Ferrari 
has developed a fairly predictable pattern when it comes to releasing mid-engine V-8 models. First, we get the ‘regular’ one, and then the lighter, faster, more-powerful road-racer variant follows. But, predictable doesn’t always mean boring. These road-racer variants have been some of the most exciting cars to roll out of the Maranello gates.
The cycle started when the 1999-2004 Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale came along. Based on the 1999-2004 Ferrari 360 Modena, the 360 CS was nearly 250 pounds lighter and had 20 additional horsepower for a total of 425. Following that was the 2006 Ferrari F430-based 2008 Ferrari 430 Scuderia, which came in 2008 and carried 220 fewer pounds and produced 503 horsepower. Most recently we’ve had the 2014 Ferrari 458 Speciale, which is an extreme version of the already extremely fast 2010 Ferrari 458 Italia. Almost 200 pounds lighter than the Italia and with nearly 600 horsepower, the Speciale was fast and capable enough to take V-8 Ferraris to a performance echelon where they no longer have any natural rivals.
We’re only a few months removed from the debut of the 2016 Ferrari 488 GTB — the latest mid-engine V-8 Ferrari and the first turbocharged mid-engine Ferrari since the 1987-1992 Ferrari F40. With 659 horsepower and a 0-60 time of 3.0-seconds flat, it’s hard to imagine where Ferrari will go with a faster 488, but, because it’s what we do, we’ve already drawn-up a rendering of what we think the inevitable go-faster 488 will look like. We not sure what it will be called, so lets call it the 488 GTB Scuderia for now and take a deep dive into what will make this car tick.
Continue reading to learn more about the future Ferrari 488 GTB Scuderia.
Rendering
Exterior
As you would expect, it will share much of its running gear and hard-points with the 488 GTB, but almost every body panel will be new.
As you would expect, it will share much of its running gear and hard-points with the 488 GTB, but almost every body panel will be new.
The front will get a lower, more aggressive front carbon-fiber splitter with a small pair of fin-shaped end plates on either side. Active aerodynamic flaps will be integrated between the two vertical pillars and feed air through the radiators or around the car through the turning vanes at high speeds.
Similar to the Speciale, the hood will feature a central air extractor bisected by a single fin and vents next to each headlight cluster.
The side skirts will be exposed carbon fiber and include fins just in front of the rear wheels. The roof will also be exposed carbon, as will the center sections of the massive scalloped side intakes.
The rear will get a diffuser with active aero elements and possibly a retractable aero foil like the LaFerrari’s. Like its predecessors, the 488 Scuderia will also get optional unique graphics for the hood.
Interior
Note: Ferrari 488 GTB interior shown.
With no carpeting, minimal creature comforts and little sound deadening, the 488 Scuderia will be expectedly spartan and loud on the inside, but comfy enough to drive to and from the track or your favorite stretch of road. Expect a range of custom leather and stitching colors for what little fabric there is.
The drivetrain will be controllable with transmission buttons in the center console, and, as has become Ferrari tradition, just about every other function will be accessed via steering-wheel buttons. The steering wheel will also get shift lights to supplement a tachometer that sits front and center in the instrument cluster, flanked by multi-function high-definition displays.
Drivetrain
Note: Ferrari 488 GTB engine shown.
Expect displacement for the twin-turbo 3.9-liter V-8 to remain unchanged, but thanks to other tweaks, it should produce close to 700 horsepower, up from 660, and 600 pound-feet of torque. Despite the forced induction, turbo lag should be almost nonexistent, and power will be sent to the rear wheels through a next-generation version of Ferrari’s seven-speed dual clutch. Altogether, it should translate to a 0-60 time of around 2.8 seconds and a top speed pushing 210 mph.
The 488 Scuderia could also be the first mid-engine Ferrari to get a rear-wheel steering system, which is rumored for the faster versions of the 2013 Ferrari F12 Berlinetta, the F12 GTO. Such a system is likely to add weight, but the benefits that come with the improved agility should outweigh the drawbacks. Expected a Fiorano lap time on par with the 2014 Ferrari LaFerrari.
Prices
We expect 488 Scuderia pricing to start somewhere between $300,000 and $320,000, with an even pricier low-volume drop-top Spyder version to come soon after.
Competition
2016 Porsche 911 GT3 RS
While it might not be much of an on-paper match for the 488 Scuderia, Porsche’s take on the race car for the road is hard to ignore, and well over $100,000 less expensive. It can’t match the Ferrari for outright pace, but with its 500 horsepower 4.0-liter flat six, the GT3 RS is likely the last bastion of normally aspirated sports car thrills.
It does 0-60 in just 3.3 seconds and laps the Nürburgring in just 7 minutes, 20 seconds. That’s more than fast enough for anywhere outside of a track, and beyond the skill level of all but the best drivers. Few cars provide a more engaging driving experience in the real world.
Read our full review here.
2016 McLaren 675LT
The McLaren 675LT, meanwhile is a much better on-paper match for the 488 Scuderia, but unfortunately, all 500 units are completely sold out. However, McLaren will still be glad to sell you a 2015 McLaren 650S. The company’s stalwart 3.8-liter twin-turbo V-8 powers the rear wheels and produces 666 horsepower (675 metric horsepower) and 516 pound-feet of torque.
The ‘LT’ stands for ‘longtail’ and pays homage to the McLaren F1 GTR Longtails that competed at Le Mans and other races. Both the front splitter and rear wing extend slightly further out than the same items on the 650S, and it’s around 220 pounds lighter. McLaren will likely have something even faster by the time the 488 Scuderia debuts, so this should be a comparison worth keeping an eye on.
Read our full review of the 675 LT here.
Conclusion
While all we can do is speculate at this point, we can say with utmost certainty that the 488 Scuderia will not be powered by a four-cylinder diesel engine, and it will probably be available in red. We feel like there’s some credence in the numbers and theories we’ve presented, but only time will bring anything official. We’re likely to learn a lot more about this car, including its actual name, in the coming months, so stay tuned.
Should be blisteringly fast
Near 700 horsepower from just 3.9 liter and two turbos
Could be the second coming of the F40
Likely to be pricy
Turbocharging might not be for everyone
Might be faster than that $1 million LaFerrari you just bought