Skip advert
Advertisement

Ferrari 488 GTB - Best Ferraris ever

Current mid-engined flagship uses turbos and tech to deliver a thrill ride

Years: 2015-presentEngine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8, 661bhpTransmission: Seven-speed dual clutch, rear-wheel driveTop speed: 205mphNumber built: Still in productionCurrent value: £184,000

In the past, Ferrari's road cars have had some sort of connection with their racing counterparts. In the 1950s and 1960s the link was obvious, as the road cars largely used the same V12 engine as the racers. But over the years, the road and race connection has been lost, especially when it comes to Ferrari's Formula One machines. Today, however, there are a couple of connections between F1 and Ferrari's latest 'small' model, the 488 GTB.

Advertisement - Article continues below

First, the 488 GTB features a raft of electronics, just like the F1 cars, and it also gets turbo power. Of course, there are big differences between the hi-tech 1.6-litre V6 hybrid unit used in Ferrari's current F1 car and the 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8 in the 488, but with 661bhp on tap, the GTB is a serious roadgoing performance car.

The raft of electronics on board are designed to make the most of the car's potential. A graphic on the dashboard shows when the engine, tyres and brakes are all up to optimum working temperature, while the rotary Manettino switch on the steering wheel selects from a number of preset driving modes, depending on road or track conditions.

Whichever setting you choose, the 488 GTB delivers a thrilling driving experience. The super-fast steering rack needs barely any input to point the nose where you want to go, while the twin-turbo V8 has huge reserves of power that are easily accessible thanks to the lightning-fast shifts of the seven-speed paddleshift gearbox. The V8 isn't quite as vocal as the naturally aspirated engine in its predecessor, the 458 Italia, but the GTB still delivers a spine-tingling experience, and is arguably the best road car that Ferrari has ever built.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Senior test editor

Dean has been part of the Auto Express team for more than 20 years, and has worked across nearly all departments, starting on magazine production, then moving to road tests and reviews. He's our resident van expert, but covers everything from scooters and motorbikes to supercars and consumer products.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2025, 2026 and beyond
Best new cars coming soon - header image

Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2025, 2026 and beyond

These are the most important new cars headed our way, from brands including Audi, BMW, Dacia, Ferrari, Ford, Skoda and more
Best cars & vans
20 Feb 2025
New Ferrari electric car seen out and about again as full reveal draws closer
Ferrari EV Mule - front end

New Ferrari electric car seen out and about again as full reveal draws closer

Four-door practicality mixed with supercar power for Ferrari’s first EV
News
19 Feb 2025
Most expensive cars ever sold at auction
Most expensive cars - header image

Most expensive cars ever sold at auction

We count down the ten classics that have fetched the highest prices at auction
Best cars & vans
6 Feb 2025
Stunning new Ferrari F80 arrives to resume hypercar head-to-head with McLaren
Ferrari F80 - front

Stunning new Ferrari F80 arrives to resume hypercar head-to-head with McLaren

The new Ferrari F80 follows the Italian brand’s hypercar icons, and showcases a hi-tech future
News
17 Oct 2024

Most Popular

New Dacia Sandero spotted for the first time: fresh look for Europe’s best-selling car
Dacia Sandero facelift spied testing - front tracking

New Dacia Sandero spotted for the first time: fresh look for Europe’s best-selling car

The humble supermini’s makeover is inspired by the Dacia Spring EV, plus Duster and Bigster SUV
News
11 Mar 2025
Car Deal of the Day: BMW i5 Touring is a big-booted electric estate for a small price
BMW i5 Touring - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: BMW i5 Touring is a big-booted electric estate for a small price

Good to drive and spacious to boot, the BMW i5 Touring has it all. It’s our Deal of the Day for 10 March
News
10 Mar 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Hyundai Tucson Hybrid N Line offers sporty looks and loads of space for only £221 per month
New Hyundai Tucson hybrid - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: Hyundai Tucson Hybrid N Line offers sporty looks and loads of space for only £221 per month

Our Deal of the Day for 9 March is Hyundai’s comfortable, strikingly styled mid-size SUV, which is a serial award-winner
News
9 Mar 2025