Hasta la Pista, baby - new Ferrari 488 Pista on way | New Release - Car News Feb 2018

16:17 Thursday 22 Feb 2018

Ferrari have released the first images of a new model they will be unveiling at next month’s Geneva Motor Show.

Designed as the replacement for Ferrari’s V8-engined special series, the 488 Pista has been developed using knowledge gleaned from the company’s successful involvement in the FIA World Endurance Championship. This includes weight saving solutions, along with engine, vehicle dynamics and aerodynamic developments designed to offer track-like performance on the road.

The Ferrari 488 Pista weighs 90kg less than the 488 GTB, but is almost 50bhp more powerful. In total, the V8 engine produces 710bhp, despite weight savings gained by including Inconel exhaust manifolds, lightweight crankshaft and flywheel, titanium con rods, and carbon-fibre intake plenums. Air flow has been maximised by moving the intake line from the flanks to the rear spoiler area.

Other race-derived features include an F1-inspired front S-Duct, and the design of the front diffusers which features a ramp angle optimised for the 488 GTE. Underbody vortex generators have also been redesigned, while the rear diffuser incorporates a 488 GTE-esque double kink to increase air extraction and downforce generation. The rear blown spoiler is higher and longer, and the shape has been optimised to achieve a 20% increase in downforce.

Technology includes the sixth-generation Side-Slip Angle Control system, which for the first time includes the Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer which uses software to adjust the brake pressure at the callipers. This provides an additional level of control and further fine-tunes the 488 Pista’s driving performance going through, and powering out of, corners. New tyres have been developed specifically for the 488 Pista by Michelin.

The look is completed by a racing livery colour scheme.

The Ferrari 488 Pista will make its public bow at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show.