Meet the Ferrari 488 Pista, the latest red speedster by Ferrari. Prepare to be amazed – we are impressed!
Ferrari has injected an ample dose of wow factor in the Pista, the ultimate version of mid-engined Ferrari V8 lightweights. A direct homage to Ferrari’s contribution to motorsports, the Pista – "Track" in Italian – inherits its sporty dynamics and impeccable technology directly from the race track. The refined engine, vehicle dynamics, weight-saving solutions and aerodynamics of the Ferrari 488 Pista offer impeccable track-like performance, on and off the road.
‘Design-wise, the 488 Pista bridges the gap between the road-going 488 GTB and the race-spec GTE and Challenge models.’— Top Speed
The lighter weight, more powerful version of the already fantastic 488 GTB was just unveiled at the 88th Geneva Motor Show. All the cars in the Ferrari special series – including the 348 GT Competizione, 355 Challenge, 360 Challenge Stradale, 430 Scuderia and 458 Speciale – have received exceptional reviews for their pristine handling and performance, yet (on paper) the Ferrari 488 Pista tops them all. Considering Ferrari's limited edition availability and the high demand for such hot property, we wouldn't be surprised if the Pista sold out before production.
Engine
The Pista engine inherits its tech from the 488 GTB roadster and the 488 Challenge GTE racer. It is now the most powerful V8 in Ferrari history. Its twin turbo is an advanced evolution of the turbo that won the 2016 and 2017 International Engine of the Year awards. Refined features include the exhaust manifolds, intake plenums, connecting rods, crankshaft and flywheel to contribute to a 50-horsepower increase over the standard GTB.
Design
The Ferrari 488 Pista is the result of Ferrari’s experience in motor-sports, with maximum aerodynamic performance even on the road. Various optimisations in the body structure and materials result in a 20-percent overall downforce increase compared to the 488 GTB. For the Ferrari 488 Pista, Ferrari designers used innovative elements to focus on functional aerodynamic concepts. These include an F1-inspired aerodynamic short-nosed front S-Duct and an elevated dolphin-tail rear spoiler that makes the car look more aggressive. Furthermore, contrasting edging on the bumpers and flanks continue to create lightness and efficiency that are unmistakably driven by power.
Exterior
The sexy, sporty and evening menacing form of the new 488 Pista is the result of radical aerodynamics. These include an F1-inspired nose and bumper, redesigned spoiler and diffusers and extra beef on the sides, all dolled up with race-inspired livery.
Interior
If the exterior has had a make-over, the interior is no less impressive. Race-inspired, it features an all-black interior with red accents. Couple this with an innovative carbon-fibre centre console and custom instrument cluster to place the 488 Pista ahead of all its predecessors.
Lighter and more powerful
At 1280 kg, the Pista weighs a full 90 kg less than the previous 488 GTB model. With an additional 50cv in the most powerful V8 made in Ferrari history, the Pista also sees the largest ever increase in engine power for a special series car. Combine these two factors and the Pista finds itself in a special class within the Ferrari range.
Performance
Following the muffled engine sound in the 488GTB, the Pista brings back the drama that typically comes with Ferrari. It looks and sounds unmistakably Ferrari, but let's just say it's that much more refined, that little bit smarter, that little bit more agile and a lot more alluring.
Ferrari 488 Pista specs
What to expect? The coupé sports exquisite contours that only Ferrari could dream of. Furthermore, on paper, the Pista looks like it could be one of Ferrari's best.
- Engine: 3902 cc twin-turbo V8
- Power: 710 bhp @ 8000 rpm
- Torque: 770 Nm @ 3000 rpm in 7th gear
- Fuel type: 98 octane petrol
- Transmission type: seven-speed dual-clutch
- 0-62 mph: 2.85 sec
- 0-124 mph: 7.6 sec
- Top speed: 211 mph (340 km/h)
- Length: 4605 mm
- Width: 1975 mm
- Height: 1206 mm
- Dry weight: 1280 kg