(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) Following its debut in March at the Geneva Motor Show the 488 GTB was on Monday unveiled by Alfardan Motors the official importer of Ferrari in Oman in an exclusive launch event at the Shangri-La's Barr al Jissah Resort & Spa.
Forty years after the original launch of Ferrari's iconic first-ever mid-rear engined V8 Berlinetta the 308 the 488 GTB opens a new chapter in the history of cars with this particular architecture as the 488 GTB has set a new benchmark for the sports car sector.
Credit for this achievement must go to the 488 GTB's revolutionary proprietary solutions which deliver a car at the top of its class in terms of power output (670cv) with engine and command response times of just 0.8 and 0.06 seconds respectively. Significantly sophisticated dynamic vehicle controls make this massive power completely controllable even on the limit by drivers of all abilities resulting in the unique driving pleasure that only a Ferrari can deliver.
Ferrari drew extensively too on its experience in both Formula One and endurance racing bringing to the road the technology that delivered victory in two editions of the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the title in the WEC (World Endurance Championship). Also pivotal was the XX programme in which Ferrari's technicians have developed a unique knowledge of the dynamic behaviour of extreme cars driven by non-professional drivers.
The 488 in the car's moniker indicates the engine's unitary displacement while the GTB stands for Gran Turismo Berlinetta a reference to its deep roots in Ferrari history. Designed by the Ferrari Styling Centre the 488 GTB's sculptural forms are completely new. They accentuate the car's sportiness yet retain the classically clean pure lines typical of Ferrari's legendary styling. The seamless interweaving of form and function is clear in every detail in fact. Certain design elements are also obvious nods to the past not least the 308 GTB-inspired styling of the flanks.
The extreme power required by the car is delivered by the new 3902cm3 turbo engine which is coupled with a seven-gear F1 dual-clutch gearbox featuring Variable Boost Management which optimally distributes torque (a maximum 750Nm in seventh gear). The 488 GTB guarantees exuberant performance that is absolutely exploitable to the fullest regardless of driving conditions and is accompanied by a deep seductive soundtrack.
The 488 GTB's revolutionary aerodynamics incorporate patented solutions such as the blown rear spoiler as well as innovative features like the 458 GT-derived aerodynamic underbody with vortex generators. The result is a new efficiency record for a Ferrari (E=1.67). Downforce increases to 325kg at 250kmph thanks in part to active aerodynamic devices which reduce drag whilst simultaneously generating downforce when required.
The 488 GTB's dynamic vehicle controls have also been further evolved. It sports 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. This renders the 488 GTB's dynamic behaviour during complex manoeuvres even flatter and more stable so that less expert drivers can enjoy its potential to the fullest resulting in an astonishingly engaging driving experience.
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