As soon as the world got a taste of the gorgeous, award-winning twin-turbo powered Ferrari 488, one question has remained unanswered - how on earth is The Prancing Horse going to make it better?
Officially, we should have the answer sometime during the Geneva motor show next month when Ferrari is expected to unveil a new hardcore version of its 488 supercar. But in the meantime a sole picture has emerged allegedly leaking the 2018 Ferrari 488 'GTO' ahead of its public debut.
The picture appeared on the appropriately named Instagram account of 'only_ferrari488gto' and is said to have been taken during a special preview event.
Despite its grainy quality, the car in the photo is almost certainly based on the 488 coupe due to the cars profile and near-identical features like the side air vents behind the doors.
However, the body has clearly been subject to an extensive aerodynamic overhaul with an all-new front bumper featuring new air inlets and lower splitter. The wheels, side skirt, headlights and seats also appear to be an all-new design.
Reports out of Europe claim that under the redesigned exterior will lie an updated 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8 will producing over 700hp (522kW) and 800Nm of torque. The new 488 'GTO' will shed as much as 70kgs compared to its forebearer thanks to a number of weight saving measures and components.
The photos source claims these changes will result in a 0-100km/h time between 2.6-2.9 seconds and a top speed of over 330km/h.
One thing to be wary of is the claimed 'GTO' nameplate, which seems unlikely given its prestige and rarity. Only three models have left Ferrari's Maranello factory in its 70-year history with that badge, so don't be surprise when Ferrari reveal a new 488 with the 'Speciale' designation instead.
Regardless, the important thing to note is that a new hardcore Ferrari is on the horizon. Driven will have a full report on its release in Geneva when, all things going well, its revealed in full.