Ferrari have always been at the forefront of the world's most epic supercars. Uncompromising in their style, power and performance, the Ferrari 488 is no exception. And as of last year, it's now the fastest such model of theirs we have on our fleet available to book for our Ferrari Driving Experiences.
But if you've not yet got behind the wheel of it yourself, or are simply wondering just what all the fuss is about, we're going to let you in on just why the very latest of their famous galloping horses is the one to mount on your next driving day with Trackdays…
If you thought the 458 Italia was impressive, then the 488 takes everything that was awesome about that and then multiplies it further. For starters, it's the first of their cars to use forced induction since their F40 model.
But its body design is also much lighter than any of their other models, before or since, which of course has a big impact on its aerodynamic qualities - more on which later - but combined with other factors makes it even more speedier.
Let's be honest - when you think of Ferrari supercars, you think of the big engines that are behind them. But the 488 is where they break from the norm slightly, because the engine is - comparatively - much smaller than we're used to.
Whilst it's still a V8 engine, it's a 3.9 litre and twin-turbocharged, mounted in the rear-mid engine position behind the driver and in front of the rear axle, whereas the 458 which it succeeds has a 4.8 litre, naturally aspirated V8 engine.
Furthermore, the turbine wheels in the turbochargers are made of TiAl (titanium aluminide) alloy - the very same one used in jet engines. The effect of this is that it reduces lagging and resists high temperatures. All of this helps it to power out 661 bhp - the largest such figure for any Ferrari engine.
- Inspiration for the New Generation
Getrag, who supplied the gearbox in the 458, have also supplied the similarly styled 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission gearbox in the 488. And the LaFerrari has also been a source of inspiration too.
That's because the brake technology in their limited edition mid-hybrid car has influenced the carbon-ceramic brakes, which are made from new materials which help reduce the time needed for the 488 to achieve its optimum operating temperature.
But of course, it's the speed stats you'll really want to hear about. And let's just say they deliver with the 488. The full breakdown: it offers acceleration from 0 - 60 mph in 3 seconds, 0 - 120mph in 8.3 seconds, and the top speed? 205 mph.
It's little wonder that that's the case, when you consider the lighter body design we touched upon earlier - in fact, it's been specifically designed to increase downforce by over 50% and reduce aerodynamic drag.
- Where Can I Book a Ferrari 488 Drive Near Me?
The good news is that the 488 features on many of our Supercar Blast and Thrill experience packages, but we also have a handful of awesome standalone vouchers that you can book at venues across the UK as well through our open Gift Vouchers or through dates on our Events Calendar.
For just under £100, you can book to Drive the Ferrari 488 for 3 miles at venues including Castle Combe Circuit, Three Sisters and Blyton Park. Or, to really push the boat out, there's our Ferrari 488 Thrill, at venues including Dunsfold Aerodrome and Lydden Hill Circuit where, for £159, you'll get 6 miles' driving time and a free high speed passenger ride in a performance saloon car to round things off!
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