The 488-based successor to the hardcore Ferrari 458 Speciale has been spotted testing at the Nurburgring ahead of its likely debut early next year.
The supercar, which is expected to be called the 488 GTO, will essentially be a track-focused version of the 488 GTB. Although the video claims the prototype is a hybrid with an F1-style KERS system, magazine reports Ferrari’s KERS system will likely remain exclusive to its V12 cars. Instead, the GTO will retain the 3.9-liter twin-turbo V8 engine found in the 488, but it should be more powerful with at least 700 horsepower on tap. It will also be much lighter than the standard 488 GTB.
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Like the Ferrari 458 Speciale, expect Ferrari to toss out non-essential components such as the interior carpeting and sound deadening while swapping out some parts for lightweight alternatives such as thinner window glass, carbon ceramic brakes and forged alloy wheels.
As suggested by the camouflage on the prototype, aerodynamic changes will also be in store, giving the vehicle a more aggressive appearance and also leaving it with a little extra downforce.
The hardcore take on the Ferrari 488 will most likely break cover sometime early next year, but with 2017 being Ferrari’s 70th anniversary, we wouldn’t rule out a debut sometime later this year either. For now, you can get acquainted with the prototype in the video above.
[Source: Autocar]
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