- Featuring the most powerful V8 engine in Ferrari history, putting out 720bhp and 770Nm of torque
- Aerodynamic efficiency improved by 20 per cent for the hard core Pista version
- Engine upgraded with a lighter crankshaft, flywheel and titanium con-rods
After its global debut at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, the new special series Ferrari 488 Pista Spider has made its European debut at the Paris Motor Show. The 50th drop-top model to be introduced by the Italian brand is also the most powerful series production spider in Ferrari’s history.
The 488 Pista Spider sports the most powerful V8 engine in Maranello history, putting out 720bhp and 770Nm of torque. Its 0-100kmph sprint time of 2.85 seconds and a lap time at Fiorano of just 1 minute 21 seconds is equally impressive. Meanwhile, weight was reduced by adopting evolved components such as Inconel exhaust manifolds, a lighter crankshaft and flywheel, and titanium con-rods, all using F1-derived technologies. In total, 18kg was slashed off the weight of the engine alone.
The already impressive aerodynamic efficiency of the 488 Spider has been improved by 20 per cent, with major benefits in terms of speed and lap times on medium-fast tracks as well as sheer fun behind the wheel. This improvement is due in great part to the radical choices made for the bodywork and underbody forms with the aim of increasing downforce without increasing the car’s drag coefficient.
There’s not much difference between the hardtop models and this convertible in terms of overall design and feature. To aid in weight loss, Ferrari has gotten rid of the door handles and has fitted patterned aluminium plates in place of floor mats. Prices have not been revealed but we can be sure that it going to be higher than the hardtop model and it’s almost certain that the first batch of cars have already been booked out.
