THE Prancing Horse is in under starter's orders to leave its rivals standing.

Some 40 years after delivering its first mid-rear-engined V8 model - the 308 GTB - Ferrari is opening a new chapter in track-level performance for the road.

It comes in the shape of the new 488 GTB, replacement for the 488 Italia and boasting a 3,902cc turbocharged V8 powerplant.

The figures are immense - power increased to 660bhp, a 0-62 acceleration time of a mere 3.0 seconds, 0-124 in 8.3 seconds and a potential top speed of 208mph.

Transmission comes via the Italian manufacturer's eight-speed twin clutch gearbox with paddle shifts and features Variable Torque Management which unleashes a smooth delivery of torque through the rev range.

Specific gear ratios ensure progressive acceleration when the driver floors the throttle, to be rewarded by a new, distinctive soundtrack.

And in addition to having 50 per cent more downforce than the previous model, the 488 also gets an evolved version of Ferrari's Side Slip Control 2 set-up, to improve acceleration out of corners, and active dampers.

The car is due to make its public debut at next month's Geneva Motor Show.