By Christopher A. Sawyer
The Virtual Driver

(February 17, 2015) This is the car that the Ford’s GT will go up against in 2016. Ferrari’s 488 GTB takes up where the 458 Italia left off, replacing the previous car’s naturally aspirated engine with a 660 hp/560 lb.-ft. 3902 cc V8 turbo.

The seven-speed gearbox, basically a carryover, features Variable Torque Management to unleash the engine’s torque “smoothly and powerfully right across the rev range,” says Ferrari. In other words, the powertrain electronics work to restrict power output under acceleration in order to make throttle response more linear, and save wear and tear on the transmission.

Even so, Ferrari claims the 488 GTB accelerates from 0-124 mph in a searing 8.3 seconds.

An evolution of Ferrari’s Side Slip Control (SSC2) integrates with the 488 GTB’s F1-Trac traction control, E-Diff electronic differential and active dampers to allow increased lateral acceleration before intervening. Cornering attitudes are said to be flatter and more stable, and this increases the effectiveness of the car’s aerodynamics.

Though the 488 GTB is visually related to the 458 Italia, its aerodynamics have been upgraded significantly. Up front there is a double spoiler and “base bleed” side intakes. The spoiler’s double profile improves the thermal efficiency of the radiators, and the two center pylons are separated by a deflector that channels air toward the underbody.

The large side intakes — said to be evocative of the original 308 GTB — are divided into two channels by a splitter. In the rear, the underbody includes vortex generators, and is supported by an aggressively angled diffuser with active flaps coupled with a blown rear spoiler. Air is fed to the appendage’s underside in order to increase downforce, but the higher diffuser height meant repositioning the tailpipes.

Inside, the cockpit has been redesigned for greater ease of use. The graphics and interface for the infotainment system have been completely redesigned, and new satellite control clusters fitted. Even the air vents have been angled for better coverage, though Ferrari designers retained the clear separation between the instrument panel and center console, multi-function steering wheel, and control switch bridge. In addition, the key mimics the engine’s cylinder banks and allows keyless starts.

The Virtual Driver