2019 Ferrari 488 Pista Coupe

2019 Ferrari 488 Pista Coupe

Introduced to the motoring public at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, the Ferrari 488 GTB was an extensively revised and re-engined development of the preceding 458. The open Spider version first arrived later in the year, making its debut at the Frankfurt Show in September. The 488 is historically significant as Ferrari's first turbocharged mid-engined model since the iconic F40, being powered by a blown 3.9-liter V8. Reviving nomenclature from its past V12s, Ferrari took the car's name from the volume of an individual cylinder: 488cc. With 661bhp on tap, this mighty power unit has a specific power output of 163bhp and 144lb/ft per liter, setting new records for a Ferrari road car.

"Two things impress about the 488 GTB's performance: both its ferocity and the nature of its delivery," declared Autocar. "To get a turbocharged 3.9-litre engine to go fast is one thing, and it's a task at which Ferrari has duly succeeded. But Ferrari's greater achievement is to make the 488 GTB the finest turbocharged petrol engine in production." Autocar discovered that, despite being electronically restrained in the lower gears, "the 488 will go from 30-50mph in fifth in 2.2sec, which is precisely the same time as it takes to go from 100-120mph. Its urge is that broad". Ferrari claimed a top speed of 205mph for the 488 GTB and 202mph for the 488 Spider.

Although its aluminum monocoque underpinnings were similar to those of the 458, the 488's new bodywork was radically changed, generating 50% more speed-generated downforce yet with decreased drag, much of this improvement being achieved by under-body developments. Ferrari also claimed faster gear changes and improved adaptive suspension.

The 488 Pista was ultimate evolution of the model. More aggressive aero, such as a rear diffuser and front flaps, as well as extensive use of carbon fiber for the aforementioned bits as well as the doors, fore and aft facia, and more gave the car an aggressive look. The carbon fiber and removal of sound deadening material shaved nearly 200 pounds from the 488 GTB while making for a more visceral experience. An extra 40bhp from a totally reworked engine that shared only about half of its parts with the GTB meant the Pista could hit 60mph in 2.7 seconds. 100mph arrives in the time it takes you to get to the end of this sentence. Carbon ceramic brakes the size of pizzas help keep speed in check, while the F1-style steering wheel features all the controls necessary to live out your Michael Schumacher dreams.

Descriptions & pictures by bonhams & wikipedia