"With a mid-mounted twin-turbo 3.9-liter V-8, the 488GTB generates a sonorous wail and ferocious acceleration all the way to 8000 rpm. Ferrari's adaptive suspension is relatively compliant without sacrificing handling" -Car and Driver
Engine and transmission
Some purists might not find the logic behind a convertible 488, which is true in many ways. Still, Ferrari appreciates the beauty behind a beasty convertible. Even with the bolted turbochargers, the Ferrari 488 Spider hasn't strayed far from its high pitched maddening wail of its V8 predecessor- Ferrari 458. Unlike some engines, this powerhouse is capable of pinning you back at the seat. The 488's drivetrain has what it takes to connect the Ferrari's rich heritage to a new regime of technological innovation.
The 488's herculean power is channeled through a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The engine produces a tire mantling torque of 560 lb-ft is achieved at 3000 rpm which is meticulously channeled to the rear wheels. The shifts are smooth and take place within an eye blink. Ferrari's secret ingredient to the engine bay is the flat-plane-crank. A flat-plane-cranks is revered due to their lighter weight and compact dimension. This is one of the major reasons that Ferrari's V8 engines have a crazy 8,000 rpm redline.
Models
|
Ferrari 488 Spider
|
McLaren 570s Spider
|
Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet
|
Lamborghini Huracan Spyder
|
MSRP
|
$280,900
|
$211,300
|
$203,000
|
$265,945
|
Engine
|
3.9L Twin-Turbo V8
|
3.8L Twin-Turbo V8
|
3.8L Twin-Turbo Flat-6
|
5.2L V10
|
Transmission
|
7-Speed Dual-Clutch Automatic
|
7-Speed Dual-Clutch Automatic
|
7-speed PDK Automatic
|
7-Speed Dual-Clutch Automatic
|
Horsepower
|
660 @ 8000
|
562 hp @ 7500 rpm
|
580 hp @ 6750 rpm
|
602 hp @ 8250 rpm
|
Torque
|
560 @ 3000
|
443 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm
|
516 lb-ft @ 2100 rpm
|
412 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm
|
With the Ferrari 488, you get what the price tag is worth. Its power and torque are unmatched by all the other supercars in this segment. A slick 7-speed dual-clutch transmission is pretty much a norm at this price range. The McLaren 570S has received much praise for its gearbox, yet it has nothing on the tighter ratios that the Ferrari so wonderfully works upon.
Acceleration
Ever since it was introduced in 2016, this engine has won accolades from fans and critics alike. The 3.9L V8 brings out the best of 660 hp while roaring at 8000 rpm. Throttle response is rated at 0.8 seconds which is crisp and matches the territory of normally aspirated engines. The 488 blazes past the 60 mph mark in 3 seconds and it decimates the quarter-mile at 10.6 seconds. The exceptional response time is what makes a Ferrari more than the sum of its parts.
Models
|
Ferrari 488 Spider
|
McLaren 570s Spider
|
Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet
|
Lamborghini Huracan Spyder
|
0-60 MPH
|
3.0 sec
|
3.2 sec
|
2.9 sec
|
3.4 sec
|
Quarter mile
|
10.6 sec
|
11.0 sec
|
10.9 sec
|
11.6 sec
|
Engine Displacement
|
3.9L
|
3.8 L
|
3.8 L
|
5.2 L
|
Emission
(Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)
|
11.73
|
10.92
|
7.34
|
10.28
|
When we stack the 488 head to head with 911, the latter manages to extract most out its 3.8 L engine. The 911 Turbo S Cabriolet manages a neck-snapping 2.9 second 60 mph run with no fuss at all. It is the Ferrari's twin-scrolled turbochargers that give it the edge in a quarter-mile drag, while the Porsche's turbo lag gets it the second place.
Braking
The Ferrari 488 uses Brembo Extreme Design braking system. These brakes use new materials that increase durability and also require less time to reach optimal operating temperature. The 488 comes to a halt from 60 mph within 94 feet, which is better than any other convertible in this segment. The Porsche comes the closest, thanks to its massive brakes and a lightweight chassis.
Model
|
Ferrari 488 Spider
|
McLaren 570s Spider
|
Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet
|
Lamborghini Huracan Spyder
|
Brake Front (in.)
|
15.7
|
15.5
|
16.1
|
15.0
|
Brake Rear (in.)
|
14.2
|
15.0
|
15.4
|
14.0
|
Curb Weight (lbs.)
|
3362
|
3303
|
3682
|
3424
|
60-0 MPH (ft.)
|
94 |
105
|
97
|
106
|
Ride and Handling
The Ferrari 488 is a ferocious driving companion. The company's Formula One legacy is reflected once you take the car for a spin around your local racetrack. The steering is responsive and gives instantaneous feedback to every movement. The MR-fluid based adjustable suspension tirelessly adapts by the millisecond to provide the best comfort or traction, depending on which driving mode you've chosen. The driver experiences a smooth and supple ride, so long as the tarmac is not too rough.
The rear visibility is not that great with the roof up. Take the top down and you find it way easier to eliminate a lot of blind spots around the car. You can barely hear any wind or road noise within the cabin. Thankfully, the engine roar is not treated to that kind of suppression.