[10] Improved carbon-ceramic brakes are used on the 488, derived from technology used in the LaFerrari, constructed with new materials that reduce the time needed to achieve optimum operating temperature.

[13] The increased size of the diffuser over the previous 458 requires the twin exhausts of the 488 to be positioned higher in the rear bumper for clearance.

[13] Even the door handles—dubbed "shark fins"—are shaped in a way which improves airflow by cleaning and funneling air into the large intakes above the rear wheels.

Ferrari released pictures of the 488 Spider at the end of July 2015,[17] and the car debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2015.

Air passes through the ducts in the front bumper and which direct it through a large vent in the hood, which creates more downforce over the nose at high-speeds.

Helping boost performance further, the air intake tunnels have been moved from the flanks to the rear spoiler to optimize clean airflow.

The car also incorporates a Side-slip Angle Control system having an E-Diff3, F-Trac and magnetorheological suspension to improve handling at high speeds.

Overall, the car is 200 lb (91 kg) lighter than the 488 GTB due to the use of carbon fibre on the hood, bumpers, and rear spoiler.

The special edition has been developed by the Ferrari Tailor-Made department, the division which is entrusted with all the customisations ordered by the customers, starting from the internal fabrics up to the colours and finishes.

The exterior has a new livery with stripes in the colours of the Italian flag, reminiscent of the race-winning 488 GTE and the word "PRO" indicating the racing class.

The Italian flag colours are also present along the bottom of the doors which are also adorned with the personal race number of the client's preference.

Also part of this personalisation project is the matte black S-Duct and the natural carbon fibre "dovetail" suspended rear wing and vent surrounds.

On the interior, Alcantara has been used throughout in order to give the driver the feel of a race car, with a special technique applied to upholster the sports seats in the same perforated material.

The colours available for the bodywork include Corsa red, Tour De France blue, Daytona black and Nurburgring silver.

It was designed by Ferrari Styling Centre under Flavio Manzoni and created by Maranello's Special Projects department.

It uses a two piece targa top made of carbon fiber which can be stowed behind the seats in place of the 488's folding hardtop.

The design work was done by the Ferrari Styling Centre under Flavio Manzoni with input from the customer and the car took 18 months to complete.

The car features a narrow set of headlamps with the day time running lights integrated into the newly designed front bumper.

The large standard air-intakes of the 488 have been replaced by two small air intakes located near to the rear side windows and look integrated into the body.

The 488 GTE in 2017 took to the track with the first race of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship in the 2017 24 Hours of Daytona, where the car finished third place in the GTLM class, run by Risi Competizione.

In the same year, the 488 GTE won both FIA World Endurance Championship manufacturers and drivers title ran by AF Corse, and finished third place also in 2017 12 Hours of Sebring and the 2017 Petit le Mans, run by Risi Competizione.

[44] The cars won also the GTLM class at 2019 Petit Le Mans and scored a second-place finish at the 2019 24 Hours of Daytona ran by Risi Competizione.

Italian Andrea Montermini and Danish driver Benny Simonsen shared the car for Australian team Vicious Rumour Racing.

In 2020, Ferrari announced an updated 488 GT3 EVO 2020 with improved front in aerodynamics, vehicle control and ergonomics with new lighter seat developed with Sabelt.

[47] In 2021, the Ferrari 488 GT3 Evo won the 2021 24 Hours of Spa in PRO Class category, run by Iron Lynx Motorsports team.