There’s now more evidence that Ferrari will
introduce a ‘Speciale’ version of the 488 later this year, according to new
documents from the California Air Resources Board (CARB). This adds to an
earlier photo that showed covered prototypes that look significantly different
from a regular 488.
The document indicates the carmaker’s 3.9 litre
twin-turbo V8 engine has been emissions certified for the 2018 model year, and
includes a list of Ferrari models that employ the mill. This includes the 488
GTB, 488 Spider, California T (this document was filled on June 2, 2017 –
before the Portofino was revealed) and GTC4Lusso T.
However, the list also includes a model called the
488 Special Series Coupe, with ‘Special Series’ being a term normally used for
its most extreme models like the LaFerrari and 458 Speciale. This strongly
suggests that a higher-performance 488 will be revealed, with the Geneva Motor
Show in March being the most likely venue for it to do so.
The
‘488 Speciale’ will see a number of visual changes – likely in the name of
better aerodynamics. On a regular 488, the turbocharged V8 makes 670 PS and 760
Nm of torque, so expect those figures to be bumped up on the upcoming model as
well. The document also reveals the model might use a seven-speed dual-clutch
automatic transmission like the 488, although expect it to be enhanced for even
better performance.
