The 710bhp Ferrari 488 Pista is here to rule the track
Finally, after all of the leaks and teasers, the latest lightweight special from Maranello is unveiled......
If the very green new 911 GT3 RS is not for you when it comes to lightweight specials, then Ferrari offers another way with this, the all-new Ferrari 488 Pista.
It is the latest instalment in the Italian exotic carmakers ‘greatest hits’ following the likes of the 360 Challenge Stradale, 430 Scuderia (Scud for short) and the ultra appreciating 458 Speciale.
In case you’re confused about the name, Pista is Italian for track which is where this lightweight special will spend a lot of its time.
The 488 Pista is the first V8 lightweight special to receive forced induction. It takes the standard 488’s 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, swaps out a number of components for lightweight parts including titanium con rods, carbon-fibre intake plenums, Inconel exhaust manifolds and a lightweight crankshaft and flywheel resulting in a power figure of 710bhp. Or some 50bhp more than the standard car that ‘only’ produces 661bhp.
All of this engineering results in a staggering weight loss number with the 488 Pista dropping 90kg to tip the scales at 1,280kg dry.
Naturally, this makes it pretty fast as you'd expect. Ferrari claim a 0-62mph time of 2.85 seconds, 0-124mph in just 7.6 seconds and a top speed of over 211mph.
But with Ferrari being all very, well, Ferrari like about the Pista, these numbers don't tell the entire story. The new exhaust system should make for one hell of a soundtrack when at full chat. Adding to this is the aero updates which include a blown rear spoiler, front and rear diffusers designs borrowed from the 488 GTE racecar and redesigned underbody vortex generators which combine to generate a 20 percent increase in downforce.
This all adds to improved driving dynamics that were designed to “enhance driving pleasure and make the car’s full potential available to all drivers, professional or otherwise.”
A new part of these improved dynamics is the sixth-gen version of the Side-Slip Angle Control system which allows mere mortal drivers to become true sliding heroes. For the first time, this system uses software to adjust the pressure being applied at the brake calipers, allowing the driver to get on with the business of being ultra quick.
Like the ultra-fast Ferrari’s that came before it, the Pista has been restyled so that the world knows your driving something very special. The entire design looks hunkered and more aggressive styling wise, with the optional stripes being the biggest giveaway to the sheer fury that lurks beneath that pretty body.
Buyers can also spec 20-inch carbon wheels for the first time alongside those stripes, which we would expect most buyers to tick the box without question. On the inside, there is the usual lack of carpets and the welcome presence of six-point harnesses giving it that ‘ready to race’ look.
The Ferrari 488 Pista will make its official public bow at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show early next month.
So, do you want a 488 Pista or the new 911 GT3 RS? Let us know in the comments.
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Comments (1)
488 Pista for me. I am headed to the digital reveal for the 30 owners out of Houston, tonight. Representing Drivetribe! This is a very exclusive opportunity and I am super thrilled about this.