2018 Ferrari 488 Reviews, Pricing & Specs

During the 2016 model year, Ferrari introduced its 488 model. Replacing the 458 Italia, it occupies the spot of mid-rear-engined V8-powered...

During the 2016 model year, Ferrari introduced its 488 model. Replacing the 458 Italia, it occupies the spot of mid-rear-engined V8-powered track car in the brand’s lineup. For 2018, there aren’t any notable changes.

The 488 is purpose built, and so every detail of its slippery body places form ahead of function. Giant air intakes on the front and sides keep things cool and feed plenty of air to the engine, which sits behind the cabin in traditional fashion. Even the unique door handle was designed to slide through the wind. Inside, the asymmetrical dashboard layout puts all vital controls at hand for the 488’s driver. There’s room for just two, and a small luggage compartment at the front.

Ferrari graces the 488 with a 3.9-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine, capable of 660 horsepower at 8,000 rpm, along with 560 pound-feet of torque. A potent 7-speed F1 dual-clutch automatic transmission sends all that power to the rear wheels. It’s one of the fastest-shifting units on the market, but drivers looking to eke out a bit more fun can do it themselves via the included paddle shifters. Zero-to-sixty takes less than 3 seconds, and the top speed stands at 205 miles per hour. There’s more magic behind the scenes, too. Ferrari’s Side Slip Control 2 (SSC2) system is included, controlling the active dampers and communicating with the traction control and electronic differential to keep the car flat in corners without creating under or oversteer.

The 488 gets the highest grades of leather, suede and metal to outfit its interior, but there’s little in the way of luxury; this is a dedicated performance car. Still, Ferrari offers hundreds of combinations involving wheels, paint color, interior color, seat style, and trim. Keyless start, an LCD-based instrument cluster, power windows, and a push-button transmission setup are all standard. A premium sound system and a telemetry kit are available options.

Ferrari has established the 488 as the ultimate track weapon. With its wind-cheating shape and F1-derived technologies, even a novice driver can unlock plenty of performance while driving it.