The upcoming Ferrari 488 Pista will be unveiled at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show. Succeeding the acclaimed Ferrari’s V8-engined special series (the 360 Challenge Stradale, 430 Scuderia and the 458 Speciale) the 488 Pista marks a step forward for the brand. The new car’s powerful dynamics and state-of-the-art racing technology is an homage to Ferrari’s heritage in motor sports. Developed because of the luxury company’s involvement in the FIA World Endurance Championship, Ferrari has won five Manufacturer’s titles in the GTE class since the series’ inception six years ago, winning 29 out of 50 races.
The Ferrari 488 Pista has an uncompromising mission to offer top track performance on and off the road, regardless in the hands of a professional or non-professional driver. The brand has pushed the limits, incorporating new weight saving solutions in the Pista’s engine, vehicle dynamics and aerodynamic developments. When compared to the previous 488 GTB, the new model weighs an impressive 90 kg less (1280 kg dry). It also features +50cv engine power, the largest ever increase for a special series car. It is considered to be the most powerful V8 engine in the history of Ferrari. Torque has also been improved at all engine speeds. The Ferrari 488 delivers a consistently smooth ride even during acceleration or increase in power. The unique sounding engine is unmistakably that of a Ferrari’s, but has more quality and intensity then that of a 488 GTB.
Creators of the car have maximized their knowledge in Ferrari’s motor-sports history when designing the new car, assuring supreme aerodynamic performance even on the road. The front F1-inspired S-Duct and the design of the front diffusers (featuring a ramp angle optimized for the 488 GTE) has been adopted for the vehicle. The underbody vortex generators were also redesigned, as were the rear diffuser which incorporates the same double kink as the 488 GTE (which increased air extraction and downforce generation compared to traditional diffusers). The rear blow spoiler is also higher and longer.
All of the vehicle dynamics were tested and designed to assure and enhance driving pleasure for all drivers. This was achieved through the synergy of the following systems: E-Diff3, F1-Trac, the magnetorheological suspension (SCM) and the new Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer (FDE). The new FDE feature uses Ferrari software to adjust brake pressure at the calipers. This innovative new addition allows further control of the Ferrari 488 Pista’s effortless performance. It gives the car extra confidence that allows the driver easier control on yaw angles, even at limit, resulting to the ideal combination of genuinely extreme performance with driving thrills.
The car features a completely new suspension set-up and new tires specially developed by Michelin. They also adopted the first optional 20” carbon-fibre wheel rims. Other carbon-fibre parts of the vehicle include the engine cover, bumpers, and the rear spoiler. The Ferrari 488 Pista’s exterior and interior design focuses primarily on functional aerodynamic concepts. The cockpit is kept sporty in feel. Innovative concepts such as the aerodynamic S-Duct at the front, creates an original floating wing effect and visually shortens the car’s nose. It’s lovely racing red color scheme is an integral part of the car’s design, giving it a masculine, sporty feel that any driver would be proud of be seen in.
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By Chino R. Hernandez
