Ferrari 488 Pista 2018 review
- 6 years ago
Ferrari 488 Pista 2018 review
To that end, the output from the 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8 has risen to 710bhp and 770Nm of torque, numbers to sufficiently quicken my pulse and cause clammy palms as I stand waiting in the paddock at Ferrari’s Fiorano test track, waiting to sample the car for the first time. The increase in those numbers results in a faster 0-62mph time of just “2.85 seconds” while top speed now exceeds 211mph, according to Ferrari.
This is so much more than a numbers exercise though, as the engineering that’s gone in to achieving this performance leap is simply astonishing. The engine features lightweight titanium connecting rods for the pistons, hollow inlet valves, a lighter flywheel and crankshaft, carbon fibre intakes, updated twin scroll turbos with turbines made of a titanium/aluminium alloy and a revised radiator layout to improve cooling – in fact, 50 per cent of the motor’s components are new compared with the 488 GTB.
The Pista is also 90kg lighter, thanks to a new Inconel exhaust (9.7kg on its own) and extensive use of carbon fibre – including the new optional 20-inch wheel rims – which means it weighs in at just 1,385kg.
With new super sticky Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres, the results are incredible, and the Pista will force you to revaluate your perception of what’s possible, challenging your commitment but flattering you when you summon that courage.
Part of that is to do with a new development called Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer. This works with an evolution of the firm’s Slide Slip Control, and is fully integrated with the brakes and the rest of the myriad sensors to give the car an even more playful side. Put simply, the principal is to smooth out the transition between a slide beginning and developing, allowing the car to work with you to balance it. With the CT Off mode dialled up on the steering wheel-mounted manettino (there’s also Wet, Sport, Race and ESC Off to choose from) it works beautifully.
To that end, the output from the 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8 has risen to 710bhp and 770Nm of torque, numbers to sufficiently quicken my pulse and cause clammy palms as I stand waiting in the paddock at Ferrari’s Fiorano test track, waiting to sample the car for the first time. The increase in those numbers results in a faster 0-62mph time of just “2.85 seconds” while top speed now exceeds 211mph, according to Ferrari.
This is so much more than a numbers exercise though, as the engineering that’s gone in to achieving this performance leap is simply astonishing. The engine features lightweight titanium connecting rods for the pistons, hollow inlet valves, a lighter flywheel and crankshaft, carbon fibre intakes, updated twin scroll turbos with turbines made of a titanium/aluminium alloy and a revised radiator layout to improve cooling – in fact, 50 per cent of the motor’s components are new compared with the 488 GTB.
The Pista is also 90kg lighter, thanks to a new Inconel exhaust (9.7kg on its own) and extensive use of carbon fibre – including the new optional 20-inch wheel rims – which means it weighs in at just 1,385kg.
With new super sticky Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres, the results are incredible, and the Pista will force you to revaluate your perception of what’s possible, challenging your commitment but flattering you when you summon that courage.
Part of that is to do with a new development called Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer. This works with an evolution of the firm’s Slide Slip Control, and is fully integrated with the brakes and the rest of the myriad sensors to give the car an even more playful side. Put simply, the principal is to smooth out the transition between a slide beginning and developing, allowing the car to work with you to balance it. With the CT Off mode dialled up on the steering wheel-mounted manettino (there’s also Wet, Sport, Race and ESC Off to choose from) it works beautifully.