Ferrari Introduces The New 2016 488 GTB At The Grand Prix
Ferrari doesn’t introduce a new model every day. And it’s twice as exciting when the automaker chooses Montreal for its North American debut. The Maranello-based manufacturer added to the festivities at the Montreal Grand Prix by unveiling the all-new 2016 488 GTB, a model that has the difficult task of succeeding the 458 Italia.
Ferrari held its Grand Prix party at the posh Le St-James Hotel, with many people wishing they could get into the exclusive event. While the public could covet the outdoor patio and exhibited Ferraris from afar, only invited guests were allowed onto the red carpet and into the indoor event. Can you guess what attracted journalists’ attention on the party’s outdoor patio? It wasn’t the bar decked out in bottles, the Veuve Clicquot champagne or the VIPs’ stunning evening wear—it was the all-new 2016 488 GTB acting as the centrepiece for the celebration.
Just say yes to turbochargers
Initially presented to the world at the Geneva Motor Show, the 488 GTB is a very important car for Ferrari. Not only is it replacing one of the line-up’s wildly popular models, but it’s ushering in a major shift in Ferrari’s philosophy, since it features a turbocharged engine instead of a naturally aspirated V8. The last time Ferrari used a turbo in this line-up was in the F40.
Turbochargers are all the rage. They’re favoured for their fuel economy and reduced emissions. And even though this engine’s displacement has been reduced by 0.6 litres (going from 4.5 to 3.9 litres), the twin-turbo mill unleashes a spectacular 661 horsepower—an impressive increase over the 570 horsepower generated by the old 458’s V8.
Ferrari is fully aware that this change might upset some purists. But, at the Grand Prix party, test driver Esteban Gutierrez reassured us that the car offers top-of-the-line performance and that the engine torque is simply astounding, especially when revs reach 8,000 rpm. As proof, Ferrari claims that the 0-100 km/h sprint takes just 3 seconds flat.
The 488 GTB’s lines are absolutely breathtaking. Although its 458 roots are noticeable, the designers took the style to the next level, especially by reworking the aerodynamics.
The official price hasn’t been announced yet, but if you want a unit, you should expect to pay more than $300,000.
