Ferrari 488 Pista Is Here To Take The 720S’s Crown

After a leak which uncovered Ferrari’s most eagerly-anticipated model a little early, the Italian marque has just debuted the hardcore Ferrari 488 Pista online.

Previously known as the 488 GTO, the Pista follows in the footsteps of the Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale, 430 Scuderia, and 458 Speciale. It promises to turn the already formidable 488 into the best vehicle in its class and snatch the performance crown away from the McLaren 720S.

Sitting at the heart of the 488 Pista is a modified 3.9-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine that pumps out 711 hp, making it the most powerful V8 in Ferrari history. Torque now sits at 568 lb-ft, 7 lb-ft more than the standard 488.

The results of these figures are some pretty exciting performance figures. The run from 0-62 mph (100 km/h) can be achieved in as little as 2.85 seconds while the run from 0-124 mph (200 km/h) takes a mere 7.6 seconds. That second figure is precisely 0.2 seconds quicker than the McLaren 720S. The Pista’s top speed exceeds 211 mph (340 km/h). Weight is also down by 90 kg to just 1280 kg dry.

Ferrari claims that it has used invaluable knowledge gained from the FIA World Endurance Championship and the one-make Ferrari Challenge series in further overhauling the mid-engine supercar. For example, a host of aerodynamic changes have been made to increase downforce by 20 per cent over the 488. Key components including a rear blown spoiler, F1-inspired S-duct, modified front air intakes, and a bold rear diffuser. These parts also make the 488 Pista look particularly sinister.

Beneath the bodywork, the 488 Pista is loaded with all the latest and greatest driving technology from the marque. Side-Slip Angle Control 6 now comes standard alongside E-Diff3, F1-Trac, magnetorheological suspension, and the Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer. This is the first application of FDE, a system which automatically adjusts brake pressure on the calipers.

We’ll bring you live photos of the 488 Pista from Ferrari’s stand at the Geneva Motor Show on March 6.