Go-faster model of 488 GTB is claimed to be just as quick as the LaFerrari from 0-100kph.
So it’s called the Pista, right?
Yes it is, as Ferrari has confirmed this week. The 488 Pista you see here in official pictures will make its world debut in Geneva next month and will not bear the GTO suffix, as widely speculated on the web recently.
The 488 Pista is essentially a lighter, racier and pokier model of the 488 GTB and has been designed to supersede the 458 Speciale. It’s suitable for both the road and track.
Earlier go-faster models in the brand’s mid-engined V8 supercar lineage include the 430 Scuderia and 360 Challenge Stradale of recent times.
Key rivals for the 488 Pista consist of the Lamborghini Huracan Performante and Porsche 911 GT2 RS.
Is it faster than both of them?
Erm, make it like this. Thanks to some new engine parts, outputs from the 488 GTB’s 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8 swell from 670hp to 720hp and 760Nm to 770Nm.
Additionally, more use of lightweight materials make the 488 Pista 90kg lighter, at 1,280kg. The engine cover, bumpers and rear spoiler are made from carbonfibre.
As a result, Ferrari says the 488 Pista sprints from 0-100kph in 2.85sec (allegedly the same time required for the LaFerrari). Makers normally don’t provide figures in hundredths of a second.
This time around, however, it might be essential because the 640hp Performante and 700hp GT2 RS have an identical quoted time of 2.9sec. If you like rounding off numbers, you could arguably say this Fezza is just as fast as both those rivals from 0-100kph.
But if you take the 0-200kph acceleration test into consideration, the 488 Pista's record of 7.6sec is quicker than the GT2 RS' 8.3sec and Performante's 8.9sec records.
Like its competitors, the 488 Pista is equipped with seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. And while the Lambo has all-wheel-drive for increased driving security, the Porsche and Fezza purely drive their rear wheels.
Are there any new aero tricks?
Ferrari says there have been lessons learned from its 488 Challenge track car. Apart from technical improvements applied to the award-winning V8 motor, updated aerodynamics have increased downforce by 20%.
Ferrari continues that, despite the small increase in torque, the 488 Pista feels punchier at all times than the donor car. As well, the V8 is said to more sonorous.
With an expected Thai price tag of 30 million baht, the 488 Pista will be slightly dearer than the Performante but just as costly as the GT2 RS.
