Autocar RSS Feed: Hardcore Ferrari 488 GTO due with 700bhp to fight GT2 RS

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Hardcore Ferrari 488 GTO due with 700bhp to fight GT2 RS Dec 12th 2017, 11:43 The Ferrari 488 GTO will be the most hardcore V8 supercar to leave the gates of Maranello when it is launched next year Harder version of 488 GTB is under development with an anticipated 700bhp, making it a natural rival to Stuttgart's fiercest 911 model The Ferrari 488 GTB is being comprehensively re-engineered into a hardcore, track-focused variant that will go toe-to-toe with the Porsche 911 GT2 RS next year. A hotter version of the 488, the car will essentially be a replacement to the discontinued 458 Speciale, a car widely regarded as the best driver-focused Ferrari to date. So far, the model is referred to as the 488 GTO by the press, but it is yet to be officially named. It is expected to adopt a new tag that continues the trend set by the 360 Challenge Stradale, 430 Scuderia and 458 Speciale. The car's mid-mounted twin-turbocharged 3.9-litre V8 engine will be boosted with increased turbo pressure and internal modifications to produce an anticipated 700bhp, with torque also increasing substantially on the standard car's 561lb ft. Ferrari will remove non-essential parts from the interior and sound deadening from its engine bay, as well as fitting lightweight parts such as thinner glass for the windscreen and side windows, lighter ceramic brakes and forged wheels – as with the 458 Speciale. This should bring the 's kerbweight down below 1400kg, enabling scintillating on-track performance that'll include a 0-62mph sprint time of little more than 2.7sec and a 0-124mph dash of about 7.5sec. The 488 variant will also get new software for its Side Slip Angle Control and bodywork that works the air more aggressively, generating extra downforce to increase help apex speeds and improve high speed stability. The standard 488 produces 325kg of downforce at 155mph, but the 911 GT2 RS produces up to 340kg. Ferrari's aerodynamicists will be keen to rival that figure. Spotted test cars reveal little about the exterior design changes the car will get. Ferrari's road car team has access to its Formula 1 wind tunnel, meaning the car's new parts will be crafted with the latest technology. Expect large intakes for the more potent powertrain, a bigger front lip and more prominent rear diffuser. Ferrari has refrained from commenting on the model, but a recent sightings of a car in light covers suggests development has moved to an advanced stage. This ties in with a schedule for a car that's due to be released in 2018 – which is when our sources expect the 488 range-topper to go on sale. Prices will increase significantly over the 488 GTB. An entry-level figure of over £215,000 is possible. Read more: Ferrari 458 Speciale MM - one-off supercar revealed

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