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Maranello – The 488 Pista, which will be unveiled at the upcoming Geneva motor show, is the successor to Ferrari’s V8-engined special series - the 360 Challenge Stradale, 430 Scuderia and 458 Speciale.
The Ferrari 488 Pista marks a significant step forward from the previous special series in terms of both sporty dynamics and for the level of technological carry-over from racing. The name is, in fact, a direct homage to the firm's heritage in motor sports.
Weighs 1280kg
The car’s development evolved directly from the company’s involvement in the FIA World Endurance Championship.
Ferrari says the 488 Pista’s extensive weight saving solutions, along with engine, vehicle dynamics and aerodynamic developments all derive from Ferrari’s racing cars: the 488 GTE and the 488 Challenge.
Image: Newspress
Compared to the 488 GTB, the new model weighs an impressive 90 kg less (1280 kg dry) which, when combined with the largest ever increase in engine power for a special series car (+36kW), results in a new benchmark for Ferrari’s V8 sports cars.
It punches out 530kW with the highest specific output of in its class (136kW/l) and is now lighter too, thanks to solutions adopted from the 488 Challenge, including Inconel exhaust manifolds and lightweight crankshaft and flywheel, but also thanks to additional features, such as titanium con rods and carbon-fibre intake plenums.
Image: Newspress
Torque is higher than the 488 GTB at all engine speeds, delivering a feeling of consistently smooth, powerful acceleration with even faster turbo response times despite the increase in power.
The engine sound is unique and unmistakably Ferrari, as such a special car warrants. Both the sound quality and the intensity are higher than the 488 GTB in all gears and at all engine speeds in proportion with the progressive increase in power.
The 488 Pista makes full use of Ferrari’s motor-sports experience for maximum aerodynamic performance even on the road. 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 underbody vortex generators have also been redesigned, and the rear diffuser incorporates the same double kink as the 488 GTE to increase the air extraction and downforce generation compared to a traditional diffuser. In addition, the rear blown spoiler is higher and longer and the shape has been optimised. The final result of all these interventions is a 20% increase in downforce.
This was achieved by synergies between the development of the mechanical set-up and the electronic dynamic controls integrated into version 6 of the Side-Slip Angle Control system. SSC 6.0 incorporates all the following systems: E-Diff3, F1-Trac, the magnetorheological suspension (SCM) and, for the first time ever, the Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer.
Image: Newpress
The FDE features a world-first: it uses Ferrari software to adjust the brake pressure at the callipers. This additional level of control further fine-tunes the 488 Pista’s performance through, and powering out of, corners.
The suspension set-up is completed by new tyres developed specifically for the car by Michelin.
The racing livery colour scheme is an integral part of the design of the car and the way it dives into the S-Duct underscores the berlinetta’s compact yet imposing forms. Contrasting edging on the aerodynamic elements on the bumpers and flanks add structure to the design.
The car’s underlying sense of extreme purpose is also highlighted by the adoption for the first time on a Ferrari of optional new 20” carbon-fibre wheel rims, while other carbon-fibre parts include the engine cover, bumpers and rear spoiler.
