Ferrari 488 GTB

Why it matters

Unveiled in 2015, the 488 GTB marked Ferrari's return to turbocharging for its series-production mid-engined V8 berlinetta, three decades after the 288 GTO and F40. Its name referenced the approximate displacement of each cylinder in the 3,902 cc twin-turbocharged V8, which produced 661 hp at 8,000 rpm and 760 Nm of torque. Compact twin-scroll turbochargers, ball-bearing shafts, equal-length exhaust headers and Variable Torque Management delivered exceptionally immediate response while progressively increasing torque through the gears. Ferrari integrated Side Slip Control 2, F1-Trac, the E-Diff and magnetorheological dampers to make the enormous performance exploitable without diluting driver involvement. The body produced 50 percent more downforce than the 458 with less drag, using a double front spoiler, large divided side intakes, active rear diffuser flaps and the innovative blown spoiler channel through the tail. Ferrari quoted 0–100 km/h in 3.0 seconds, 0–200 km/h in 8.3 seconds and a 330 km/h top speed; its 1 minute 23 second Fiorano lap matched the F12berlinetta. The engine earned four consecutive International Engine of the Year overall awards and was later named the best engine of the award's first two decades, establishing the technical foundation for the 488 Pista and F8 Tributo.