The Ferrari 488 GTB is, unsurprisingly, exceptionally fast. Ferrari
claims 0-62mph in 3.0 sec, and we’re not inclined to doubt it. The
clever bit, though, is the manner of the V8’s delivery. In order to
avoid feeling overtly turbocharged, it slowly and progressively builds
the torque output, meaning there’s actually more amenable, low-down
pulling power available in the higher gears than there is in the first
few.
This helps to retain the character of a proper hard-driving and
high-revving Ferrari engine, as well as making the 488 surprisingly easy
to drive. It will, for example, accelerate (very briskly) from 30mph in
sixth gear, and doesn’t require the dual-clutch transmission to
downshift from seventh on the motorway to execute very prompt
outside-lane overtaking. Okay, the 488 doesn’t sound quite as glorious
as Ferraris of yesteryear, but that 3.9-litre V8 engine still makes a
hell of a noise.
It's the added usability that really marks the 488 apart from its
predecessor, the stellar 458. Yet, to drive, both cars have a familiar
identity to the 488. The new model’s steering remains amazingly quick
and responsive, and is connected to a chassis that performs a similarly
remarkable change of direction. Crucially, this doesn’t happen with the
slightly unfeeling, stability-biased four-wheel-drive Lamborghini
Huracán, but with a finesse that gauges body roll, weight transfer and
rate of response to the point of near perfection.
Much of the car’s cutting-edge tech – including the latest E-Diff and
F1-Trac traction control system – is dedicated to the business of
making the 488 manageable without strangling the involving and very
lively handling one would expect of a Ferrari. In this respect, the
Italian manufacturer is second to none. It even rides remarkably
comfortably for a supercar – especially if you press the aptly named
‘bumpy road’ button on the steering wheel.
The interior, in contrast to the way the 488 drives, isn't quite so
peerless. The function-festooned steering wheel – as with all current
Ferraris – is admittedly a thing to behold, and once you’ve got used to
what everything does (the indicators are buttons, for example) it’s a
pleasure to use. Ditto the huge gear paddles mounted behind it.
The seats, pedals and view out of the car (i.e. everything to do with
the business of driving) are also beyond reproach. Many of the other
items dotted around the interior, however, such as the heater controls
and the right and left side screens, are a little bit too fiddly and
have too many varying knobs and buttons. Some simplification is
required; as is a touch more elegance – the fact that the current
McLaren 650S is better trimmed and better looking ought not to be a fact
lost on potential Ferrari buyers.
The 488's infotainment system is certainly packed with features, with
sat-nav, Blutooth and even smartphone-mirroring Apple CarPlay featuring
as standard. However, usability isn’t as impressive, due to the clunky
interface and the relatively small display behind the steering wheel.
Of course, there are only two seats in the Ferrari 488 GTB, but
there’s enough head and leg room for a couple of adults well over six
feet tall, and they won’t be clashing elbows.
Oddment storage is decent, too; Ferrari has provided a glovebox,
cupholders and a handy central tray, while a shelf behind the seats
gives you somewhere to stow a handbag or laptop case.
True, there’s no luggage space behind where you sit, because that
space is entirely taken up by the turbocharged V8 engine, but the 'boot'
in the nose of the car is capable of swallowing a couple of overnight
bags. Your golf clubs will need to take the place of your passenger,
though.
If you want a similarly quick supercar, but with four seats and more luggage space, consider the cheaper Porsche 911 Turbo S.
