The new Ferrari 488 Pista, the
most track-capable version of the Italian mid-engine supercar is
displayed at the Geneva Motor Show for the first time.
Compared to the regular
Ferrari 488 GTB, the new 488 Pista is 90 kg lighter at 1280 kg dry, features a
20 percent improved aerodynamic efficiency and makes 49 hp more from its
twin-turbo V8 that now produces 711 hp. Ferrari
claims a 0-100 km/h in 2.85 seconds, 0-200 km/h in 7.6 seconds
and a top speed of over 340 km/h.
Ferrari has opted to call the new special series
sports car “Pista”, which is Italian for ‘track’, joining a celebrated lineup
of hardcore models that includes the Challenge Stradale, the 430 Scuderia and
the 458 Speciale.
The whole bodywork has been reshaped, with the
designers using innovations such as the S-Duct at the front and the unique
edges of the front bumper and side sills that guide the air flow in
-apparently- all the right places.
The 3.9-liter V8 engine is essentially the same unit
found in the Challenge race car and features specific valves and springs, a new
cam profile, strengthened pistons and cylinder heads shorter inlet ducts,
radiators with an inverted rake, a larger intercooler and more. It’s also 18kg
lighter than the standard engine.
The new 488
Pista can be fitted with a set of optional single-piece carbon-fiber wheels
that are around 40 percent lighter than the GTB’s standard rims. A new
generation of Ferrari’s Side Slip Control System is also present (SSC 6.0)
because who doesn’t like to slide around a Ferrari with some help from the gods
of Maranello.
The new Ferrari 488 Pista will be offered along the
regular 488 GTB until it goes off production, something that will definitely
bum out the car flippers out there.
