Ferrari’s new Special Series model, the Ferrari 488 Pista Spider is the 50th drop-top model from the Maranello marque which has been unrevealed at the world-famous Concours d’Elegance at Pebble Beach in California.
This new Italian supercar sets a new standard for Ferrari for spider performance motorcars with an unparalleled weight-power ratio of 1.92 kg/cv. This was made possible by applying the most capable V8 engine from Ferrari ever, which was recently named Best Engine in the world at the 2018 International Engine of the Year Awards for the third year running. The 3902cc twin-turbo V8 discharges 720 cv and combines power with rising torque at all engine speeds for endless and ceaseless acceleration. The unique engine growl is now even more engaging all thanks to the open-top composition.
The Ferrari 488 Pista Spider embodies the characteristic advancement of the definitive design of the coupé version. Ferrari designers’ main task was to maintain undisturbed the perfect mix of aerodynamic efficiency, pureness of form and racing essence.
This image is accentuated by the distinctive central livery which probes the whole length of the car, expanding towards the rear where it comes to rest at the rear of the back wing next to the spoiler. This ceaseless enlargement of the stripe brings to mind the movement of the airflow and dignifies the lines of the car.
The ideology that imposed an uncompromising selection of materials for the bodywork is also mirrored in the interior, with weight being conserved by using lightweight, pared-back components. As well as the considerable use of carbon-fibre and Alcantara® throughout this supercar, the carpets have been replaced by patterned aluminium foot plates and the driver’s-side door handle is now a simple strap.
Ferrari master engineering and the the Ferrari 488 Pista Spider is no exception to the rule! It is directly inspired from the 488 Pista which encompasses all the racing experience collected on world’s circuits with the 488 Challenge and the 488 GTE. As a consequence, the new Spider offers the highest level of technological yet transferred from the track to a road-legal convertible super car.
The car’s dynamics revised for this Special Series 8-cylinder convertible bring a smooth collaboration of razor-sharp acceleration, braking efficiency, super-fast gear shifting, precision steering, grip, stability and superb handling to bring a completely enthralling and unrivalled driving experience. This was all thanks partly to the new lateral dynamics control system, the Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer (FDE), which makes on-the-limit driving more emotional, controllable and certain.
The car also showcases new diamond-finish 20” alloy wheels with a novel 10-spoke star-effect representation of Ferrari’s iconic mid-rear engine berlinetta-style rims. Also available are the optional one-piece carbon-fibre wheels which offer a 20% weight reduction over the standard forged alloys.