With a name that translates from Italian as ‘track’, the Pista is a lighter and more powerful version of the 488 GTB supercar, using more race-derived technology than ever. It follows a long tradition of cars such as the 360 Challenge Stradale, 430 Scuderia and 458 Speciale.
The highlight is the engine – the 3.9-litre twin-turbocharged V8 won Engine of the Year in 2016 and 2017, and has been given an ‘extreme evolution’ to become the most powerful V8 Ferrari has ever built.
Power is up 49 bhp compared with the standard 488 GTB to 711 bhp, while torque is 770 Nm. The result is a 0–60 mph time of about 2.7 seconds, putting it on a par with the brand’s ultimate LaFerrari model.
A dedication to saving weight is apparent throughout, with the Pista coming in at 1,280 kg – 90 kg lighter than the 488 GTB. The engine itself has been on a diet, thanks to the use of a light exhaust manifold, crankshaft and flywheel.
Elsewhere, weight-saving measures include a carbon-fibre engine cover, bumpers and rear spoiler, and for the first time on a Ferrari, optional 20-inch carbon-fibre wheel rims.
The Italian supercar maker points to the use of technology derived from its World Endurance Championship and Ferrari Challenge race cars in all areas of the Pista, but it’s most apparent with the extensive aerodynamic enhancements designed to use the flow of air over the car to push it into the ground and increase grip.
There’s an F1-style ‘S duct’, which channels air from the front of the car more efficiently to the back, underbody vortex generators, which have been redesigned to clean up the airflow beneath the car, and the rear spoiler, which is higher, longer and ‘shape-optimised’. Meanwhile, the front and rear diffusers have been borrowed from the GTE racer.
The result is an increase in downforce of 20 per cent compared with the 488 GTB.
The Ferrari 488 Pista will make its public debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month.
Pricing hasn’t been revealed, but expect it to start well in excess of the 488 GTB’s £184,000 entry price.
