Ferrari 488 GTE


The Ferrari 488 GTE is a grand tourer racing car built by Ferrari's in-house Competizioni GT unit, for competition in endurance racing. It is a replacement for the Ferrari 458 GT2 racing car, using the Ferrari 488 as a base. The car is built in accordance with the Automobile Club de l'Ouest/FIA LM GTE regulations introduced for the 2016 season, and it currently competes in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, FIA World Endurance Championship, and the European Le Mans Series. The car had its race debut at the 2016 24 Hours of Daytona, with the Scuderia Corsa and Risi Competizione teams.

Development

Ferrari 488 GTE

Following the announcement and launch of the Ferrari 488, it was subsequently confirmed by a Ferrari spokesperson that a racing version of the car would be unveiled soon. On 30 August 2015, spy photographs were published, showing a highly camouflaged car undergoing testing at the ACI Vallelunga Circuit, which showed major differences in the car compared to the outgoing 458 GT2, although the front bumper was noted to be largely similar to the outgoing car. The car was launched at the 2015 Finali Mondiali, at the Mugello Circuit, alongside its GT3 counterpart. At the launch, few details of the car were disseminated, with the engine carrying over from the 488 GTB being the main announcement. The car is known to be able to be converted between LM GTE, and Group GT3 specification, due to the relative similarity of both cars.

Ferrari 488 GTE Evo

On 13 November 2017, it was confirmed by the Ferrari Competizioni GT technical coordinator, Ferdinando Cannizzo, that both the 488 GTE and GT3 would be receiving Evo kits, aimed at improving reliability, as well as aero performance optimization. The 488 GTE Evo had its shakedown test, at the Ferrari's Fiorano Circuit, in Maranello, Italy on 30 March 2018. Following a Balance of Performance wind tunnel test at the WindShear facility, the 488 GTE Evo had its front dive-planes removed. It was later suggested by Competizioni GT Technical Coordinator Ferdinando Cannizzo that the car could potentially remain in competition until 2021 with a second Evolution, instead of Ferrari developing a new car.
= Lego Version =
The lego version of the GTE was released on January 2018 with the two other cars in the Garage.

Competition History

2016 FIA World Endurance Championship

World Endurance Cup for GT Manufacturers

FIA Endurance Trophy for LM GTE Pro Teams

2016 IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship

GT Le Mans Teams Championship

GT Le Mans Manufacturers Championship

2017 FIA World Endurance Championship

GT World Endurance Manufacturers' Championship

Endurance Trophy for LMGTE Pro Teams

Endurance Trophy for LMGTE Am Teams

2017 IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship

GT Le Mans Manufacturers' Trophy

2017 European Le Mans Series

LMGTE Teams Championship

TeamSIL
MNZ
RBR
LEC
SPA
POR
Total
No. 66 JMW Motorsport5*1*23221041
No. 55 Spirit Of Race4Ret114Ret774
No. 51 Spirit Of Race64441Ret706

* - Points scored by the Ferrari 458 Italia GT2.

2018 IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship

GT Le Mans Teams Championship

GT Le Mans Manufacturers Championship

2018-19 FIA World Endurance Championship

World Endurance GTE Manufacturers' Championship

Manufacturer
SPA
LMS
SIL
FUJ
SHA
SEB
SPA
LMS		Total
points
Ferrari341454211942nd
Ferrari116111066691942nd

2019 IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship

GT Le Mans Teams Championship

GT Le Mans Manufacturers Championship