Ferrari 488’s Bigger Mid-Engine Hybrid Brother Caught On Track For The First Time?

Ferrari has been working on a brand new supercar with a mid-engine layout that will be positioned above the 488 GTB in its range.

Our dear reader Mahmud sent us a set of spy shots that first appeared on Instagram, showing Ferrari testing a heavily covered test mule on the Fiorano track. The car was initially thought that it was the replacement of the 488, but an unnamed Ferrari insider confirmed that this is the company’s new mid-engine model on a Ferrarichat post.

Last September, Ferrari announced that its future lineup will include a “two tier mid-rear engine product range”, so this could be our very first look at the brand new hybrid Ferrari model.

The test car was spotted on October 18 at the Fiorano track and according to the insider, it wears the finished production bodywork under the covers. Ferrari has also reportedly finished work on the interior too, which means that a reveal is imminent in the next few months.

At this point, we still don’t know what kind of powertrain the new mid-engine Ferrari will use; some rumors say that it will employ a hybrid twin-turbo V8, which sounds plausible since the 488 replacement is also reportedly going to get a hybrid V6. However, nothing is certain at this point.

Ferrari has confirmed it’s working on a new V6 engine family, as well as “Turbo Hybrid” powertrains that will offer 394+ hp (294 kW / 400 PS) per liter and zero turbo lag.

Next-gen Ferraris will come with an overhauled interior too, as their cabin will feature an innovative instrument cluster and a head-up display, a new steering wheel and a cutting-edge infotainment system. The Italian supercar maker wants drivers to keep “eyes on the road, hands on the steering wheel”.

The 488’s hybrid big brother could be revealed before next year’s Geneva Motor Show, so stay tuned for more information.