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I have to admit, when I saw the very first pictures of the newly revamped Ferrari 488 GTB, I was not exactly sold. In fact, I was pretty displeased with the route the boys and girls from Maranello decided to take what I think is one of Ferrari's greatest designs — the 458 Italia.

BUT, after seeing the real-life pictures from the 2015 Geneva Motor Show floor, I think I may have to do a quick about face. That's because this thing is looking quite good.

Geneva Motor Show #GIMS

Observing the all-new 488 from the front it looks quite simple and subdued. Check out the large, wide mouth and the way the hood has been sculpted for air flow. Specifically look at the Grigio example.

I still do not like the MASSIVE vents incorporated into the rear fender. Something tells me if the design team at Ferrari didn't get too carried away with the scallops, I'd find it much more acceptable.

Around the back though with the darkened taillights and purposeful rear diffuser, the design is quite crisp.

Hell, and we haven't even gotten to the new forced induction setup, substantial increase in power and additional technology built into this car to make it a much more rewarding driving experience. Geek out over those details in the press release below.

I want to know: is it ME or does the new Ferrari 488 GTB look MUCH better in these REAL-LIFE shots?




**Special thanks to Mircea from INAUTONEWS for providing us with these shots LIVE from the 2015 Geneva Motor Show floor!


Geneva Motor Show #GIMS








































Ferrari's press release follows:


THE FERRARI 488 GTB – EXTREME POWER FOR UNIQUE DRIVING PLEASURE


The innovative 8-cylinder berlinetta debuts at Geneva: new design, new engine and a plethora of patented solutions

Geneva, 3 March 2015 – On its official debut at the Geneva Motor Show, the Ferrari 488 GTB sets a new benchmark for the sports car sector. Forty years on from the launch of Ferrari's iconic first-ever mid-rear-engined V8 berlinetta, the 308 GTB, the Ferrari 488 GTB opens a new chapter in the history of cars with this particular architecture.

Credit for this achievement must go to the Ferrari 488 GTB's revolutionary proprietary solutions which deliver a car at the top of its class in terms of power output (670 cv) with engine and response times of just 0.8 and 0.06 seconds respectively. Sophisticated dynamic vehicle controls make this performance completely controllable even on the limit by drivers of all abilities, resulting in the unique driving pleasure that only a Ferrari can deliver.

Ferrari drew extensively on its experience in both Formula One and endurance racing, bringing to the road the technology that delivered victory in two editions of the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the title in the WEC (World Endurance Championship). Also pivotal was the XX programme in which Ferrari's technicians have developed a unique knowledge of the dynamic behaviour of extreme cars driven by non-professional drivers.

The 488 in the car's moniker indicates the engine's unitary displacement, while the GTB stands for Gran Turismo Berlinetta, a reference to its deep roots in Ferrari history.

Extreme power was a requisite for the car and is delivered by the new 3902 cc turbo engine coupled to a seven-gear F1 dual-clutch gearbox featuring Variable Boost Management which optimally distributes torque (a maximum 760 Nm in seventh gear). The Ferrari 488 GTB guarantees exuberant performance that is absolutely exploitable to the fullest regardless of driving conditions and is accompanied by a deep, seductive soundtrack, the signature of all Ferrari engines.

The Ferrari 488 GTB's revolutionary aerodynamics incorporate patented solutions, such as the blown rear spoiler, as well as innovative features like the 458 GT-derived aerodynamic underbody with vortex generators. The result is a new efficiency record for a Ferrari (E=1.67). Downforce increases to 325 kg at 250 km/h, thanks in part to active aerodynamic devices which reduce drag whilst simultaneously generating downforce when required.

The Ferrari 488 GTB's dynamic vehicle controls have also been further evolved. It sports a new version of the Side Slip Control System (SSC2) which, aside from just integrating with the car's F1-Trac and E-Diff, now also controls the active dampers. This renders the Ferrari 488 GTB's dynamic behaviour during complex manoeuvres even flatter and more stable, so that less expert drivers can enjoy its potential to the fullest, resulting in an extremely thrilling driving experience.

Designed by the Ferrari Styling Centre, the Ferrari 488 GTB's sculptural forms are completely new. They accentuate the car's sportiness yet retain the classically clean, pure lines typical of Ferrari's legendary styling. The seamless interweaving of form and function is clear in every detail, in fact. Certain design elements also draw on styling cues from the past, not least the 308 GTB-inspired scalloped flanks.

The Ferrari 488 GTB makes its debut in a new Rosso Corsa Met livery with black and red technical fabric cabin trim, and in a Grigio Ferro Met livery with black and Beige Tradizione leather interior trim.

On the subject of extreme performance, also featuring on the stand is the F12berlinetta which is the most powerful car in the Ferrari range, courtesy of its 740 cv V12 engine and transaxle architecture. It continues to enjoy such enormous success worldwide that in certain countries the waiting list is over a year long.

Two versions of the F12berlinetta are on show in Geneva: the first sports the now-traditional triple-layer Rosso Maranello livery with a leather interior and carbon-fibre trim, while the second is a Tailor Made homage to the Ecurie Francorchamps team, specifically the 250 GTO that won the 1964 Tour de France. It is in the same Argento Auteil colour as the latter with a triple-layer yellow racing cross-stripe on its bonnet.

The Tailor Made programme, Ferrari's exclusive personalisation service, now boasts over 450 new materials which are homologated for automotive use for the first time.

Alongside the sports cars are the GTs: the California T coupé-cabriolet in an elegant two-tone Nero Stellato and Grigio Brunito livery complemented by a Tortora cabin is joined by the four-seater, four-wheel-drive FF in modern Bianco Italia with a Sterling interior. Both models feature CarPlay, the simplest, safest and most entertaining way to use your iPhone in the car. CarPlay is incredibly intuitive and offers phone, map, music and message access by either voice control or a tap of the central display. The system is enjoying particular popularity on the FF where it has been specified by half of all clients ordering it.

Also on the stand is the Formula One single-seater which pays fitting testimony to Ferrari's inextricable links to motorsport on the eve of the new season.




#GIMS: Is It Just ME Or Does Ferrari's New 488 GTB Look MUCH Better In These REAL-LIFE Pics And Walkaround Video?

About the Author

Agent00R

355 and 360 --> 430.

They did the same thing with the new California T. Since it was so heavily modified they go on to say it's all-new.

Agent00R (View Profile)

MDarringer

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