Ferrari 488 GTB zooms into Mumbai

Thought a Ferrari is only for experienced, professional drivers? Not any more. The Ferrari 488 GTB, which was launched in Mumbai on Thursday, is looking to change this perception.

The car, which was also launched in Delhi last week, boasts a power output of 670 cv, with engine and command response times of just 0.8 and 0.06 seconds respectively.  But high power need not be a concern for amateurs. The new version of the Side Slip Control System (SSC2), aside from just integrating with the car’s F1-Trac and E-Diff, now also controls the active dampers. This makes the 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.

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The extreme power required by the car is delivered by the new 3902 cm3 turbo engine which is coupled with a seven-gear F1 dual-clutch gear box featuring Variable Boost Management which optimally distributes torque (a maximum 750 Nm in seventh gear).

The new variant comes in a sleek new design, turbo engine, revolutionary aerodynamics and many other patented solutions like blown rear spoiler, as well as innovative features like the 458 GT-derived aerodynamic under body with vortex generators. Certain design elements, like the 308 GTB-inspired styling of the flanks, are obvious nods to the past.

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

The price is expected to be close to Rs 4 crore and it will compete with the likes of the Porsche 911 Turbo, and the Lamborghini Huracan.

Speaking at the launch, Sharad Kachalia, Director, Navnit Motors Pvt. Ltd. commented, “After receiving an overwhelming response for the California T and F12 berlinetta, we are excited to launch Ferrari’s new V8 model to meet the rising demand from our loyal customers and Ferrari fans in Mumbai.”

The technical specifications:

Engine:

Type V8 - 90° Turbo

Overall displacement 3902 cm3

Maximum power * 492 kW (670 CV) at 8000 rpm

Maximum torque * 760 Nm at 3000 rpm in VII gear

Dimensions & Weight:

Length 4568 mm

Width 1952 mm

Height 1213 mm

Dry weight** 1370 kg

Weight distribution 46.5% Front – 53.5% Rear

Performance:

0-100 km/h 3.0 s

0 -200 km/h 8.3 s

Maximum speed > 330 km/h

Fuel Consumption:***

11.4 l/100 km

C02 Emissions ***

260 g/km

* With  98 RON petrol

**With lightweight options

*** ECE+EUDC combined cycle with HELE system