REVEALED: Novitec Rosso Ferrari 488 GTB
By IOL Motoring Staff
Stetten, Germany - For most people Ferrari's 488 GTB is the ultimate sports car. For specialist tuning house Novitec Rosso, it's just the beginning.
The company’s 'refinement program' for the mid-engined Maranello two-seater includes a huge power boost, suspension upgrades, carbon-fibre aero kit and specially developed rims up to 22 inches in diameter.
It all starts with two Novitec Rosso N-Tronic piggyback control modules, one with revised mapping for the fuel-injection and ignition systems, the other to modify the turbo’s electronic boost pressure control.
For more power and a more authoritative engine sound track, a lightweight high-performance exhaust system made of Inconel (a nickel-chrome alloy developed for use in aircraft jet engines) is next, along with a high-flow, 100 cell catalytic converter.
Also read: Ferrari's ferocious 488 Spider
The result is a massive 76kW power increase - from 492 to 568kW at 7950 revs - and 132Nm more torque, up to 892Nm at 3250rpm. The Novitec 488 will launch off line to 100km/h in a whiplash-inducing 2.8 seconds, and hit 342km/h flat out.
But the most impressive part is that the tuning upgrade can be activated or de-activated with one click of the Manettino dial on the steering wheel.
The company's in-house hydraulic suspension upgrade retains the standard active damper control of the original but lowers the GTB's ride height by about 35mm - and will also raise the front by 40mm at the touch of a button to deal with real-world hazards such as parking garage ramps and speed humps.
Novitec Rosso offers a number of wheel options for the 488, including lightweight NF4 21-inch forged rims shod with 255/30 front and 325/25 rear Pirelli P Zero tyres. To really emphasise the wedge shape of the aero kit, you can opt for three-piece NF7 rims, with 255/30 ZR 21 front and 335/25 ZR22 rear Pirellis.
The light stuff
The carbon-fibre aero kit - available either clear lacquered or in body colour - includes a front splitter with canards, central air intake trim, special rocker panels, mirror housings, deflectors for the side air intakes, tail-light and rear air-outlet trims, a diffuser and a large rear airfoil.
Novitec Rosso also offers custom interior upgrades, ranging from extended carbon-fibre paddle shifters to leather or alcantara trim in any colour you think of.
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