Has the Ferrari 488 GTB Missed the Point?
Ah, another week, another Chris Harris on Cars video. We all love watching the British man flog some desirable exotic around a race track, but this week’s video is particularly interesting. Why? Because it’s the first drive review of the brand-new, turbocharged, Ferrari 488 GTB.
The car has generated a lot of press since launch, considering that it is powered by a 3.9L, twin-turbo V8 making 660 horsepower. Yes, that’s a lot of power compared to the outgoing 458, but the new turbocharged engine doesn’t rev to 9,000 anymore, and does that take away the Ferrari charm and character of the new car?
Harris clearly loves the car. Yes, it limits the revs to 7,500 RPM in gears 1, 2, and 3, and tops out at 8,000 RPM in the rest, but he claims it sounds better than the 458. The added power is noticeable, and it’s also the take-away from driving the car.
Along with the usual technological advancements, the Side Slip Control adds to the performance by altering the MagneRide magnetorheological ride control dampers per wheel for maximum grip.
While I’m sure it’s a fine car, I still think I’d prefer the wail of the V8 in the 458 over this new unit in the 488 GTB. Chris Harris says the new car is good, but he also doesn’t get Miatas. At any rate, it appears that it’s going to be a solid performer and up the game against the competition.
What do you think? Let us know in the forums!