Ferrari launches 488GTB in India at Rs 3.88 crore

Ferrari today officially launched the successor to the 458 Italia in India at Rs 3.88 crore (ex-showroom, India). The 488GTB is not only more powerful than its predecessor but has also paved the way for turbocharging in modern mid-engined V8 Ferraris. The 488 in the car’s moniker indicates the engine’s unitary displacement while the GTB stands for Gran Turismo Berlinetta that draws its roots to Ferrari history.

Marking its return to India last year, the Italian supercar manufacturer opened bookings for its entire model range – from the entry-level front-engined California T to the range-topping F12 Berlinetta – in June 2015.  The company went on to announce its official relaunch in the country with the display of the California T.

Powered by a new 4,902cc 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8 – with displacement marginally larger than the California T's 3,855cc 3.9-litre unit – the 488GTB develops 660bhp and 69.95kgm of torque making it significantly more powerful than its predecessors, the 458 and 458 Speciale, which developed 562bhp and 597bhp respectively. Paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox sending power to the rear wheels, the 488GTB is capable of going from 0-100kph in 3.0 seconds and has a top speed of 330kph.

Ferrari is currently operating through two dealerships located in Delhi and Mumbai and is accepting bookings for its model range which includes the California T, the 488GTB, the 458 Spider, the 458 Speciale and the F12 Belinetta. These two dealerships also house the workshop, accessories and spare parts facility.

The 488GTB’s aerodynamics are endowed with patented solutions such as the blown rear spoiler and the 458 GT-derived aerodynamic underbody with vortex generators. The company claims this results in a new efficiency record for a Ferrari (E=1.67).  Downforce increases to 325kg at 250kph due to the active aerodynamic devices which reduce drag while generating downforce when required.

The vehicle controls sport a new version of the side slip control system which, in addition to integrating with the car’s F1-Trac and E-Diff, also controls the active dampers. During complex manoeuvres, this helps keep the 488GTB stable.

Aurelien Sauvard, sales coordinator of Ferrari Middle East and Africa, said that the marque brand struggled to get the required torque in the 488GTB and it was difficult to make a fast car small. The handcrafted Ferrari cars take 4 months for the development of one model and usually bookings are as long as 8 months to a year globally.

Talking about the Middle East market, Sauvard told Autocar Professional it is similar to India in terms of the demand for Ferraris. “I would not say demand in India is excellent but there is a good demand for Ferrari cars.”