{"id":340698,"date":"2018-08-29T12:47:46","date_gmt":"2018-08-29T12:47:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/?p=340698"},"modified":"2024-11-09T17:00:16","modified_gmt":"2024-11-09T17:00:16","slug":"first-look-ferrari-488-pista-spider","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/first-look-ferrari-488-pista-spider\/","title":{"rendered":"2019 – 2020 Ferrari 488 Pista Spider"},"content":{"rendered":"

Ferrari 488 Pista Spider<\/h1>\n

Introduction<\/h2>\n

Back in May 2018, I had the pleasure of reviewing the 2019 Ferrari 488 Pista<\/a> \u2013 Ferrari\u2019s most powerful V8 ever. The 488 Pista is the marque\u2019s latest Special Series model<\/a> and \u2013 following in the footsteps of its predecessors \u2013 epitomizes the pinnacle of Ferrari road cars.<\/p>\n

Ferrari\u2019s 488 Pista takes the \u201cregular\u201d 488 GTB to the next-level; even more so than what previous special series cars did for their respective standard models. The Pista is the beneficiary of an abundance of dynamics and technologies carried over from competitive racing, most notably in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC)<\/em>.<\/p>\n

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Ferrari 488 Pista Spider<\/h3>\n

Ferrari decided to surprise the world by unveiling the 488 Pista Spider at the Pebble Beach Concours D\u2019elegance event in California later that year in August. The Spider is a convertible version of the 488 Pista coupe, and comes with a removal hardtop; though some would argue it functions more like a targa top vehicle. Ferrari also revealed that the new 488 Pista Spider would become the 50th convertible model in the company\u2019s history.<\/p>\n

Performance-wise, the Spider is indistinguishable from the coupe, sharing the same twin-turbocharged 3.9L V8 engine<\/strong>. In spite of its 100kg weight penalty – the result of the electronically-mechanized retractable roof and its components – the Spider still manages identical performance feats as the coupe, with a 0-100 km\/h time of 2.85 seconds and a top speed of 340 km\/h with the top up<\/strong>.  <\/p>\n

Besides the roof,  the Spider visually differentiates itself from the coupe with an array of unique aerodynamic enhancements – all necessary changes to ensure that the Spider remained shoulder-to-shoulder with its fixed-top variant at the racetrack. The Spider is also fitted with its own special livery<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Year of the Spider<\/h3>\n

Not long ago, shearing the roof off a fixed-top supercar to make it a convertible was quite frankly, sacrilege from a performance point of view. Diminished structural rigidity, noticeably increased weight, less desirable body lines – sacrifices made for the open-top driving experience, which often resulted in an awkward, clumsy mess, really. <\/p>\n

Such negative connotations are being duly rectified these days, with a movement of modern day supercars which is spearheaded by the world\u2019s top exotic automakers, inevitably involving the Ferrari brand. The Ferrari 488 Pista Spider is one such car that could rule them all, in this specific regard. \u2018Spider\u2019 has also become the default moniker for which Ferrari identifies convertibles which are derived from their coupe versions.<\/p>\n

Engine & Drivetrain<\/h2>\n

The Ferrari 488 Pista Spider is powered by the same engine used in the coupe \u2013 a twin-turbocharged 3.9L V8<\/strong> which produces a magnificent 711-horsepower @ 8,000 rpm and 568 lb-ft of torque @ 3,000 rpm<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

In relation to the Ferrari brand as a whole, this revised power plant is the most powerful V8 engine produced during Ferrari\u2019s long history of building some of the world\u2019s fastest cars. This translates to performance figures of 0-100 km\/h in 2.85 seconds, 0-200 km\/h in 7.6 seconds and a top speed of 340 km\/h<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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Respective to the standard 488 GTB model\u2019s award-winning engine, the overall increase of 49 horsepower and 7 lb-ft of torque is achieved by borrowing engine parts from the 488 Challenge race car \u2013 such as Inconel exhaust manifolds, strengthened pistons, a larger intercooler, and a new camshaft.<\/p>\n

Mated to the illustrious V8 engine is a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission – also carried over from the coupe – which can bang through each gear in as little as 30 milliseconds when driven in race mode setting.<\/p>\n

Ferrari proudly remarks that \u201cthe engine sound is unique and unmistakably Ferrari, as such a special car warrants\u201d<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Chassis & Handling<\/h2>\n

The Ferrari 488 Pista Spider weighs 200 pounds more than the coupe, but despite the extra hardware needed to accommodate the removable hardtop<\/em>, it is remarkably still able to achieve nearly identical performance metrics. This is in a huge part due to proper aerodynamic augmentations, which allow the Spider to reach a top speed of 340 km\/h, so long as the hardtop remains on.<\/p>\n

Elsewhere on the car, the Spider differentiates itself from the coupe by way of a larger front splitter, a new deck lid and side skirts, and a redesigned rear diffuser. The Spider is also fitted with special livery \u2013 a central stripe that runs the length of the car which Ferrari proclaims, \u201crecalls the movement of the airflow and exalts the lines of the car\u201d<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Ferrari continues to equip the Spider with version 6 of their Side-Slip Angle Control System (SSC). This vehicle dynamics system is able to simultaneously control the electronic differential, traction control, magnetic damping and brake pressure software, with perfect synergy. The brake pressure software, dubbed \u201cFerrari Dynamic Enhancer\u201d or (FDE), is a world-first system which can adjust brake pressure at the calipers.<\/p>\n

