Ferrari 488 GTB: The Pinnacle of Sports Car Excellence
I remember the first time I slid into a Ferrari 488 GTB and thumbed the big red starter. The twin-turbo V8 lit with that nervous, high-strung thrum Ferraris do better than anyone. A few miles later, somewhere on a scarred back road outside Modena, I tapped the Bumpy Road button and thought, “Ah. So this is how you do daily-driver supercar without killing the magic.” If you’re shopping for a Ferrari 488 GTB, or already lucky enough to have one in your garage, you’ll know exactly what I mean.
And yes, when you’re living with a car at this level, details matter—down to the mats under your heels. I’ve used custom pieces from AutoWin in a few long-term test cars, and for the 488 GTB there’s a dedicated lineup here: Ferrari 488 GTB. But let’s start with the part that wakes the neighbors.
Why the Ferrari 488 GTB Still Matters
The Ferrari 488 GTB takes the beloved 458 Italia formula and goes full tech—more torque, more downforce, more speed. It’s the first mid-engine V8 Ferrari of this lineage to embrace turbocharging for road use, and it does it with a grin. Officially, you’re looking at 661 hp (493 kW) and 561 lb-ft (760 Nm) from a 3.9-liter twin-turbocharged V8, a 7‑speed dual-clutch transmission, rear-wheel drive, and a soundtrack that mixes mechanical whir with properly operatic fury at 8,000 rpm. Top speed? About 205 mph. 0–60 mph? A claimed 3.0 seconds. In the real world, it feels every bit that quick, and then some.
Ferrari 488 GTB: Engine, Sound, and the “Race” Button
Ferrari’s calibration magic is the hero here. The electric power steering is hyper-quick but never twitchy, the e-diff and F1-Trac hook up the rear without neutering you, and the magnetorheological dampers (with that Bumpy Road mode) make the GTB usable on the sort of cracked city streets where lesser supercars rattle themselves silly. Click the Manettino to Race and the car shrinks around you—brakes warm, shifts snap, and you start to trust the front end in a way that has you braking later, turning in harder, and exiting with the turbos singing. Honestly, I wasn’t sure at first about a turbo Ferrari, but out on a fast switchback it just works.
Ferrari 488 GTB Interior: Race-Car Theater You Can Live With
Slide into the deep sports seats, grip the small-diameter wheel with its big shift lights and that famous Manettino, and it feels like you’ve put on a very expensive glove. Visibility is good for a mid-engine supercar; the front axle lifter helps with steep driveways; and at highway speeds the cabin’s quiet enough to hear your kids arguing in the back… of the other car you own. Infotainment? It’s the one dated piece—functional, a bit menu-heavy. CarPlay was optional on many cars, so check if the one you’re eyeing has it.
Inside, the hardware is as serious as the lap times: carbon-ceramic brakes, an aero-honed rear diffuser, lightweight alloys over fat rear wheels, and plenty of carbon-fiber trim. If you want the interior to look as sorted as the chassis feels, AutoWin does matching custom mats for the 488 GTB that don’t slide around when you’re heel-and-toeing like you mean it. Choices include:
- Nappa leather
- Carbon-fiber leather
- Sheepskin
- Alcantara
Ferrari 488 GTB Pricing and Ownership: What to Expect
When new, the Ferrari 488 GTB started at roughly $262,000 before personalization. Today, you’ll see well-kept examples typically trading between $200,000 and $300,000 depending on year, mileage, options, and market mood. The 2017 Ferrari 488 GTB and 2019 Ferrari 488 GTB models are sweet spots—newer updates, often better-equipped. If you’re browsing Ferrari 488 GTB for sale listings, verify service records and brake wear; carbon-ceramics last, but track use can add up. And if your eye wanders, the Ferrari 488 Pista turns the wick up even further, while the 2018 Ferrari 488 GTB remains the sweet all-rounder.
Ferrari 488 GTB vs The World: Quick Comparison
| Car | Engine/Power | 0–60 mph | Top speed | What it feels like |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ferrari 488 GTB | 3.9L TT V8 / 661 hp | ~3.0 s | ~205 mph | Explosive yet progressive; laser steering; sublime brakes |
| Ferrari 458 Italia | 4.5L NA V8 / 562 hp | ~3.3 s | ~202 mph | Glorious NA wail; a touch less shove, more romance |
| McLaren 570S | 3.8L TT V8 / 562 hp | ~3.1 s | ~204 mph | Ultra-light feel; clinical speed; firm ride |
| Lamborghini Huracán (610) | 5.2L NA V10 / 602 hp | ~2.9–3.2 s | ~202 mph | Drama dial maxed; AWD confidence; wider car |
Ferrari 488 GTB Highlights
- 661 hp, 561 lb-ft from a 3.9L twin-turbo V8 revving to 8,000 rpm
- 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox with ferocious, crisp shifts
- Rear-wheel drive with e-diff and F1-Trac for stunning traction
- Magnetorheological adaptive suspension and a brilliant Bumpy Road mode
- Standard carbon-ceramic brakes with Herculean stopping power
- Aero-optimized body with a functional rear diffuser
- Manettino with Race mode for sharper responses and more attitude
- Cabin drama: sports seats, compact wheel, shift lights, plenty of carbon-fiber
Living With It
Over a long weekend to the coast, the 488 GTB proved polite at a cruise and shockingly efficient for what it is—mid-to-high teens mpg in mixed driving if you’re restrained. Luggage space in the frunk handled two soft bags and a pair of loafers. Quirks? The seating position is low (love it), the infotainment is fussy (don’t love it), and black paint looks sensational when clean and demonic when dusty. Little price to pay for a car that can make every off-ramp your favorite corner.
Conclusion: Why the Ferrari 488 GTB Still Wins
The Ferrari 488 GTB blends supercar savagery with day-to-day civility in a way few rivals manage. It honors the 458 Italia’s spirit while adding huge, usable performance and modern aero. Whether you’re eyeing a 2017 or 2019 car, or dreaming about stepping up to a Pista later, the 488 GTB remains one of the definitive modern Ferraris. And if you want the cabin to look as dialed-in as the chassis, take a look at custom mats from AutoWin tailored to the Ferrari 488 GTB. Small detail, big daily difference.
Ferrari 488 GTB FAQ
How much is a Ferrari 488 GTB?
When new, a Ferrari 488 GTB started around $262,000 before options. On the used market today, expect roughly $200,000–$300,000 depending on year, condition, mileage, and spec.
How fast is the Ferrari 488 GTB?
Ferrari quotes 0–60 mph in about 3.0 seconds and a top speed near 205 mph. On a warm day with fresh rubber, it feels every bit that quick.
Does the 2016 Ferrari 488 GTB have launch control?
Yes. Engage the system, flatten the throttle, and the car handles the rest—maximum grip, minimal drama.
How many Ferrari 488 GTB were made?
Ferrari doesn’t publish exact totals for the 488 GTB (2015–2019), but it’s generally accepted that several thousand were produced worldwide, with 2016 being one of the busier years.
Does the Thrustmaster T80 Ferrari 488 GTB Edition work on PC?
The T80 488 GTB Edition is designed primarily for PlayStation 4. It can work on PC with limited compatibility depending on the game and drivers. For cockpit vibes at home, it’s a fun pairing with your favorite sim—and a set of Ferrari-themed accessories doesn’t hurt.
