One of the most exclusive modern Ferrari
The Piloti iteration of the 488 Pista introduces an additional layer of exclusivity to one of Ferrari’s greatest-ever supercars.
The 458 Speciale
Following up on something as special as the 458 Speciale is no mean feat. Its 9000rpm naturally aspirated V8 is a work of art, and one of the most magnificent engines to emerge from Maranello. That powertrain combined with Ferrari’s knack for engineering sublimely handling cars meant it was 1.5 seconds faster around Fiorano than a 458 Italia and 0.5 seconds quicker than the 599 GTO.
The Pista's power
The 488 Pista – unveiled in 2018 – is the Speciale’s spiritual successor. The aforementioned barmy naturally aspirated V8 was out in favour of a slightly smaller V8 with a pair of turbochargers to give it more grunt. Naturally, the forced induction meant it sapped a little bit of character from the Pista compared to the Speciale. The new 3.9-litre F154 V8 more than made up for that with 711bhp and 568 lb-ft.
Ferrari managed to pull 90kg out of the standard 488 GTB, with just under 28kg of that from the engine and exhaust system, introducing exotic components like titanium con rods and an Inconel exhaust system.
The styling changes made the Pista look considerably more aggressive, however, most were made for function rather than form. The cooling ducts were moved up higher than the GTB in order to appease the demand for more air from the larger intercoolers. The S-duct at the front is not only a unique piece of F1-inspired design, but it takes air from the front of the car and channels it through the bodywork and onto the front axle. The result? More downforce and subsequently more grip. From front to back, S-duct to rear diffuser, you can see that everything has been purposefully sculpted to aid the Pista’s balance.
Track-focused
The 488 GTB isn’t exactly slow, but the Pista’s mechanical and aerodynamic changes meant it could hit 62mph from a standstill in a shade under 2.9 seconds, and then blast to 124mph in 7.6. The word ‘Pista’ translates to ‘track’, so it's no surprise that it’s not just for straight-line drag racing, it’s a precision tool built to dismantle any track it faces.
When tested at Ferrari’s Fiorano test track, the Pista managed to beat the standard GTB by a second and a half. What’s even more impressive is that it even managed to pip the LaFerrari by 0.3 seconds.
In June of 2018, a ‘Piloti’ version of the Pista was unveiled. This limited-run version would come from the Italian marque's Tailor Made programme and is designed to celebrate its racing clients as well as victory in the 2017 FIA World Endurance Championship. These cars would be made exclusively available to Ferrari’s motorsport customers, with each one numbered.
Colourways
Exterior changes included a livery with a set of Tricolore painted stripes down the front and sides, a WEC (World Endurance Championship) logo and a painted laurel displaying the 2017 WEC victory. Pilotis were only available in four colours - Blu Tour de France, Rosso Corsa, Nero Daytona and Argento Nürburgring.
On the inside, more Italian flag action can be found on the seat backrests and adorning the edge of the shift paddles. The rest of the interior is clad in either Alcantara or carbon fibre to really reinforce the car’s motorsport vibe. The number on the car's exterior is displayed at the base of the steering wheel and you’ll also find an identification plaque on the dashboard and an exclusive Tailor Made door sill trim.
The Pista, with its award-winning engine and blistering quick pace, is certainly one of Maranello’s finest moments. These Piloti versions just add to the exclusivity and, somehow, give it that extra drop of desirability.
View our full range of rare and unique supercars.