motor. Its already received many accolades in the California T and the 488. But I'm not sure its something that spikes my heart rate. Another way to say it, the sound is a big part of the experience and without that, its harder to capture my imagination. And if you don't do that, then its really difficult for me to get into a sports car.

Go listen to the older V12s and tell me they don't make a kind of wail sound. It might not be quite that F1 style sound except back in those days those were basically the racing engines. Each era has its sound, but there is a mechanical symphony type sound to all of them. Now that will be covered up and that's just how it is.

No matter how you slice it, the sound is an important part of the equation and it will certainly be different. That is not debatable.

It is debatable as to if this is for the better or the worse. Clearly this will be a personal choice. I don't love the sound of turbo motors and it just is how it is for me.

Is Chris Harris being polite? I have no idea. Maybe he is maybe he isn't. I agree with you that say Ferrari is all about that "got to have it" factor. Perhaps if I am new to the marque, I won't miss the sound of yesterday and thus, the increased power and efficiency would be very appealing to me. But as someone who has a 458, I'm not motivated right now to move on. I just have learned to not say "never". As Mr. Ferrari himself used to say- the best one is the next one

Frankly, when the 458 came out I wasn't really in love with it. It took me some time to warm to it, so maybe thats how it will be for me with the 488. Seems to me there is a lot of interest in the 488 and it will be business as usual for Ferrari with 488 orders. The real question isn't how it does when it's released. Its how is it doing in the last year or so of production. That's how you can gauge the model's strength.

You're right to say we might look back and say this was the beginning of something even better. Time will tell.

 

Basically ok. But what I really don't need is feedback from people who "test" the GTB just to proof that it doesn't sound like a 458 and that the red line isn't on the same level. Yawn...

 

It is a chat site, my friend. Learn to live with it.

 

I get that but maybe when you drive it you'll find something else to love about it. You might find the incredible torque and thrust of the turbo to offset the loss of the high-pitched wail of the 458. You might find yourself positively associating the new sound with the new, much higher, level of performance and actually decide you like this combination better.

All I'm saying is let's not be closed minded. This is still, after all, a new Ferrari. Let's drive it for ourselves and then decide if we like the new configuration better or not.

 

Friend of mine drove one at an owners event in Paris recently. Said it made the 458 feel 'slow'. I haven't driven one yet, but am looking forward to it. He also said that it looks spectacular in the flesh. This from a two time 458 owner. Just relating his comments, not personally advocating. I'll wait until i've driven one to make a determination.

 

...worth a look:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qlvMRTQ6-X0


...."I think by now you can tell that I think this car is a triumph, I had no idea you could make a turbocharged engine like this, it's outrageously fast, it's totally usable on the road, and to my eyes it looks miles better than a 458. Ferrari just reinvented the turbocharged engine, and that's quite an achievement".....

 

When i bought the 458 spider the main reason was the performance and handling. The dct and extra 500 rpms on the tach just blew me away.

After driving the car for awhile i came to adore the sound. So much so that i cant get enough of it...so i disconnected the vacuum tubes and have the burbles pops and farts at all rpms and all modes. (If the neighbors complain we will have a discussion about their barking dogs).

I am really surprised by this love affair with the sound. My F355 and 360 both had Tubis and sounded great...especially the F355. But i am much more smitten with the 458 sound both at low revs and high. It will not be impossible to get me to give up the sound of the 458 Spider but the 488 Spider is going to have to really knock my socks off to make the switch.

Bring it on.

 

RMitchell, you are right. Every time there those who say the sky is falling, Ferrari is doomed because XYZ will be missing. And there are others who say they are excited because of ABC. So the world keeps turning and theres nothing new under the sun... Mark, I think redcaruser was making the same point we are all coming to which is what RMitchell began the thread with.

All I can say is wow if you think the 458 feels underpowered. It feels pretty powerful to me!

I look forward to the day I can drive a 488. I am always fascinated to have new automotive experiences. Forza!

 

I could not agree more!!! I find myself more attached to the 458 and its sound each time I drive it. There is nothing like it once it reaches the 8000 - 8500 rpm range. I pay attention to how many windows get rolled down by other cars around me and just laugh, because that used to me. LOL. I've had my 458 spider for 3 mos, and I'm in awe every minute I drive it.

 

Yes the 458 is a great car but the 488 will be BETTER. The whole sound argument is the same nonsense people wined about when they moved away from manual transmissions for DCT. However, once the car was driven it was the "best Ferrari they have made in decades". The 488 will be the same thing and after 18 months in the 458 I just sold mine yesterday. Purchased for 285 sold for 265 so I'm glad I missed "the sky is falling" depreciation that is likely to ensue once deliveries starting taking place......including mine....

 

The 488 seems vastly different from the 458, and when the 488s are finally with us, turbochargers and all, I wonder how relevant discussions on them will be to 458 owners. It seems time for a separate forum for the 488.

 

As a 458 owner unimpressed with more unusable horsepower for the street , an interior too similar to the 458, , holes and vents usable only on a race track, and a front that looks like a "gaping mouth", I am in total agreement to be left alone in my declining years with my "old" and "feeble" naturally aspirated close to (only) 600 hp has been (respectfully). I assuaged my depression by buying a new Z07 to join my aging friend. Best

 

While I don't doubt your friend... my question is --compared to WHAT? A Camry?

A lot of good a car that goes 0-60 in 2.9 seconds instead of 3.2 seconds will do you in Paris traffic.

 

LOL!!!!!

 

I like the more aggressive 488 headlights for sure. Not sure about the hood. I have to see it in person. The front mouth opening I think it is going to be controversial as the 458 was when we first saw it. I think we will grow into it. The 458 wings were not universally loved when it was first shown.

I think the rear of the 488 is an improvement over the 458 in looks. What most forget is that the 3 tailpipes of the 458 was almost universally disliked at first. The side scoop--- not sure because the entire design of the 458 was to remove side scoops. Now, they are back. Better? Or just overly complicated for their purpose...

 

I don't think a new section is needed. 348/355 ; 360/430 ; and now 458/488 works just fine.

Ironic the 458 has the 3 tail pipes a bit of a homage to the turbocharged F40..

 

Having not driven it yet, I can't personally comment. All who are experiencing the 488 seem to think the acceleration worth commenting on, certainly my friend thought it addictive. I fondly remember the F40 in that regard, and hope the 488 gives the same thrill. As for Paris traffic...no kidding!!