GENEVA - Ferrari launches all new 488GTB, and yet another awesome car from Italy.

The innovative 8-cylinder berlinetta debuts at Geneva: new design, new engine and a plethora of patented solutions

On its official debut at the Geneva Motor Show, the Ferrari 488 GTB sets a new benchmark for the sports car sector. Forty years on from the launch of Ferrari’s iconic first-ever mid-rear-engined V8 berlinetta, the 308 GTB, the Ferrari 488 GTB opens a new chapter in the history of cars with this particular architecture.

Credit for this achievement must go to the Ferrari 488 GTB’s revolutionary proprietary solutions which deliver a car at the top of its class in terms of power output (670 cv) with engine and response times of just 0.8 and 0.06 seconds respectively. Sophisticated dynamic vehicle controls make this performance completely controllable even on the limit by drivers of all abilities, resulting in the unique driving pleasure that only a Ferrari can deliver. 

Ferrari drew extensively on its experience in both Formula One and endurance racing, bringing to the road the technology that delivered victory in two editions of the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the title in the WEC (World Endurance Championship).  Also pivotal was the XX programme in which Ferrari’s technicians have developed a unique knowledge of the dynamic behaviour of extreme cars driven by non-professional drivers.  

The 488 in the car’s moniker indicates the engine’s unitary displacement, while the GTB stands for Gran Turismo Berlinetta, a reference to its deep roots in Ferrari history.

Extreme power was a requisite for the car and is delivered by the new 3902 cc turbo engine coupled to a seven-gear F1 dual-clutch gearbox featuring Variable Boost Management which optimally distributes torque (a maximum 760 Nm in seventh gear). The Ferrari 488 GTB guarantees exuberant performance that is absolutely exploitable to the fullest regardless of driving conditions and is accompanied by a deep, seductive soundtrack, the signature of all Ferrari engines.

The Ferrari 488 GTB’s revolutionary aerodynamics incorporate patented solutions, such as the blown rear spoiler, as well as innovative features like the 458 GT-derived aerodynamic underbody with vortex generators.  The result is a new efficiency record for a Ferrari (E=1.67). Downforce increases to 325 kg at 250 km/h, thanks in part to active aerodynamic devices which reduce drag whilst simultaneously generating downforce when required.  

The Ferrari 488 GTB’s dynamic vehicle controls have also been further evolved. It sports a new version of the Side Slip Control System (SSC2) which, aside from just integrating with the car’s F1-Trac and E-Diff, now also controls the active dampers. This renders the Ferrari 488 GTB’s dynamic behaviour during complex manoeuvres even flatter and more stable, so that less expert drivers can enjoy its potential to the fullest, resulting in an extremely thrilling driving experience. 

Designed by the Ferrari Styling Centre, the Ferrari 488 GTB’s sculptural forms are completely new. They accentuate the car’s sportiness yet retain the classically clean, pure lines typical of Ferrari’s legendary styling. The seamless interweaving of form and function is clear in every detail, in fact. Certain design elements also draw on styling cues from the past, not least the 308 GTB-inspired scalloped flanks.

The Ferrari 488 GTB makes its debut in a new Rosso Corsa Met livery with black and red technical fabric cabin trim, and in a Grigio Ferro Met livery with black and Beige Tradizione leather interior trim.

On the subject of extreme performance, also featuring on the stand is the F12berlinetta which is the most powerful car in the Ferrari range, courtesy of its 740 cv V12 engine and transaxle architecture. It continues to enjoy such enormous success worldwide that in certain countries the waiting list is over a year long.

Two versions of the F12berlinetta are on show in Geneva: the first sports the now-traditional triple-layer Rosso Maranello livery with a leather interior and carbon-fibre trim, while the second is a Tailor Made homage to the Ecurie Francorchamps team, specifically the 250 GTO that won the 1964 Tour de France. It is in the same Argento Auteil colour as the latter with a triple-layer yellow racing cross-stripe on its bonnet.

The Tailor Made programme, Ferrari’s exclusive personalisation service, now boasts over 450 new materials which are homologated for automotive use for the first time.

Alongside the sports cars are the GTs: the California T coupé-cabriolet in an elegant two-tone Nero Stellato and Grigio Brunito livery complemented by a Tortora cabin is joined by the four-seater, four-wheel-drive FF in modern Bianco Italia with a Sterling interior. Both models feature CarPlay, the simplest, safest and most entertaining way to use your iPhone in the car.  CarPlay is incredibly intuitive and offers phone, map, music and message access by either voice control or a tap of the central display. The system is enjoying particular popularity on the FF where it has been specified by half of all clients ordering it. 

