After much anticipation, the successor to the Ferrari 458 Italia had finally made its appearance into the Malaysian market. The Ferrari 488 GTB was presented earlier today by Naza Italia, the official importer of the Ferrari brand in Malaysia in a ceremony held at the newly-renovated Naza Italia showroom. The 488 GTB’s Malaysian debut comes just a few months after its International Premiere in Geneva.
“The Ferrari 488 GTB provides a breathtaking 661bhp – the highest specific power output of any road-going Ferrari. Exceptionally powerful with greater fuel economy, this model is bound to be a new Malaysian favourite,” said Datuk Wira Hj. SM Faisal Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin, Group Executive Chairman & Group CEO, NAZA World Group of Companies.
Like the California T, the new 488 GTB features a turbocharged engine and at the same time opens a new chapter in the history of cars where it has been forty years since the launch of Ferrari’s first mid-rear-engined V8 berlinetta, the 308.
The 488 GTB receives a twin-turbocharged 3.9-liter V8 engine that pushes out 670-horsepower at 8,000rpm and 760Nm of torque at 3,000rpm in seventh gear. The power is then sent to the rear wheels via a seven-speed F1 dual-clutch gearbox featuring Variable Boost Management which optimally distributes torque. This allows the 488 GTB to do a zerotohundred in 3.0 seconds and has a top speed of 330km/h.
The dynamic vehicle control has been further refined for the 488 GTB where it now features a new version of the Side Slip Control System (SSC2) which aside from just integrating with the car’s F1-Trac and E-Diff, now also controls the active dampers. All these allows the 488 GTB’s dynamic behaviour during complex manoeuvers even flatter and more stable.
The 488 GTB also receives new sculptural forms designed by the guys at the Ferrari style Centre, giving it the sportiness yet classically clean lines which are unmistakably Ferrari. And the design is not just for the looks as it also incorporates revolutionary aerodynamics solutions such as the blown rear spoiler and the 458 GT-derived aerodynamic underbody with vortex generators. This results in a new efficiency record for a Ferrari (E=1.67) and downforce increases to 325kg at 250km/h.
“Available at the introductory base price excluding duty and options of RM 1,068,800.00 and with the interest it has sparked worldwide, we are confident that the Ferrari 488 GTB will turbocharge its way into the hearts of Malaysian Ferraristi,” stated Mr. David Hector Ratnaike, Senior Vice President 2 of 4-Wheels Division, NAZA World Group of Companies.
