Ferrari has a rich history of introducing numerous high-end sports car loaded with impressive technologies and sturdy powertrains. The special edition V8 powered sports cars including the 360 Challenge Stradale, 430 Scuderia, and the 458 Speciale have undoubtedly set some striking records in the supercar history-making Ferrari one of the leading brands in the automotive industry. The latest V8 mounted supercar in the lineup is the new 2019 Ferrari 488 Pista which the automaker claims is the “most-powerful road-going V8 in the Ferrari history”.
We got a chance to test drive this beast on the Fiorano Circuit and saying that it was an experience of a lifetime would not be an overstatement.
Exterior Design and Styling
Before taking out the Ferrari 488 Pista for a spin, we decided to first inspect it from all angles to savor the exquisite design. Up front, the 488 Pista boasts a carbon-fiber front bumper similar to the one found in the 488 Challenge race car.
Large openings can be noticed on the rear fenders typically for better inter-cooling. The phenomenal new carbon fiber wheels weigh forty percent less compared to the standard wheels found on the 488. A rear spoiler is also installed at the back which not only adds to the style improves the overall aerodynamic efficiency of the supercar.
Interior Impression
On the inside, the track-inspired cabin is remarkably beautiful featuring sport bucket seats with four-point belt giving you a feel of driving a true sports car. The steering wheel is made from carbon fiber and is wrapped in soft leather. The shift-paddles and other functions including headlight controls, turn signals are all placed ergonomically and within the driver’s reach.
The use of lightweight materials such as carbon fiber and aluminum on the inside tells that the automaker wanted to keep the weight of the car as low as possible. This is why there isn’t any infotainment system and the glove box has been removed as well.
Under the Hood
The 2019 Ferrari 488 Pista is powered by a twin-turbocharged 32-Valve 3.9-liter V8 engine which is located in the middle of the car. This powertrain delivers 710 horsepower (529.45 Kw) and 770 Nm of torque. Compared to the 488 GTB, the Pista boasts 50 percent lighter powertrain components which include a light-weight crankshaft, lighter titanium connecting rods and improved exhaust manifold and intake system. Ferrari claims that there is a total of 176-pound weight reduction compared to the GTB. This in-turn improves the Pista’s aerodynamic efficiency and performance.
Weight and Aerodynamics
The overall weight of the Ferrari 488 Pista is 1,280 Kg which makes it about 90 Kg lighter than the 488 GTB. The front and rear diffusers are new as well as the vortex generators for better aerodynamics. Ferrari claims that the Pista 488 has 20 percent better aerodynamic efficiency compared to the regular 488.
Driving and Performance
The track chosen for the test drive was Fiorano Circuit which is located in Fiorano Modenese, near the town of Maranello. It is definitely the perfect track to test drive the 488 Pista and experience its exhilarating performance first-hand. We started the supercar and quickly noticed that the engine automatically revs to 3000 rpm before taking off.The new Dynamic Enhancer (FDE) ensured that the grip around corners was swift while the outstanding Michelin Pilot Sports Cup 2 tires offered amazing road stability.
Moreover, the Pista is equipped with the latest Side-Slip angle control system which also includes F1-Trac traction control, E-Diff3 electronic differential, and magnetorheological suspension. Since the track was empty, we drove it on the “Race Mode”, however on regular streets, you’ll feel as if the acceleration in this mode is too brutal.
Thanks to the exceptional 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission system, we were able to accelerate the Pista 488 from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.85 seconds with a top speed of 340 km/h. Although the fuel efficiency is not considered in sports cars like these we still checked and noticed that it consumed an average of 11.5 liters per 100 kilometers.
Conclusion
Overall, we believe that the Ferrari 488 Pista is in fact very pricey but only once you have taken a test drive yourself, you will understand the true spirit of this supercar. It is definitely worth every penny if you are a real speed enthusiast.