The latest special version of Ferrari’s mid-engined supercar promises to improve on the incredible 488 GTB making it sharper, more thrilling to drive and, of course, faster.
The new 488 Pista, which means ‘track’ in Italian, gets a revised twin-turbo 3.9-liter V8 that makes 50hp more than the standard GTB.
In total, the new Pista offers 711hp (720PS) and 568 lb-ft (770Nm) of peak torque, for a 0-62mph (100km/h) acceleration in 2.85 seconds, a 0-124mph (200km/h) in 7.6 seconds and a top speed of over 211mph (340km/h).
The turbocharged V8 now features specific valves and springs, a new cam profile, strengthened pistons and cylinder heads, shorter inlet ducts, differently mounted radiators that take advantage of the new aero, a larger intercooler and more. It’s basically the engine from the 488 Challenge race car with the necessary changes to make it street legal.
Combine that with new bodywork that now produces 20 percent more downforce and comes with some really eye-catching features, such as the S-duct at the front, the larger rear wing and side air ducts and the more prominent rear diffuser. Ferrari says that curb weight can be as little as 1385kg (3053lbs), or 90kg (198lbs) less than the standard 488 GTB, if you tick the right options that include a set of carbon-fiber wheels.
Despite the race engine and the cutting-edge aero agenda, the company reckons that the 488 Pista is as easy to drive fast as the model it’s based on thanks to its industry-leading electronic systems that are there to help the person behind the wheel go faster.
Does this mean that the new Ferrari 488 Pista will go down as one of the all-time greats? Only time will tell – but until then, let’s see what Autocar has to say on the video that follows.