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In-depth reviews

Ferrari 488 GTB – Design

Impossibly fast when new and still has all the performance you could possibly use on the road today

Evo rating
  • Magnificent powertrain, sublime chassis
  • Misses the noise and response of the NA V8s

Designed in-house by the Ferrari Styling Centre, the 488 GTB blends classic Ferrari lines with the latest aerodynamic aids.

The front features a dual grille opening that channels air directly into the two engine radiators positioned in the nose of the car, and in the centre of the front inlets are two uprights that, along with a deflector, channel air towards the car’s flat underfloor. The front bonnet also features two distinct air channels that help draw air through the two front intakes.

The deeply sculpted side air intakes ahead of the rear wheels force cooling air into the engine compartment and also deliver large volumes of air into the engine’s intakes. At the rear of the 488 GTB there is a ‘blown’ spoiler and further air vents to aid airflow to increase downforce and reduce lift. The exhaust system has also been repositioned to accommodate the more efficient rear diffuser.

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An evolution of the 458’s design, the 488 follows Ferrari design philosophy of continual evolution rather than radical revolution. With the new GTB it’s resulted in a more cohesive and more rounded design than the model that went before it.

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