Ferrari Unveils 488 GT3 Evo 2020

Photo: Ferrari

Ferrari has taken the wraps off its second Evo package for the 488 GT3 in the last three years, which will be made available to customer teams beginning in 2020.

Unveiled Saturday at the Ferrari Finali Mondiali at Mugello, the ‘Double Evo’ delivers “innovative concepts” derived from teams’ feedback with the first-generation and second-generation 488 GT3s, which first debuted in 2016.

Ferrari rolled out with its first Evo kit for both GTE and GT3-spec machinery for 2018, in the final year of each cars’ homologation cycles.

Per FIA rules, manufacturers are allowed to produce an all-new car or Evo kit per each three-year homologation period, meaning an all-new GT3 car will not come from Ferrari until 2022 at the earliest.

The Italian manufacturer has focused on improved aerodynamics, vehicle dynamics, ergonomics, safety and reliability for its 2020 model, which will be available either as an all-new car or as upgrade kits for existing customers.

A new smaller front bumper, which provides increased stability, is among the key new elements that went into the 2020 Evo, which has seen more than 18,000 hours of calculations and CFD simulations, along with wind tunnel testing.

The revised nose design has allowed for the introduction of a pair of flicks to generate more downforce.

Aero developments have been made in other areas of the car, with larger vents near the rear wing and a tapered front section of the door.

The 488 GT3 Evo 2020 and 488 GTE Evo, meanwhile, now share the same wheelbase, in order to optimize tire wear and better facilitate conversions between the two platforms.

Other updates include optimized traction control and ABS systems along with a weight reduction that will allow for better placement of ballast.

No performance-related changes have been made to the car’ twin-turbo V8, although the 488 GT3 Evo does have a new engine management system to improve reliability and deliver more precise torque.

Among the changes in the cockpit include a new seat meeting the latest FIA safety regulations.

An endurance package has also been developed, featuring a front bumper with additional headlights, quick-fill couplings for engine oil and coolant, carbon fiber clutch, brake calipers adopted from the GTE and steel wheel nuts.

Optional features include coolant sensors and refueling completion with warning lights, and Le Mans-type, 4,500 lumen LED main headlights.

Pricing and availability for the 488 GT3 Evo 2020 have not yet been disclosed.

Ferrari becomes the second GT3 manufacturer to confirm an Evo kit for next year, following Mercedes-AMG, which has already given its 2020-spec car its race debut.

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John