This is one of those stories about which I really don’t care how the words turn out. Because the figures speak of the power it generates and simply by looking at these visuals you can hear the machine roar. Meet the Ferrari 488 GTB – re-interpreted by Novitec Rosso.
NOVITEC ROSSO upgrade for the Ferrari 488 GTB: A peak output of 772 hp/568 kW and peak torque of 892 Nm • Zero to 100 km/h in just 2.8 seconds • Top speed of 342 km/h • Hi-tech wheels • Hydraulic suspensions • Naked carbon components
Even a top-notch sports car can never have enough power. It seems to be true looking at the refinement programme for the Ferrari 488 GTB by NOVITEC ROSSO, world’s leading refinement specialist for the stallions from the Maranello stables.
It is not all about inflaming the fury of the new twin-turbo charged 3.9L V8 engine of the Ferrari 488 series. The improvement has happened in the strikingly styled as well as the aerodynamically efficient bodywork components made from naked carbon. Tailor-made hi-tech wheels of up to 22 inches diameter have been included in the package, and so are sophisticated suspension modifications and cockpit customization.
For all those who wish to keep water and oil separate, the car can be driven in its original measures of power till the new engine tuning is activated in a flash, at the turn of the Manettino dial on the steering wheel.
To this end, the technicians adapt two NOVITEC ROSSO N-TRONIC control modules to the engine electronics of the two-seat car. The modules control the eight-cylinder with newly programmed mapping for injection and ignition and modify the electronic boost pressure control.
To further optimize the power output and make the engine sound even more exciting at the same time, the company recommends the installation of a NOVITEC ROSSO high-performance exhaust system. One of the versions it is available in is made from the lightweight INCONEL. Optional electronic sound management and 100-cell high-flow sports catalysts are also available.
In its most extreme evolutionary stage, the twin-turbocharged eight-cylinder with NOVITEC ROSSO engine tuning adds 76 kW / 111 hp to the production engine along with 132 Nm of torque. The peak torque jumps from 760 Nm to 892 Nm at a low 3,250 rpm. Count in the leap from 661 to 772 hp at 7,950 rpm as well, and the simply astonishing figures make better sense. The two-seater can now touch 342 kmph while leaving behind the 100 km/h in just 2.8 seconds. These figures used to be 330 kmph and 3.0sec respectively.
Just as carbon is the first choice in Formula 1 racing, the NOVITEC ROSSO aerodynamic-enhancement components for the Ferrari 488 GTB come optionally in a variant made from naked carbon.
Design and performance hand in hand
The designers accomplished the no-less-than-amazing feat of increasing the down force of a car that already made an achievement out of it. The 488 GTB has been enhanced with a front spoiler lip and side flaps mounted to the bumper for a further reduction in lift at high speeds. An additional surround for the central air intake rounds up the extreme sporty looks.
The sporty profile benefits from NOVITEC ROSSO rocker panels, subtle carbon surrounds for the door mirrors and the NOVITEC ROSSO air deflection components in the side air intakes. Besides adding sporty highlights, they deflect the airflow along the sides with even more precision.
In the rear, the aerodynamics is dominated by a large airfoil, optionally available with a naked carbon finish, and the new diffuser attachment for the rear bumper. Carbon surrounds for the two tail lamps and the air outlets round off the NOVITEC ROSSO design in the rear.
New lighting elements added include the black turn signals and reflectors as well the black-tinted third brake light featuring LED technology.
As for interior design, NOVITEC ROSSO can fulfill custom requests with innumerable options for longer carbon paddle shifters, leather and Alcantara interior finishes, and of course color and upholstery design.
Tweaked Suspensions and Wheels
The NOVITEC ROSSO hi-tech development is evident in the hydraulic suspension system for all Ferrari 488 models. It lowers the ride height of the sports car by about 35 millimeters and can raise its front end by 40 millimeters at the touch of a button [till ride speeds of 80 kmph]. The standard active damper control of the original Ferrari is of course fully retained.
The new design couldn’t have been ready to be roll without befitting wheels – NOVITEC ROSSO styled various tyre/wheel combinations with one-piece and three-piece design are available for the Ferrari 488. One lightweight example is of a NF4 21-inch forged wheels with a width of nine and twelve inches, mounted with Pirelli P Zero high-performance tires of size 255/30 ZR 21 at the front and 325/25 ZR 21 on the rear axle.
