RE: Ferrari 488GTB: Driven
Discussion
I'll leave the finer points of arguing over the torque curves and power outputs, to the "experts". Anyone else unable to shake the odd feeling that we've dropped into a game of "Top Trumps"?
Anyhow, I have to say this is the prettiest Ferrari for some time, less fussy and blingy than of late and that's no bad thing. It's not as pretty as a 288GTO but then what is? Well done Ferrari, mind it's still probably ludicrously wide but then aren't all modern supercars?
Anyhow, I have to say this is the prettiest Ferrari for some time, less fussy and blingy than of late and that's no bad thing. It's not as pretty as a 288GTO but then what is? Well done Ferrari, mind it's still probably ludicrously wide but then aren't all modern supercars?
GravelMachineGun said:
Varn said:
Ferrari RMR cars are getting worse and worse. No manual clutch, and now the added killjoy of forced induction.
What's next, AWD?
Not really getting worse are they.... Called moving with the times.What's next, AWD?
If you don't you'll end up like TVR did. Though they're on their way back now
So from my perspective they are becoming less desirable.
I like the styling. The 458 never looked the finished article to me and this facelift (let's face it, that's what it is) seems to improve on some of the weak points of the older car.
However as for the drive train I'm not so convinced. I'm not a turbo hater and it certainly seems like Ferrari have tried VERY hard to make this a good un. I hate the power delivery characteristics of modern turbo engines so I am really glad someone has finally taken note, the torque limiting in this car should mean it will feel faster as you go up the rev range, which is how it should be.
I also appreciate that they've made it rev to 8000rpm, however the new torque and power figures are of less interest. Yes it's more powerful, faster blah blah blah but other than willy waving does it really matter? It's not like the old N\A V8 was exactly lacking in this department. The old car revved to 9000rpm and sounded like Zeus riding the lighting, this does 1000rpm less and sounds worse. Objectively better on paper but subjectively I'd still take a 458 Speciale or even a 430 Scud over this.
The other thing I can't work it is why the hell a supercar which will only sell a few thousand units a year needs to be "downsized" in the first place. Surely the emissions output of EVERY Ferrari in the world is still negligible compared a even a days worth of air-plane flights or heavy industry output.
However as for the drive train I'm not so convinced. I'm not a turbo hater and it certainly seems like Ferrari have tried VERY hard to make this a good un. I hate the power delivery characteristics of modern turbo engines so I am really glad someone has finally taken note, the torque limiting in this car should mean it will feel faster as you go up the rev range, which is how it should be.
I also appreciate that they've made it rev to 8000rpm, however the new torque and power figures are of less interest. Yes it's more powerful, faster blah blah blah but other than willy waving does it really matter? It's not like the old N\A V8 was exactly lacking in this department. The old car revved to 9000rpm and sounded like Zeus riding the lighting, this does 1000rpm less and sounds worse. Objectively better on paper but subjectively I'd still take a 458 Speciale or even a 430 Scud over this.
The other thing I can't work it is why the hell a supercar which will only sell a few thousand units a year needs to be "downsized" in the first place. Surely the emissions output of EVERY Ferrari in the world is still negligible compared a even a days worth of air-plane flights or heavy industry output.
)Varn said:
The driving enjoyment seems to be reducing with each new Ferrari entry level RMR model. I guess a contributing factor to this is the reduction in skill needed to drive them well.
I believe this is directly attributable to the "Top Trumps" style of motoring journalism and its associated pub bore accepted wisdom. So unless the 488 was MEASURABLLY faster than the 458 it would be ridiculed. count those horses! Look at all those torques, etc. You see this on here if anyone dares to mention how much fun you can have in an MX-5 (just an example, no I don't and never have owned one) it's not a "sports car" because it can't do 0-60 in whatever time the braggart is droning on about, apparently. Also the safety culture that means that instead of the gene pool being improved as idiots met their maker amongst the scenery when they overcook it, we must design cars that ensure they will survive their stupidity.
Rumblestripe said:
So unless the 488 was MEASURABLLY faster than the 458 it would be ridiculed. count those horses! Look at all those torques, etc.
I'll point you here and invite you to just swap the badge - I think the argument is transferable across brands. But then I would say that. I wrote it!For what it's worth I think PH as a community is more open to the idea of 'it's not just about the numbers' than most. Much as I love the opportunity to drive cars like the 488 it's high on my personal agenda. And not just because I drive an MX-5!
Cheers,
Dan
Varn said:
GravelMachineGun said:
Varn said:
Ferrari RMR cars are getting worse and worse. No manual clutch, and now the added killjoy of forced induction.
What's next, AWD?
Not really getting worse are they.... Called moving with the times.What's next, AWD?
