Geneva 2018: Ferrari 488 Pista Unveiled, 720 Horsepower, 20% More Downforce

Ferrari has just introduced their latest V8-engined special series, called the Ferrari 488 Pista.

The special V8 models, which focuses on serious track driving, began with the 360 Challenge Stradale in 2003 (which was also unveiled in Geneva), moving the 430 Scuderia and in 2014, the introduction of the 458 Speciale.

The Ferrari 488 Pista, which is developed from the 488 GTB mid-engine coupe, is a direct homage to their unparalleled heritage in motor sports. The word ‘pista’ also means track or circuit in Italian.

As with all special series models, the Ferrari 488 Pista’s performance development comes from participation in endurance racing with the 488 GTE and its own one-make race series, the 488 Challenge. Technology from Formula 1 racing also make it into every special series model. 

The V8 engine behind the driver still displaces 3.9 litres but delivers astounding performance figures. 720 horsepower and 770 Nm of torque makes it the most powerful V8 engine in Ferrari history. Acceleration from standstill to 100 km/h and 200 km/h are just as extraordinary, at 2.85 seconds and 7.6 seconds respectively.

The motorsport-derived engine in the Ferrari 488 Pista now includes new twin turbochargers with integrated rev sensors, larger intercoolers, Inconel exhaust manifold, engine internals, and carbon fibre intake plenum, all from the 488 Challenge race car. All in, over 50% of the components in the Ferrari 488 Pista's engine are new.         

Special series Ferrari models sound special and unmistakable, and with the new exhaust manifold and bypass design, the Ferrari 488 Pista delivers a more intense sound, and up to 8 dB louder than the Ferrari 488 GTB.

As with all special series Ferrari models, increased levels of downforce is next in the upgrade menu. The Ferrari 488 Pista has an Formula 1-inspired aerodynamic S-Duct which works together with a new front diffuser to create a strong suction for increased in downforce.

The airflow then moves underneath the car through various new vortex generators before being expelled out from a new double kink active rear diffuser. Together with a new dolphin-tail rear spoiler, the increase in downforce is 20% over the Ferrari 488 GTB.

The chassis setup meanwhile features the Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer (FDE). This world’s first vehicle dynamics system uses Ferrari software to lightly actuate the individual brake callipers through, and exiting corners. Combining FDE with Side-Slip Angle Control system version 6.0 (SSC 6.0) and a set of new bespoke Michelin Sport Cup 2 tyres makes the car handle even more effortless, intuitive and predictable.

The goal is to enable the driver to reach the car’s on-the-limit performance in an easier and more controllable manner.

The weight of the Ferrari 488 Pista is a massive 90 kg lighter through usage of carbon fibre on the engine cover, bumpers, and rear spoiler. The new special series car tips the scales at 1,280 kg, dry. (Kerb weight is 1,385 kg).

The car’s underlying sense of extreme purpose is also highlighted by the adoption, for the first time on a Ferrari, of optional 20-inch carbon-fibre wheels. The single-piece carbon-fibre wheel rim is around 40% lighter than in the Ferrari 488 GTB and features a special coating to dissipate heat generated under braking.

The Ferrari 488 Pista laps the company’s 3.0-kilometer Fiorano test circuit in 81.5 seconds, a massive 1.5 seconds quicker than the Ferrari 488 GTB, and 2 seconds quicker than the previous special series Ferrari 458 Speciale.    

The Ferrari 488 Pista features a tone-tone livery that runs the entire length of the car, starting at the front bumper, then diving into the S-Duct and ending at the dolphin-tail rear spoiler.

The interior has a distinctive racing feel, out goes the carpeting, replaced with patterned aluminium floor panels and fluidly sculptured door panels. No information on the production run, but expect the Ferrari 488 Pista to be a made in limited quantities, and majority already have customers tied to them. 

Details of the technical changes in animation can be found here.