The new Ferrari 488 Pista is a heavy rework of the 488 GTB, and in the hands of Ferrari chief test driver Raffaele de Simone, it looks bonkers quick. Dutch auto publication Autovisie got a hot lap in a Pista at Ferrari’s test track, Fiorano, giving us a glimpse of what the hotter 488 can do on track. It seems like a lot.
In de Simone’s hands, the 488 Pista looks lively, oversteering with exuberance at corner exit. It seems like its under control though, and not just because de Simone is quite handy. The Pista gets the latest version of Ferrari’s Side Slip Control system, which uses the car’s electronic differential, magnetic dampers, and ABS system to help you hold and control slides.
The Pista also sounds great. Ferrari chief technical officer Michael Lieters told us that improving the 488’s sound was a big goal for the Pista, and it sounds like that’s the case. We’re also intrigued by the clicking sound on shifts—perhaps it’s some sort of ignition cut to help with shift speed.
The 488 Pista has big shoes to fill as its predecessor, the 458 Speciale, is one of the all-time greats. In any case, it looks damn fast, and we know it laps Fiorano 1.5 seconds quicker than a 488 GTB, running a 1:21.5.
