The best-selling Ferrari of all time

Ferrari deliberately keeps its production numbers low and its models exclusive. Even so, one mid-engined V8 is frequently cited as the best-selling Ferrari of all time: the 488.

Launched in 2015 as the successor to the much-loved 458 Italia, the 488 brought turbocharging back to Ferrari’s mid-engined V8 line for the first time since the F40. It paired that extra performance with more aerodynamic downforce, faster gear changes and cleverer adaptive suspension, all wrapped in a sharper body. The result is a car that looks stunning parked at the kerb and is a genuine joy to drive.

Performance meets style

The 488 came in two main body styles:

• 488 GTB: the fixed-roof coupe.
• 488 Spider: a convertible with a retractable hardtop that folds away behind the cabin.

Ferrari later added the track-focused 488 Pista and Pista Spider, but the GTB and Spider made up the core of the range.

What stands out about the Spider is how little you give up for the open roof. Convertibles usually carry extra weight and lose some body stiffness, which can blunt the handling. Ferrari’s lightweight aluminium roof and stiff chassis kept the Spider remarkably close to the coupe in the way it drives. In other words, you can enjoy the roof down without paying much of a performance penalty.

The styling evolves the 458 Italia rather than starting from scratch. The key changes include:

• Sharper, more modern treatments at the front and rear
• Large split air intakes in the flanks, a nod to the classic 308 GTB
• Clever aerodynamics, such as a “blown” rear spoiler, that add downforce without a big fixed wing

Standing still, it looks ready to launch. On the move, it looks completely in its element.

The V8 engine that delivers

At the heart of the 488 is a 3.9-litre twin-turbocharged V8 producing 492 kW of power and 760 Nm of torque. Drive goes to the rear wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

That is far more performance than you could ever use on a public road, but how the 488 delivers it matters as much as the headline figures:

• Sharp throttle response. Ferrari worked hard to minimise turbo lag, so the engine answers your right foot almost immediately.
• Torque that builds through the gears. Ferrari’s Variable Torque Management releases more torque as you move up the gears, so the car feels like it keeps pulling rather than delivering everything at once.
• A refined voice. The turbocharged V8 is less shrill than the naturally aspirated engine in the 458, yet it still sounds purposeful without being deafening.

For sheer engineering finesse, it’s easy to see why the 488 earned its reputation.

The thrill of driving the 488

Few cars match the experience of driving a 488. Press the accelerator on an open road and you feel the full force of that engine, raw and eager.

It’s built for drivers and designed to be enjoyed, and it rewards attention. Anyone with a licence can drive one around town, but at pace it demands focus from the person behind the wheel. Adaptive magnetorheological dampers and electronic aids such as Ferrari’s Side Slip Control help keep the car composed when you push, without taking away the sense of involvement.

That connection between driver and machine is a big part of the appeal, especially on a quiet stretch of road with the Spider’s roof down.

Where the 488 sits today

Ferrari replaced the 488 GTB with the F8 Tributo in 2019, which uses an evolved version of the same twin-turbo V8. The 488 remains a sought-after model on the used market, and as with any prestige car, condition, kilometres, service history and specification all have a big effect on what a particular example is worth. If you own a prestige European car, our guide to European cars with the highest resale value explains which models tend to hold their value best.

Thinking of trading up to a Ferrari?

When you have a specific make and model in mind, the anticipation is half the fun. Before you start shopping, though, it pays to sort out the car you already own. Selling your current car for cash first means you know exactly what your budget is, rather than relying on a dealer’s trade-in figure.

At Sell Your Car Australia, we buy cars directly, so there’s no private sale to manage and no waiting around for a buyer. We’re currently buying vehicles 2021 or newer with 100,000 km or less, of any make, and there’s strong demand for European and prestige cars. Here’s how it works:

1. Fill out our short online form.
2. Our team calls you quickly to discuss your car.
3. We make a genuine cash offer, not a data-driven estimate.
4. Once you agree, a deposit can be paid quickly.
5. We inspect the car and pay the balance into your account.
6. We collect the car only after the funds have cleared.

If your car is still under finance, that’s fine. We work with your lender to settle it, which usually takes two to three business days.

To find out what your car is worth, request a free, no-obligation valuation or call 1800 73 55 73. We buy cars Australia-wide, including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, regional NSW, Western Australia, South Australia and Tasmania.