2019 Ferrari 488 GTB

Like any other Ferrari, the 488 GTB also comes as a single trim with a lot of options and customizations. You can personalize the 2019 Ferrari 488 GTB choosing from the endless list of optional features, making it a unique piece of machine. The standalone trim would cost you $262,647, and the price will escalate quickly as you add options. 

The 488 GTB gets a standard 3.9L Twin-Turbo V8 and a lot of other best-in-class performance parts to make it stand out in the segment. It gets all-leather seats, heated mirrors, cruise control, navigation, keyless start, and many more features by default.

Which Trim should you buy?

Being a standalone trim, the buyers aren’t to be confused about the buy. However, the buyer shall wisely choose optional add-ons which shall increase the price further. We would recommend you to go for the power-adjustable and heated seats from the list of options, which shall make it more liveable and comfortable.

The 2019 Ferrari 488 GTB comes equipped with a capable 3.9L Twin-Turbo V8, which is largely known as the best twin-turbo in the whole industry at that time. The power-packed engine pushes out a massive 660 horsepower and a class-leading 560 lb-ft of torque. The power is sent to the rear wheels only via a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, which is utmost smooth and refined. With one of the best powertrains under the hood, the 2019 Ferrari 488 GTB shines over the rest of the rivals with ease and doubtlessly proves why it has such a robust fanbase in the market.

The powerful motor and the distinctive Italian engineering in the 488 GTB let it sprint to 60 MPH within 2.8 seconds, a literal goosebump moment, and takes just 10.5 seconds for the quarter-mile drag. With the aerodynamically superior chassis, this Ferrari can reach blistering fast speeds in a glimpse of time. As you press down the throttle on a straight line, it can go all the way up to 201 MPH.

The above figures are quite enough to conclude that the Ferrari 488 GTB is the most powerful and torquiest pick in the segment. The powerful Porsche 911 Turbo S takes the crown in the 0-60 MPH sprint by a tenth of a second, however, the 488 GTB proves to be the best when it comes to quarter-mile figures. The Huracan comes equipped with a naturally aspirated V10 motor and although it is the slowest option clocking 3.2 seconds, the sweet exhaust note of the V10 motor is always pleasant to hear. 

How well does the 2019 Ferrari 488 GTB handle?

The 488 GTB is one fine example of excellent engineering and is made to impress anyone; regardless if you are a car enthusiast or not. This beast offers impressive handling characteristics too. The 7-speed dual-clutch transmission is well-tuned and the power is delivered uniformly. The Ferrari Slide Slip Control technology onboard makes the whole thing a bit sweeter. This technology would ensure that the vehicle takes on the corners safely without slipping or sliding away from the track. 

The steering does offer decent feedback and response but it can be cumbersome too at times. The power-assisted steering has been tuned to offer better feedback from the roads. However, one has to be careful in handling the sensitive steering. The sporty aerodynamic design offers a proper performance car character and ensures that the vehicle stays on the road at all times.

Braking Performance

The brand, as it always does, has ensured to offer safer rides with a solid braking setup. The big 15.7-inch brake rotors at the front and 14.2-inch rotors at the rear promise slowdowns without any drama. The capable brakes and the intelligent traction control systems work together to bring the vehicle to a perfect standstill from 60 MPH within just 112 feet. The brake pedals are perfectly tuned and have a good bite.

The Porsche 911 Turbo S gets the best-in-class braking distance of 97 feet despite being the heaviest in the segment while the Huracan is the lightest of the lot and with decent braking hardware on board, expect it to stop well within 100 feet. The Ferrari 488 GTB has a reasonably large braking setup but the braking performance could still be improved considering it is a Ferrari and we only expect the best of the best. With a smaller braking setup, the Mclaren 570 GT performs underwhelmingly in the aspect covering 119ft before coming to a halt. 

Fuel efficiency isn’t the priority for any buyer in this segment. People here would demand performance over efficiency. However, 2019 488 GTB makes the deal sweeter with decent fuel economy for its class apart from magnificent performance. It is rated 20 MPG in the city, 22 MPG on highways, and 18 MPG combined. These figures are notably good in the segment.

A big 20.6-gallon fuel tank would assure decent driving range figures as well. It would get you 309 miles in the city, 453 miles on highways, and 371 miles combined. This means you’ll make fewer stops at the gas station.

The Porsche 911 Turbo S returns the best-in-class efficiency figures thanks to its flat 6 motor under the hood. The credit also goes to the PDK transmission on board but on the contrary, it comes with the smallest fuel tank in the lot. The McLaren 570 GT offers similar fuel economy as the Ferrari but the latter has a large tank at 20.6 gallons that put its driving range well over 450 miles. The Lamborghini Huracan is the least efficient of the lot but gets a large 21.1-gallon fuel tank as a compromise.

The 2019 Ferrari 488 GTB has been designed to be more special than a regular Ferrari, which is evident in the cabin. The cabin is airier and more spacious with a proper layout on the dashboard. The cabin is driver-centric rather than offering the best comfort. The seats offer good support and look rich with premium leather upholstery. Entering in and getting out of the cabin is rather a difficult task for larger folks. However, any sports car in this segment would have the same trouble.

