Ferrari has taken the notion of a 'road-going racer' to the nth degree with their 458 Speciale replacement revealed overnight.
Officially showcased for the first time ahead of its public debut at the Geneva Motor Show, the new hardcore, track focused 488 Pista carries a new nameplate - translating directly to 'track' - and will be fitted with the most powerful V8 engine Ferrari has ever built.
Following in the footsteps of the 360 Challenge Stradale, 430 Scuderia and 458 Speciale, the V8 488 Pista's increased performance is thanks to the adoption of parts from Ferrari's factory-built 488 race cars competing in various championships around the globe.
Specifically, Ferrari say development of the 488 Pista 'evolved directly' from the company's GTE race car that competes in the World Endurance Championship - a global series where Ferrari has won five out of the last six Manufactures' titles with an impressive 29 out of 50 race wins.
The 3.9-litre V8 block and capacity remains unchanged from the Engine of the Year winning 488 GTB. But the 488 Pista will produce a lot more power thanks to new turbos, air intake design, Inconel exhaust manifold (corrosion resistant at high heat and pressure), titanium con rods, carbon-fibre intake plenums and lightweight crankshaft and flywheel - all of which come directly from Ferrari's 488 Challenge race car.
The result is the most powerful V8 in Ferrari history, producing 530kW of power at 8000rpm and 770Nm of torque, achievable at 3000rpm in 7th gear. The new power unit is claimed to propel the 488 Pista from 0-100km/h in 2.85 seconds - faster then the claimed acceleration of a LaFerrari - 0-200km/h in 7.6 seconds and a top speed of over 340km/h. Ferrari also say the engine sound is 'unique' with better 'higher intensity' than the 488 GTB.
The 488 Pista's motorsport influence is most obvious in the bodywork department. The front bumper and diffuser design was based on the 488 GTE race car with F1-inspired S-Ducts to create suction and increased downforce in the nose. The carbon-fibre floor - or 'unerbody vortex generators' as Ferrari calls it - and rear diffuser are also based on the 488 GTE.
In 488 Pista trim, the active rear wing is longer and higher. Ferrari say the net result of all the aero changes is a 20 per cent increase in downforce over the 488 GTB.
One of the Pista's biggest advancements over its predecessor is the electronics. The new model features Ferrari's latest systems and software making the 'limit easier to reach and control.'
The 488 Pista features version 6 of Ferrari's Side-Slip Angle Control System (think of it as drift control) incorporating the latest electronic differential, traction control and an all-new Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer - a world-first that uses software to adjust brake pressure at the calipers.
The interior has been striped of any unneeded weight and awash with carbon fibre trim pieces and alcantara bucket seats, with the switchgear found in much the same place as the 488 GTB. For those wanting more carbon, the optional extras list includes 20" carbon-fibre wheels, engine covers, bumpers and rear spoiler.
As standard, the 488 Pista weighs in at 1280kg dry, and will be fitted with specially developed Michelin rubber.
Pricing will be announced after the official release at Geneva Motor Show, but don't expect any local pricing until later in the year.
