---
title: "High-Performance Variant of Ferrari 488 GTB Leaks Online"
description: "A first look at the hardcore version of the Prancing Horse's mid-engined supercar."
date: "2018-01-23"
modified: "2018-01-23"
authors:
  - name: "Basir Khan"
    link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/basir-khan"
url: "https://www.thedrive.com/new-cars/17900/high-performance-variant-of-ferrari-488-gtb-leaks-online"
categories:
  - "Ferrari News"
  - "News"
  - "News by Brand"
  - "Watch This"
tags:
  - "488 gtb"
  - "488 GTO"
  - "Ferrari"
  - "sport special series"
  - "Supercar"
---

# High-Performance Variant of Ferrari 488 GTB Leaks Online

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/images-by-url-td/content/2018/01/150034_car.jpg>)
*\<em\>www.thedrive.com</em>*

When Ferrari replaced the 458 Italia with the 488 GTB in 2016, it marked the end of an era. Gone were the days of naturally-aspirated engines for the time of the twin-turbocharged V8 had come. The 488 GTB produces a healthy 660 horsepower, nearly 100 hp more than its predecessor. If that isn't enough to tickle your fancy, then there is something more powerful on its way from Maranello and [its first image has found its way online](<https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/ferrari/488/102394/700bhp-ferrari-488-sport-special-series-leaked>).

Unofficially dubbed the [488 GTO](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/9768/ferrari-488-gto-could-be-in-the-works-report-says>), the go-fast iteration of the sports car will allegedly pack 700 hp. Think of it as a follow up to the Ferrari 458 Speciale, a 597-hp spectacle of the late 458 Italia. This new coupe, which will supposedly adopt the Sport Special Series moniker, [has been rumored for quite some time](<https://www.thedrive.com/article/16912/ferrari-488-gto-will-reportedly-get-700-horsepower-launch-next-year>). It will use a 10 percent lighter engine compared to the 488 GTB and produce a unique track-like sound.

The low-resolution image, which appears to have been taken at a private event, shows off a noticeably different front end. The Rosso Corsa painted Ferrari features aggressive aero upfront with white racing stripes on the roof, hood, and front lip. As with [any Italian supercar](<https://www.thedrive.com/new-cars/11307/2018-lamborghini-huracan-performante-is-a-supercar-supreme>), there will be an abundance of carbon fiber utilized throughout. The highly-anticipated car may be revealed at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

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