The leather and Alcantara upholstery make your Ferrari look sportier and inspiring, which also complements the way it performs and accelerates. Moreover, the interior is best with Ferrari red accents and a black theme. You get an endless list of options to customize your interior to suit your taste but remember that can quickly escalate the price of this already quarter-million price tag car. The cabin isn’t the best in terms of comfort but brings a balance between athleticism and convenience. As standard, you get dual-zone automatic climate control. Expect no lavish creature comforts as it would add to the weight and affect its performance which the brand doesn't like to.

All the cars in the segment have decent interior space on offer. But the Porsche 911 Turbo S can seat two more people at the back. Nonetheless, the rear seats are pretty much useless for adults. You can take your luggage or can seat kids at best, but we’d recommend using them for storage as the trunk volume of 4.4 cu.-ft is rather impractical. The McLaren 570 GT gets the best-in-class cargo capacity of 13.1 cubic feet followed by the Ferrari 488 GTB with 8.1 ft3.

Standout interior features:

• Available Heated seats
• Sport bucket seats
• Premium Leather upholstery
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Alcantara Upholstery
• Cruise Control

What’s there to keep you entertained?

The 2019 Ferrari 488 GTB lacks a well-built infotainment system or a central display. As standard, you will find two screens behind the steering wheel which does the work to an extent. The system would get you Apple CarPlay integration for an added cost, but Android Auto remains unavailable. The system is mated with a standard 6-speaker audio system, which is pretty good at its work.

The system also comes with Bluetooth connectivity and voice-controlled navigation via the instrument cluster along with steering-mounted controls. You can also use the USB port for streaming the smartphone content.

Standout infotainment features:

• MP3 Player
• Optional Apple CarPlay
• 6-speaker audio system
• Voice Commands
• Navigation integrated to the instrument panel
• Bluetooth Connectivity

The 2019 Ferrari 488 GTB is one of the perfectly crafted vehicles from the famous automaker. The Italian engineering and distinct design language have always let Ferrari stand out in the segment. With plenty of curves and lines all over the body, the 488 GTB looks classy and iconic. The signature headlights and aerodynamic shape make the coupe look iconic. The aerodynamically optimized shape and lightweight build are the key reasons that the Ferrari is faster than the rest of the similarly equipped sports cars. 

The Ferrari 488 GTB is longer than the rivals. It is light on feet and has balanced proportions that complement the performance. Moreover, the 20-inch alloy wheels do look stylish on the coupe. The rear end looks similar to any other Ferrari, with its signature elements and spoiler. The distinctive tail lamps and exhaust pipes add to its aesthetic appeal.

The Ferrari 488 GTB is the longest car in the lot and it gets 104.3-inches of wheelbase which gives ample space for the passengers too. However, McLaren sits a little wide and this adds to the stability owing to its low COG. Porsche 911 Turbo S despite being short and having a small wheelbase adds an unusable second-row seat. 

Standout exterior features:

• 20-inch alloy wheels
• Dual exhaust outlet
• Power and heated exterior mirrors
• Variable flap geometry Rear spoiler
• Deep side scoops

You can never crash test a Ferrari as it is pricier and limited. However, you can surely expect a better safety front in every Ferrari. The 2019 Ferrari 488 GTB comes equipped with a set of basic features. The vehicle gets standard airbags, front and rear parking sensors, and a lot of aerodynamic trickery.

Standout safety features:

• Electronic Stability Control
• Driveline Traction Control
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Rearview camera
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System
• 4-airbags

2019 Ferrari 488 GTB vs 2019 Lamborghini Huracan

The Lamborghini Huracan is one of the toughest rivals for the Ferrari. Both having separate fan bases and followers, they stack up against one another every time. Apart from being stylish and gorgeous in looks, the Lamborghini offers classic interiors with an impressive count of features. However, coming to the performance section, the Ferrari slips past Lamborghini with class-leading acceleration and power figures, making the 488 GTB a sportier and more muscular pick among the two.

2019 Ferrari 488 GTB vs 2019 McLaren 570 GT

McLaren 570 GT is a cheaper and worthier choice in the segment. While Ferrari costs you more than $250,000, the McLaren 570 GT offers similar performance and underpinnings at an affordable price. However, a Ferrari is always a Ferrari and doubtlessly be preferred by genuine fans.

2019 Ferrari 488 GTB vs 2019 Porsche 911 Turbo S

The Porsche 911 Turbo S is the only car in the segment to beat the Ferrari in terms of performance and acceleration. Being cheaper than the Ferrari, Porsche would be a more practical choice for many. It is better in terms of fuel efficiency, driving dynamics, acceleration, and interior layout, all at a cheaper price than what the Ferrari demands.

The 2019 Ferrari 488 GTB is one of the classiest and iconic sports cars. With the distinctive Italian design and engineering, the stylish little car is a treat for the eye. While the 3.9L V8 gives out the best-in-class power and torque figures, the proportions are kept well for burning the tracks. The 488 GTB is yet another similar sports car with mind-blowing capabilities.