Photo: Martin Lee from London, UK · CC BY-SA 2.0
The Ferrari 488 GTE is an endurance racing car for the GTE class, built by Ferrari's Competizioni GT department based on the 488 GTB, which replaced the 458 Italia GT starting in 2016. It is powered by a twin-turbo V8 with a displacement of 3996 cm³ and more than 600 bhp. It raced in the World Endurance Championship, the European Le Mans Series, and the IMSA series. Alessandro Pier Guidi and James Calado became GTE class world champions in 2017; in total, the car won four manufacturers' and eight drivers' titles. The FIA subsequently phased out the GTE class.
Summarized from the sources cited below; every figure in the text was automatically verified against the sources.
Good to know
- The first spy photos emerged on August 30, 2015, when a heavily camouflaged prototype was tested at Vallelunga.
- The car made its racing debut at the 2016 24 Hours of Daytona, campaigned by Scuderia Corsa and Risi Competizione.
- Following a test in the WindShear wind tunnel, the front dive planes were removed on the Evo.
- The car contested its final race at the 2023 8 Hours of Bahrain.
Learn moreDevelopment · The Evo kit · Racing history and farewell
Development
Following the launch of the 488, a Ferrari spokesperson confirmed that a racing version would follow soon. In August 2015, photos from Vallelunga showed initial tests with a heavily camouflaged car that differed significantly from the 458 Italia GT. The car was presented in late 2015 at the Finali Mondiali in Mugello alongside the GT3. Ferrari cited the engine adopted from the 488 GTB as the main novel feature. Unlike the GT3, the GTE diverges more significantly from the production model, particularly regarding the powertrain.
The Evo kit
On November 13, 2017, the technical coordinator of Ferrari Competizioni GT, Ferdinando Cannizzo, confirmed that both the 488 GTE and the GT3 would receive Evo kits aimed at improving reliability and aerodynamics. The 488 GTE Evo had its shakedown at Fiorano on March 30, 2018. Cannizzo considered it possible to remain competitive with a second evolution instead of developing a new car.
Racing history and farewell
The 488 GTE raced in the FIA World Endurance Championship, the European Le Mans Series, and the GTLM class of the IMSA series. It ran its final race at the 2023 8 Hours of Bahrain, as the FIA phased out the GTE class at the end of the season. Since 2024, Ferrari has campaigned the 296 GT3 in international championships as its unofficial successor.
Summarized from the cited sources; every figure was automatically verified against the sources.
Frequently asked questions about the Ferrari 488 GTE
When was the Ferrari 488 GTE raced?
The Ferrari 488 GTE was raced from 2016 to 2023.
How much power does the Ferrari 488 GTE have?
Power of the Ferrari 488 GTE: In excess of 600 bhp at 6'000 /min.
What engine does the Ferrari 488 GTE have?
Engine of the Ferrari 488 GTE: 3996 cm³ 90° V8 twin-turbo direct-injected DOHC Ferrari F154 CB. It sits behind the seats as a mid-engine.
Who engineered the Ferrari 488 GTE?
Engineering of the Ferrari 488 GTE: Flavio Manzoni (styling).
Who drove the Ferrari 488 GTE?
Drivers of the Ferrari 488 GTE: Sam Bird, Felipe Fraga, Shane van Gisbergen, Alessandro Pier Guidi, James Calado, Thomas Flohr, Daniel Serra, Miguel Molina, Francesco Castellacci ….
How many races did the Ferrari 488 GTE win?
The Ferrari 488 GTE took 45 wins in 80 races.
What are the predecessor and successor of the Ferrari 488 GTE?
Predecessor: Ferrari 458 Italia GT. Successor: Ferrari 296 GT3 (LM GT3).
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