TURBO V8 FERRARI DRAGS IN BUYERS
New Zealand Ferrari owners have snapped up the new 488 GTB sports cars after the recent Australasian launch in Sydney.
The 488 GTB has a 3.9-litre, V8 engine and moves from naturally aspirated to turbocharged.
The last time Ferrari had a mid-engine V8 was 40 years ago with the 308.
The 488 GTB (Gran Turismo Berlinetta), follows on from the 458 Italia, but 85 per cent of its parts are different to its predecessor’s.
It has 45 per cent more torque than 458 Italia and is 21 per cent faster — from 0 to 200km/h in 8.3 seconds. The 0 to 100km/h figure is 3.0 seconds.
The 3.8-litre turbo engine has 492kW of power and 760Nm of torque with a weight distribution of 41.5 per cent front and 58.5 per cent rear.
Ferrari Australasia chief executive Herbert Appleroth said at the Sydney event that the company moved from naturally aspirated because “we needed more power so we used turbo engine ... and it helped reduce emissions”.
The car is priced from $449,888, and demand in New Zealand had been “unprecedented”, Appleroth told Driven in an exclusive interview.
“The market in New Zealand is quite strong ... with sales this year up on last year.’’
Already up to 15 Kiwis have ordered the 488. The first models will be delivered in December and the next shipment in January.
Some of the soon-to-be Kiwi owners attended a customer cocktail launch party at Sydney’s Inglis Stables, with 300 local guests, most of them owners of the Italian sports car.
“The New Zealanders who are here are passionate about the car and don’t want to wait six weeks until the New Zealand launch to see the car,” Appleroth told Driven.
The 488 had a more aggressive appearance than the 458 and took inspiration at the front from the La Ferrari, said Appleroth.
The scalloped sides of the new Ferrari were inspired by the 308 GTB while the rear has a low, sporty appearance.
“We had to increase downforce but not increase drag, so the spoiler technology comes from F1,” Appleroth said at the press conference.
“There is more downforce, yet it is more efficient through the air ... the 488 combines all the technology from the F1 track.”
The Italian sports car has new 20-inch alloy wheels, designed to reduce weight.
It also has variable torque management that controls the delivery of torque in every gear, and side slip control, stability control and anti-lock brakes are standard.
The 488 GTB also gains a new infotainment system, customised seats and a new colour, Rosso Corsa Metallizzato.
“The global catch phrase for the 488 GTB is ‘Words are not enough’ and I think that says it all,” said Appleroth.