Ferrari has finally whipped the covers off its new 488 Pista, the latest in the Maranello-based automaker’s line of V8-engined special series models.
Ferrari says its new 488 Pista (set to make its public debut at the Geneva International Motor Show in March) marks a “significant step forward” from the previous special series in terms of both dynamics and “level of technological carry-over from racing”.
Indeed, the Italian brand says the 488 Pista’s “extensive weight saving solutions”, along its uprated engine and aerodynamic developments, all derive from its 488 GTE and 488 Challenge racing cars. The result, it says, is “impeccable track-like performance on and off the road, even when in the hands of non-professional drivers”.
At 1280 kg dry, the new model weighs some 90 kg less than the 488 GTB. And the brand says the Pista benefits from the “largest ever increase in engine power” for a special series car.
That makes the Pista’s powerplant the most powerful V8 in Ferrari history. How powerful? Well, the 3,9-litre eight-cylinder now churns out 530 kW and 770 N.m, resulting in a top speed of 340 km/h and a claimed 0-100 km/h sprint time of just 2,85 seconds (and a 0-200 km/h dash in a mere 7,6 seconds). In addition, Ferrari says the intensity of the engine sound is higher than that of the 488 GTB “in all gears and at all engine speeds”.
Aerodynamic tweaks include the addition of an “F1-inspired” s-duct up front, along with the new front diffusers, which make for increased downforce, plus a higher and longer rear spoiler. The result, says Ferrari, is a 20% increase in downforce compared with the 488 GTB.
Ferrari says other updates, such as further development of the mechanical set-up and the electronic dynamic controls integrated into version 6 of the so-called “Side-Slip Angle Control” system, make the car’s full potential available to “all drivers, professional or otherwise”. In addition, the brand has introduced new software to adjust the brake pressure at the calipers.
