THE FERRARI 488 GTB

The front of the car is dominated by the central Aero Pillar and an F1-inspired double spoiler which boost the efficiency of both the radiator and downforce generation.

The 488 GTB has an innovative aerodynamic underbody that incorporates vortex generators, special curved aerodynamic appendages which accelerate the air thereby reducing pressure. The result is that the car’s underbody is “sucked” down to the ground and downforce is higher but drag is not. This contributes to overall downforce generation of 325 kg at 250 km/h.

The Ferrari-patented blown spoiler is a new solution. Air enters an intake at the base of the rear screen and exits via the bumper. This guarantees increased downforce and avoids having to extend the height of the rear spoiler and thus helps keep drag low.

The “Base Bleed” air intakes on the car’s sides are divided by a central flap. The flow over the upper part of the flap, which is also used for the engine air intake, is deflected and exits from the tail area to reduce the drag caused by the low-pressure wake directly behind the car. The flow from the lower part of the flap goes to the intercoolers to cool the intake charge.

Subsystem and electronic control development focused principally on maximum responsiveness to the accelerator and total control with response times (0.06 seconds) comparable to those of a track car.

The gearbox features specific ratios to make the most of the engine’s incredible torque. Variable Torque Management delivers increasing amounts of torque up through the gears. As a direct result of these solutions, the 488 delivers track-style gear-shifting: it takes just 6 seconds to go from standstill in first to the limiter in fourth gear.

The evolved version of Ferrari’s Side Slip Control System, SSC2, is more precise yet less invasive, analysing various parameters to boost longitudinal acceleration out of corners by 12 per cent (in the Race and CT Off Manettino positions). Aside from just integrating with the car’s F1-Trac and E-Diff, the SSC2 now also controls the active dampers, rendering the car’s dynamic behaviour during complex manoeuvres even flatter and more stable.

The 488 GTB’s excellent dynamics are due in part also to the SCM 3 magnetorheological damping system which has a faster ECU to modify the magnetic field in the dampers, as well as three new sensors on the car body. This all translates into a feeling of greater body control with better bump absorption. The latest evolution of the ESP guarantees even more efficient ABS intervention in low-grip situations.

Thanks to the new Brembo Extreme Design braking system, the 488 GTB’s stopping distances are 9 per cent shorter than the previous model. Derived from the LaFerrari, the brakes also have new callipers that allow optimal cooling under extreme driving. They also feature new materials that ensure they reach optimal operating temperature faster and are more durable.