C8 Z06 Was Benchmarked Against Older Ferrari 458 Because the 488 Was Boring

While developing the C8 Z06, the Corvette team quickly discovered that the faster 488 wasn’t as soulful as its predecessor.

Automakers benchmark their vehicles against other makes and models all the time, actually purchasing those vehicles and then driving them, tearing them apart, and inspecting every myriad detail in an effort to make something better. Thus, it was no surprise to learn that General Motors benchmarked a number of exotic cars when developing both the C8 and C8 Z06, but what is surprising is the fact that the automaker wasn’t particularly crazy about the newer Ferrari 488, according to MotorTrend.

MT revealed that the Corvette team originally purchased a Ferrari 458 to benchmark against early C8 prototypes around 2013 or 2014, before the arrival of the newer 488. That exotic was powered by a naturally-aspirated 4.5-liter V8 that produces 562 horsepower at a lofty 9,000 rpm, along with 398 pound-feet of torque. It’s also a sweet-sounding machine, one that makes it a deserving member of the Ferrari family.

However, as development of the new Corvette continued, a new Ferrari came along to take the place of the 458 – the 488. Thus, GM sold its 458 and replaced it with the newer model, as one might expect. However, the 488 features a far different powerplant than its predecessor – a twin-turbocharged 3.9-liter V8 that produces 661 horsepower at 8,000 rpm and 561 pound-feet of torque. Superior numbers when compared to the N/A 458, of course, but there was one problem – GM felt like the 488 had lost its soul.

“They ended up selling the 488 and buying another used 458 because of that car’s more soulful character,” the rag revealed. “Their goal for the Z06 is to deliver all the spine-tingling verve of that wonderful, naturally aspirated former MotorTrend Best Driver’s Car in a modern package delivering benchmark performance plus all the creature comforts Corvette buyers have come to expect.”

The 488 is certainly faster than the 458, but at what cost? Many consider the 458 to be the greatest mid-engine Ferrari in history, a car that sends tingles down one’s spine with its thrilling, race car-like exhaust note. And while the C8 Z06 is certainly fast, the Corvette team also wanted it to recapture some of the magic that’s been lost to smaller-displacement, forced-induction engines over the years. Judging by what we know so far, they seem to have accomplished that goal, all in a car that will be far cheaper than the exotics that influenced its development.

Photos: Michael Palmer for Corvette Forum, Ferrari

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