The Ferrari 488 Pista

Yesterday, we wrote about the Porsche 911 GT3 RS. Today, we have another ground-breaking model from the guys at Maranello, which will be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show next month.

Its name, Pista, means "track" and that’s what it is intended for. It is the successor to Ferrari’s V8-engined special series: the 360 Challenge Stradale, 430 Scuderia and 458 Speciale.

Ferrari had to outdo itself for this one, as the car was developed as a result of the company’s involvement in the FIA World Endurance Championship, in which it won the manufacturers title in the GTE class five times, in the six years since the series’ inception.

Pista has an overall weight of just 1,280kg. Its body incorporates more advanced aerodynamics, which includes new diffusers at the front and rear that increase downforce by 20 percent over the standard car.

The 3.9L twin-turbo engine produces 710hp (the most powerful V-8 in Ferrari history) and 0-100 km/h is done in an insane figure of 2.85 seconds. Top speed is 340 km/h and, with so much power, you don’t have to be a skilled Formula One driver to harness its potential.

The weight saving, aerodynamics and engine are derived from the 488 GTE and the 488 Challenge race cars. 

The 488 Pista has the latest version of Ferrari's Side-Slip Angle Control system, which synchronizes its multiple electronic brains that control traction, gearbox, engine, suspension, differential, and brakes. Ferrari calls it “Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer” which utilizes software to adjust brake pressure at the callipers.

Both the 488 Pista and the 911 GT3 RS will be on display at next month’s Geneva Motor Show. Which would be your choice?

Images – Ferrari.com