2017 Ferrari 488 GTB review, road test

For the first time, Ferrari’s mid-engine V8 is put to the ultimate test that is Indian roads. Can it still deliver the magic?

Published on Sep 28, 2017 07:00:00 AM

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F1-style aero pillar manages longitudinal and transverse airflow.

Special channels on the bonnet deflect air and reduce front-axle lift.

Scuderia Ferrari insignia is optional and will cost a cool Rs 5 lakh a pair.

Ferraris are supposed to look gorgeous, sound great and go like hell. While the jury is still out on the 488’s aesthetics, there is no arguing about its latter two deliverables. Of course, you do have to pay a pretty penny to own one – Rs 3.88 crore (ex-showroom, Delhi), and that’s only for the base trim. Add on bits like special paint, fender emblems, powered seats and you would easily spend as much as another new sportscar. But money aside (this is a Ferrari!), the company has done an astounding job of making a turbocharged engine feel pretty close to a naturally aspirated unit.

The amount of speed and the way it builds up is simply mind-altering. Plus, it has all the handling finesse you’d want in your mid-engine supercar. One thing’s for sure, Ferrari has taken the engine, chassis, electronics and aero to the next level.

It is deeply emotional to drive, performance and handling are other worldly, and the best part is that, like your favourite video game, you can take the driving experience from one level to the next. And with its lift feature and good ride, it feels at home even in Indian driving conditions. Is this today’s greatest mid-engine supercar? The answer just has to be yes.