If you don't you'll end up like TVR did. Though they're on their way back now
So from my perspective they are becoming less desirable.
swimd said:
http://jalopnik.com/5760248/how-ferrari-spins
just something to keep in mind when you see the likes of chris harris hug the chief test driver and wax lyrical about their latest creation.
let me guess, you haven't actually driven a 488? just something to keep in mind when you see the likes of chris harris hug the chief test driver and wax lyrical about their latest creation.
I have taken the 458 on track and on the road, the car is sooo, sooo good that I would have hugged the dude. So if the 488 is even better, I'm not surprised. Unless you have driven the car and think it's not so special, why not interpret his actions of showing how damn good the car is?
ecs0set said:
Dagnut said:
Boring? I would you love to see you manage a 660bhp car without electronic aids...this hero purist bulls
t is getting tiresome now.
Yes we all prefer manuals, Yes we all prefer N/A..but what are Ferrari to do..how could you make a 660bhp N/A V8 in a production car and keep in under 200k and 7 litres?
The car has to be competitive and Mclarens where getting to far away, I don't buy any of the emissions cr@p with this car its all about performance, this engine gives them scoop to hit 700-750 if they need to and they probably will, no doubt McLaren will get there quicker.
For purely driving pleasure, maybe it doesn't need 660bhp? Perhaps one could argue that the F355 is more enjoyable with 375bhp & 268lb/ft, an open-gate gearbox and primitive electronics than the 488 with 660bhp & 550lb/ft, a dual-clutch auto and a Cray supercomputer in charge.t is getting tiresome now.Yes we all prefer manuals, Yes we all prefer N/A..but what are Ferrari to do..how could you make a 660bhp N/A V8 in a production car and keep in under 200k and 7 litres?
The car has to be competitive and Mclarens where getting to far away, I don't buy any of the emissions cr@p with this car its all about performance, this engine gives them scoop to hit 700-750 if they need to and they probably will, no doubt McLaren will get there quicker.
Of course the new car HAS to be faster and more powerful than the old one, even if it actually makes it less enjoyable as a driver's car.
But that's not what these cars are about, Ferrari are in a power war and that's how you have to respond. Buyers want DSG, E-aids and power.
Want to see a 650S v 488 GTB shoot out now.
Given this is Ferrari's latest and greatest and they knew what benchmark to beat I'm guessing it will narrowly come out on top only to be trumped by the 675LT.
Shame these new car launches are not synchronised but I guess no manufacturer would want that.
Always difficult to get a direct comparison as it is as the latest should always be the best to a certain extent
Given this is Ferrari's latest and greatest and they knew what benchmark to beat I'm guessing it will narrowly come out on top only to be trumped by the 675LT.
Shame these new car launches are not synchronised but I guess no manufacturer would want that.
Always difficult to get a direct comparison as it is as the latest should always be the best to a certain extent
Dagnut said:
ecs0set said:
Dagnut said:
Boring? I would you love to see you manage a 660bhp car without electronic aids...this hero purist bullst is getting tiresome now.
Yes we all prefer manuals, Yes we all prefer N/A..but what are Ferrari to do..how could you make a 660bhp N/A V8 in a production car and keep in under 200k and 7 litres?
The car has to be competitive and Mclarens where getting to far away, I don't buy any of the emissions cr@p with this car its all about performance, this engine gives them scoop to hit 700-750 if they need to and they probably will, no doubt McLaren will get there quicker.
For purely driving pleasure, maybe it doesn't need 660bhp? Perhaps one could argue that the F355 is more enjoyable with 375bhp & 268lb/ft, an open-gate gearbox and primitive electronics than the 488 with 660bhp & 550lb/ft, a dual-clutch auto and a Cray supercomputer in charge.t is getting tiresome now.Yes we all prefer manuals, Yes we all prefer N/A..but what are Ferrari to do..how could you make a 660bhp N/A V8 in a production car and keep in under 200k and 7 litres?
The car has to be competitive and Mclarens where getting to far away, I don't buy any of the emissions cr@p with this car its all about performance, this engine gives them scoop to hit 700-750 if they need to and they probably will, no doubt McLaren will get there quicker.
Of course the new car HAS to be faster and more powerful than the old one, even if it actually makes it less enjoyable as a driver's car.
But that's not what these cars are about, Ferrari are in a power war and that's how you have to respond. Buyers want DSG, E-aids and power.
zeDuffMan said:
philmots said:
Chris Harris video just went live on YouTube, he's not a bad word to say about it.
He wouldn't get a go in any new Ferrari for the next five years if he dared bad-mouth the new baby.
scenario8 said:
Goodness me, these modern super cars are so powerful, fast and expensive. It's almost getting silly.
I'm sure this model will be extraordinarily successful for Ferrari and legions will yearn for it achingly..
When I first see this car it made my pants all sticky, if this is the proper use of English for my banter with you, HELLO FROM JAPAN!!!I'm sure this model will be extraordinarily successful for Ferrari and legions will yearn for it achingly..
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