The 488 is back! Well, not really. Before the F8 Tributo makes its GT3 (or GTE) debut, Ferrari has given its most privileged customers an opportunity to say goodbye to the 488, in its most brutal iteration yet — the GT Modificata. ‘Modifcata’, in Ferrari language, loosely translates to ‘evolved for better performance’ and thanks to some proper motorsport tech, it is sure to be a firecracker on the racetrack.
One big difference between the 488 GT Modificata and the proper racecars is that it isn’t bound by the FIA’s Balance of Performance — a way to keep the playing field level through restrictions on power and aerodynamics. So, Ferrari has let the twin-turbo V8’s hair down with 690bhp on tap thanks to some clever engineering and ‘high-performance mapping’. It also gets a new racing gearbox with different transmission ratios available and a carbonfibre clutch to handle the extra juice. Reworking of the GT Modifcata’s aerodynamics has led to over 1000kg of downforce at 230kmph, which should keep it nice and planted on the Mulsanne straight.
The 488 GT Modifcata isn’t inspired by Ferrari’s racecars, it is a Ferrari racecar. The suspension is lifted directly from the 488 GTE, the braking system is developed hand in hand with Brembo. The brakes also get low residual torque callipers to reduce drag and the ABS system is taken from the 2020 488 GT3 Evo. The GT Modificata also comes with an on-board V-Box data acquisition system and Bosch’s telemetry data acquisition system, both of which will gather vital data about your on-track performance. This data can also be easily loaded onto a USB stick. A passenger seat is equipped as standard so you could fool the missus into thinking it is a practical car, and it also gets a rear-view camera to spot any Lamborghinis you left in the dust.
Want one? Well, Ferrari isn’t exactly handing out allotments for the 488 GT Modificata. It is a limited-edition model and is initially reserved only for those who have raced in Competizioni GT with Ferrari or Club Competizioni GT recently. In fact, the 488 GT Modificata is built for use in Club Competizioni GT in 2021. A total of five events have been planned for now, at the Virginia International Raceway, Monza, Watkins Glen, Suzuka and Nürburgring, and the Finali Mondiali. If you didn’t know, the Finali Mondiali is a sort of swan song of Ferrari’s customer racing program where the final races of each season are held.
The Ferrari 488 GT Modificata, like all other Ferraris, can be customised on the outside and inside to the customer’s liking. Sure, Apple CarPlay and wireless chargers aren’t on the options list, but we’re looking forward to seeing the 488 GT Modificata in some really cool liveries. We’ll take ours in Ferrari’s 2007 Formula 1 livery, thanks.