In the heart and back of the Ferrari 486 showroom at the Italian automaker’s factory in Castel Gandolfo, you’ll find the world’s first performance transmission, and a rare chance for a Ferrari fan to take a ride with the 488.
The transmission is powered by a two-cylinder engine and comes equipped with a new high-pressure water pump and hydraulic system that are capable of transferring water up to 5.6 litres (12.5 gallons) per minute to the rear wheels.
“When the engine’s going, the transmission will move, but when the engine stops, the front wheels won’t,” explained Gianni Mancini, Ferrari’s chief engineer.
The new high pressure system will enable the transmission to shift from 0 to 60mph in a fraction of a second, while the transmission’s torque vectoring is improved to compensate for the increased weight of the front axle.
The Ferrari 4888 uses an aluminum block and transmission cover made of carbon fibre, and the entire transmission system is fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres.
The tyres are the same as on the 486 and the four-cylinders are mounted in the same way as on Ferrari’s supercar, the F12 Berlinetta.
The 488 is available with a six-speed manual transmission or a six speed DSG transmission, which offers up to 8,000 km (5,300 miles) of range, depending on the mode selected.
The four-wheel drive system is also available with the option of a six or eight-speed automatic.
“The 6-speed DSG is really powerful and it’s the one that we’ll probably use the most in future models,” said Mancina.
“In the future, we’re thinking about the option to offer a seven-speed transmission, but that’s a different story.”
The Ferrari 458 Speciale will be available in two colours, white and black.
The base 488 and 488 Speciale are also available in red, while a limited edition Ferrari 438 Speciale is being offered with a special red paint scheme and red leather seats.
The special edition 488 special edition is available from December 13th for €2,990, while 488 Super Special Edition will be offered from January 2nd for €3,990.
Pricing and availability are yet to be announced.