The car\u2019s overall development is mainly derived from Ferrari\u2019s involvement in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), where its 488 GTE and 488 Challenge race cars have competed and won numerous Manufacturers\u2019 titles.<\/p>\n

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With such favorable genetics to borrow from, the Pista – and by extension, the Pista Spider –  is much more than just a horsepower bump and stickier tires. Thanks to untethered access to the race team\u2019s parts bin, the Pista Spider manages to have 20 percent more aerodynamic efficiency<\/em> compared to the regular 488 Spider<\/a> courtesy of some active aero bits. Ceramic brakes and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires also come as standard fare on the Pista Spider, as well as a specially tuned active suspension with stiffer springs.<\/p>\n

The end-goal, Ferrari says, is to \u201coffer impeccable track-like performance on and off the road, even when in the hands of non-professional drivers\u201d.<\/em><\/p>\n

Shortly after an unveiling at Ferrari\u2019s private racetrack \u2013 Fiorano Circuit near Maranello, Italy – the Pista coupe completed a lap with a time of just 1:21.5; a noteworthy 1.5 seconds faster than what a Ferrari 488 GTB <\/a>could manage around the circuit. The Pista Spider is expected to be no less rapid.<\/p>\n

Design & Interior<\/h2>\n

The most obvious design element to mention on the Ferrari 488 Pista Spider, would be its electronically operated retractable hard-top mechanism which open or close while travelling up to 30 mph. While being ultimately responsible for the 100 kg weight increase over the fixed-top variant, the Spider\u2019s performance remains virtually unaffected.<\/p>\n

Large credit to that outcome comes from  the Spider continuing to be heavily influenced by the 488 GTE race car\u2019s aerodynamics. This means that a number of features – such as F1-inspired S-ducts, an optimized front air splitter, and modified vortex generators and rear diffuser – all combine to improve downforce, while minimizing drag and turbulence<\/em>. <\/p>\n

Keeping with the beat, the Spider is no different from the Pista inside the cabin, which inevitably translates to an ergonomically proficient cockpit surrounded in carbon fibre fixings. The Spider also features a unique racing livery that runs the entire length of the car; starting at the front bumper, then onto the S-Duct, before finishing at the rear spoiler. Other exclusive options such as one-piece carbon fibre wheels (in lieu of the standard also-unique-diamond-finish alloy wheels) will also be made available on the convertible.<\/p>\n

Ferrari has openly acknowledged the popularity of convertibles \u2013 particularly in the U.S. \u2013 and will be incentivized to to appeal to their demand.  <\/p>\n

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Pricing<\/h2>\n

The Ferrari 488 Pista Spider starts at \u00a3252,765, which is in excess of $350,000 USD<\/strong> equivalency. Ferrari has stated that all examples have been sold and spoken for, so the $400,000+ (after options, taxes, etc.<\/em>) buyer\u2019s will have to fork out for one, might end up being a reasonably sound investment should they also be in the business of flipping rare and exotic automobilia.<\/p>\n

Specifications Summary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Engine<\/h3>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Configuration<\/td>\n90\u00ba V8<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Location<\/td>\nMid, longitudinally mounted<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Construction<\/td>\nAluminium block and head<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Displacement<\/td>\n3,902 cc \/ 238.1 cu in<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Valvetrain<\/td>\n4 valves \/ cylinder, DOHC<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Fuel feed<\/td>\nDirect Fuel Injection<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Lubrication<\/td>\nDry sump<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Aspiration<\/td>\nTwin Turbo<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Power<\/td>\n710 bhp \/ 530 kW @ 8,000 rpm<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Torque<\/td>\n770 Nm \/ 568 ft lbs @ 3,000 rpm<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
BHP\/Liter<\/td>\n182 bhp \/ liter<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

 <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Drivetrain<\/h3>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Front Brakes<\/td>\nVentilated and cross-drilled discs, 398mm (15.7 in)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Rear brakes<\/td>\nVentilated and cross-drilled discs, 360mm (14.2 in)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Gearbox<\/td>\n7 speed Automatic<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Drive<\/td>\nRear wheel drive<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

 <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Dimensions<\/h3>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Weight<\/td>\n1,380 kilo \/ 3,042 lbs<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Length \/ Width \/ Height<\/td>\n4,605 mm (181.3 in) \/ 1,975 mm (77.8 in) \/ 1,206 mm (47.5 in)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Wheelbase \/ Track (fr\/r)<\/td>\n2,650 mm (104.3 in) \/ 1,679 mm (66.1 in) \/ 1,649 mm (64.9 in)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Fuel tank<\/td>\n78 Litre (20.6 Gallon US \/ 17.2 Gallon Imperial)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Wheels (fr\/r)<\/td>\n9 x 20 \/ 11 x 20<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Tyres (fr\/r)<\/td>\n245\/35 – ZR20 \/ 305\/30 – ZR20<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

 <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Performance Figures<\/h3>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Power to weight<\/td>\n0.51 bhp \/ kg<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Weight distribution<\/td>\n42% front \/ 58% rear<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Top Speed<\/td>\n340 km\/h (211 mph)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
0-100 km\/h<\/td>\n2.8 s<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

 <\/p>\n

Picture Gallery & Videos<\/h2>\n

Images<\/h3>\n
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Videos<\/h3>\n

Top Gear:<\/strong> Ferrari\u2019s latest track special is the \u00a3250,000, 720 bhp 488 Pista, a turbocharged sequel to the sublime 458 Speciale. Chris Harris finds out if it lives up to its heritage. <\/p>\n