Ferrari has officially unveiled their new 488 Pista at the Geneva Motor Show.
Its name is derived from the Italian word for racetrack, and points to how the car is expected to be used, and follows in the tyre tracks of cars such as the 360 Challenge Stradale, 430 Scuderia and 458 Speciale.
The 488 Pista’s 3.9-litre V8 engine is believed to generate around 530kw and 770nm, making it the most powerful V8 in Ferrari history. The bodywork’s revisions include using the front and rear diffusers from the 488 GTE racing car, there are lighter wheels and carbon-fibre has been used extensively throughout the car to help keep to weight to just under 1.3 tons (dry).
It’s incredibly quick too, running from 0-100kph in just 2.85 seconds, and from 0-200kph in a McLaren 720S beating 7.6 seconds, while its top speed exceeds 340kph. Among the host of electronics offered in the Ferrari 488 Pista, there is an electronic dynamic control with Side-Slip Angle Control system (SSC 6.0) that incorporates E-Diff3, F1-Trac, the magnetorheological suspension (SCM).
Also, the Ferrari 488 Pista comes equipped with Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer, a system that uses Ferrari software to adjust the brake pressure at the calipers. Among the racing solutions adopted is the front F1-inspired S-Duct and the design of the front diffusers which feature a ramp angle that was optimised for the 488 GTE to create strong suction for increased downforce. The rear diffuser incorporates the same double kink as the 488 GTE to increase the air extraction and downforce generation.
Also worth a look: the Ferrari F80: Where Retro Design Meets Futuristic Fury and the V6-powered Ferrari 296 GTB revealed.
FAQ
Q: What does the Ferrari 488 Pista cost in South Africa?
The Ferrari 488 Pista carries a hefty price tag of around R8.5 million in South Africa, making it one of the most expensive track-focused supercars you can buy locally.
Q: Is the Ferrari 488 Pista worth buying over other supercars?
The 488 Pista is absolutely worth it if you're serious about track performance and have deep pockets, as it delivers 530kW of pure Italian fury with genuine racing DNA from the 488 GTE.
Q: How fast is the Ferrari 488 Pista compared to its rivals?
The 488 Pista smashes 0-100kph in just 2.85 seconds and hits 0-200kph in 7.6 seconds, which actually beats the McLaren 720S and puts it amongst the quickest supercars on the planet.
Q: What makes the Ferrari 488 Pista different from a regular 488?
The 488 Pista uses actual racing components from Ferrari's 488 GTE race car, including the front and rear diffusers, plus extensive carbon fibre to shed weight down to just 1.3 tonnes dry.
Q: Should I buy a Ferrari 488 Pista as my first supercar?
Absolutely not, the 488 Pista is a hardcore track weapon with 530kW that demands serious driving skills and experience before you even think about unleashing its full potential.
Should You Buy It?
The Ferrari 488 Pista is a definite yes if you've got R8.5 million burning a hole in your pocket and live for track days. This isn't just another pretty supercar, it's Ferrari's most track-focused road car ever, packing genuine 488 GTE racing components and delivering mind-bending performance that'll leave McLaren 720S owners eating your dust. With 530kW from the most powerful V8 in Ferrari history, the 488 Pista represents the pinnacle of naturally aspirated, sorry, turbocharged track performance. However, if you're looking for a daily driver or your first supercar, steer clear, this beast demands respect and serious driving credentials to match its R8.5 million asking price.
