Tuesday 23rd January 2018

Ferrari 488 'GTO' specifications leaked

Geneva can't come soon enough!

---

Chances are that the people who need to know about the Ferrari 488 'GTO' - or whatever it may end up being called - already have all the information they need. And have their specs with their dealer. But for those of us who can only dream of owning any kind of Ferrari, a few grainy PowerPoint slides of spec detail are going to be seized upon. Immediately.

Referred to at the moment as 'V8 Sport Special Series', this 488 will of course succeed Speciale, Scuderia and Stradale as the ultimate version of the contemporary mid-engined Berlinetta. To that end we're told to expect the most powerful V8 ever used by Ferrari, derived from the 488 Challenge engine (which is, er, based on the GTB engine), carbon panels, lighter wheels, new aero with some GTE influence and an even sharper dual-clutch gearbox.

In fact it's worth going into more detail on a few of those points. The engine is expected to be 10 per cent lighter than a GTB V8, with a "unique, track-like sound" and, most interestingly, the "highest power increase vs. donor car for a V8 special series." When you bear in mind that it was 25hp for a Challenge Stradale, 20hp for a Scuderia and 35hp for a Speciale, this 488 is going to make at least 710hp. Well, that's with a 40hp increase. Could be more. Mother of God.

In addition those carbon panels are believed to represent the highest utilisation of carbon in a series production Ferrari, comprising bumpers, bonnet and spoiler. When you bear in mind a Speciale shed 90kg from a regular 458, there's every possibility this GTO could strip a three-figure amount from the GTB's 1,370kg dry weight. Combine this with "the highest racing technology transfer on a street homologated Ferrari", a 20 per cent gain in aerodynamic efficiency and the latest generation of Michelin Cup 2 tyres and you can see how this Ferrari could well be absolutely sensational. There's already talk of LaFerrari-humbling performance...

So a great deal to be excited about with this latest Ferrari. As they're often tends to be. It should be safe to assume that this 488 will be Ferrari's Geneva show star, with a mad dash for all and sundry to get some kind of look at it. We'll let you know more as soon as there's anything to tell.

[Photos: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien]
[Source: FerrariPhotoPage, FerrariHub, via Autocar]

 

[WCZ]

predictably wonderful, but many people chose to opt out of buying a 488 as the 458/spec was so good.

it'll be harder than ever to get one of these cars for the average ferrari customer.

[Gameface]

It's price will no doubt start with a 3 so that's expensive against the Performante (and 720s).

Not that you'll be able to buy one anyway.

[Dave Hedgehog]

coming to a 20mph zone in london soon

[JohnGoodridge]

Stung by the McLaren 720s' performance and general reception I expect they'll want to move the numbers and the experience on another step. Especially as we can all be sure Woking are busy with a 720s LT.

[rickayt]

Looking charming and hot

[Duffman83]

JohnGoodridge said:

Stung by the McLaren 720s' performance and general reception I expect they'll want to move the numbers and the experience on another step. Especially as we can all be sure Woking are busy with a 720s LT.

From others in the know posting on here, the 720LT is not due until 2020. The next LT will be the 570 variant which could be unveiled very soon and sounds much more appealing.

[NJJ]

The 458 Speciale will still be considered more special.....pun intended!

[daytona111r]

Wish they wouldn’t use the GTO name. The 288 and 250 were stand out cars even for Ferrari’s, impossibly beautiful. 488 looks like a brick in flesh.

[RotaryPoweredBlender]

The carbon wheels look gorgeous. Want.

[Streetrod]

JohnGoodridge said:

Stung by the McLaren 720s' performance and general reception I expect they'll want to move the numbers and the experience on another step. Especially as we can all be sure Woking are busy with a 720s LT.

This. I think Ferrari have been surprised by the reception the 720s has gained considering it is not a limited edition special. It has won virtually every one of its group tests and has been awarded best new sports car in various publications. They need to deliver a car that not only leap frogs the 720s but will be able to go head to head with McLarens LT version of the 720s which is at least 2 years away. Plus the 720Lt or whatever it will be called is bound benefit from trickle down development from the Senna

With development cycles of these two cars being out of phase by about two years means each company is either going to be ahead or behind at any one point.

What really excites me is the prospect of GTE versions of these cars competing in the LeMans series. Now that will be exciting to watch

[Cold]

A leaking Ferrari? There's a first.

[AndStilliRise]

Wow, now that is lovely.

[NickCQ]

Dave Hedgehog said:

coming to a 20mph zone in london soon

But oh boy how quickly will it accelerate to 20!

[mwstewart]

I want those wheels!

[Klippie]

Has McLaren become the go-to supercar manufacturer these days I know Ferrari make some lusted after cars but it seems McLarens are everywhere just now...the 675LT and 720 are very nice looking cars.

[Shiv_P]

"Leaked"

[ghost83]

I’ve never been a Ferrari fan but I do like that

[numtumfutunch]

Shiv_P said:

"Leaked"

First thing that came to my mind as well

Ferrari 488 GTO 'leaked'

[Gandahar]

I just pray my appearance on Come Dine with me, where I came 3rd, is enough to give me the edge over people who can hold a small camera at arms length without getting muscle cramps.

After the Ferrari Boxer heritage I just hope they call it the Ferrari 488 Scatola in homage to those great days of yore......

Edited by Gandahar on Friday 19th January 22:36

[Plug Life]

Dave Hedgehog said:

coming to a 20mph zone in london soon

...then circling Harrods at 5mph revving it like a prize .