Also on the stand is the Formula One single-seater which pays fitting testimony to Ferrari’s inextricable links to motorsport on the eve of the new season.

Improved 2014 Evoque, now an even better buy

• New, responsive 9-speed automatic transmission
• New driver assistance and convenience features added
• Debut of new Land Rover InControlTM connected car technology
• Improved fuel economy and reduced CO2 emissions
• World’s first ‘on-demand’ Active Driveline delivers even greater agility
• Exterior and interior design enhancements, plus new alloy wheel designs

One of the most successful Land Rover vehicles ever made, the Range Rover Evoque, makes a further leap forward with the introduction of a host of new technologies.  These enhancements lower fuel consumption by up to 11.4 percent and reduce CO2 emissions by up to 9.5 percent – depending on model – and bring a range of new comfort, convenience and connectivity features.

Customers ordering vehicles from the 2014 range, on sale in quarter four 2013 in the UK, will benefit from newly-available features, including: a new 9-speed automatic transmission, new driveline technologies, seven new driver assistance features and detail design enhancements inside and out.

First shown at the Geneva Motor Show in March, the ZF-9HP automatic transmission is among the world’s first 9-speed units fitted to a passenger car.  It has an ultra-fast response time, described by ZF as “below the threshold of perception” and an adaptive shift programme that quickly matches the driving style.  With a wide spread of ratios and improved efficiency, the new transmission delivers improved economy, reduced emissions, enhanced performance and greater comfort.

For the 2014 model, the driver assistance capabilities of Evoque are significantly enhanced by the introduction of features including: Park Exit (to automatically exit parallel parking bays), Perpendicular Park (to position the car centrally in parking bays), Closing Vehicle Sensing and Reverse Traffic Detection (to warn drivers of oncoming traffic), Lane Departure Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition and Wade Sensing.

The brand new Land Rover InControlTM connected car system, available as an option, incorporates two new features – InControlTM Remote and InControlTM Secure.

Land Rover InControlTM Remote allows owners to trigger an SOS Emergency Call which automatically informs the emergency services of the vehicle’s position, in the event of an accident.  A button concealed behind a flap in the overhead console (to avoid accidental triggering), activates the system manually.  A second button connects to Land Rover Assistance if the need for technical assistance arises.

Land Rover InControlTM Secure tracks the vehicle in the event of a theft using advanced tracking technology. It raises a silent alarm at a secure operating centre where a third party service provider will assist the relevant local authorities in a timely recovery of the vehicle.  The system ensures the vehicle complies with the Thatcham Category 6 standard.

Available as an option, Active Driveline, is the world’s first ‘on demand’ four-wheel drive system which enhances agility and improves fuel efficiency by operating in front-wheel drive only during steady-state driving at speeds above 22mph.  The new system monitors vehicle dynamics and automatically reconnects four-wheel drive (within 300 milliseconds) whenever it is needed.  Active Driveline also features Active Torque Biasing with electronic-Diff (e-Diff) technology to distribute torque between the rear wheels, optimising traction and stability. Active Driveline will be available initially on the Si4 petrol engine.

In addition, a Torque Vectoring by Braking feature, available across all powertrains, further enhances agility and safety by redirecting torque between all four wheels to counteract understeer. It features in both the Active Driveline and the Evoque’s standard four-wheel drive system.

“With global sales of more than 170,000 vehicles in just 18 months, the Range Rover Evoque has proven to be hugely successful and the 2014 model is destined to have even greater appeal.

We are thrilled to be moving the Evoque on to the next stage and believe the exciting new driveline technology, driver safety and convenience features plus the Land Rover InControlTM connectivity capability (using advanced mobile technology to keep owners connected with their vehicle, their world and Land Rover services), make the 2014 Evoque an unbeatable choice for customers seeking the ultimate in compact SUV vehicles,” said Land Rover Global Brand Director, John Edwards.

In addition to the new technologies, there are detail changes to the Evoque’s exterior, new colour options for the interior, four new alloy wheel styles and a new style of Land Rover badge on the grille, wheel centres and tailgate.

The 2014 Evoque continues to be powered by Land Rover’s range of economical and light weight four-cylinder engines with a choice of either the 2.2 diesel 150PS engine, 2.2 diesel 190PS engine or 2.0 Petrol 240PS engine (depending on market).  With the new 9-speed automatic transmission and Active Driveline, fuel economy (for EU-5 compliant vehicles) is improved by up to 11.4 percent and CO2 emissions are reduced by as much as 9.5 percent.  Combined fuel consumption for the 2014 range is up to 57.6 mpg, with CO2 emissions starting from as low as 129 g/km.