Presented by Mecum Auctions – Pista: properly spoken with the flair that is seemingly exclusive to the Italian tongue, it’s a fitting name for one of the hottest road-going Ferraris ever built, which is really saying something when it comes to the birthplace of the Prancing Horse. Translated to English, it means “racetrack,” which is exactly the intended field of endeavour for the track-purposed version of the Ferrari 488.
In announcing the 488 Pista, Ferrari’s representative noted that the name signified not just the new car’s capacity for track-worthy performance but also the racing-derived technology that makes it all possible. From the dramatic downforce-generating ravine in the front hood to the elegant “dolphin” rear spoiler that seems to float above the voluminous rear diffuser drafted from the 488E endurance racer, the Pista’s aerodynamic accoutrements refined its ability to breeze through the air while holding it to the road with more efficiency than ever before. To fully appreciate the Pista’s soulful powerplant, one need only consider Ferrari’s own description: “An extreme evolution of the turbo engine selected overall International Engine of the Year in both 2016 and 2017, this is the most powerful V8 in Ferrari history.” The raw facts tell the rest of the story: an all-aluminum 3.9L twin-turbocharged DOHC 90-degree V-8 engine essentially built to Challenge specifications with a lighter crank and flywheel and gorgeous Inconel exhaust headers, improved intake and exhaust dynamics and direct injection. It all works in concert to produce a wailing symphony that swells to 710 HP and 568 lb-ft of torque through a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Capable of a top speed of 211 MPH, this 2019 Ferrari 488 Pista in red with twin black stripes rides on Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires on delicate-looking dark aluminum wheels that reveal the red-painted calipers and carbon-ceramic disc brakes within. The doors open to a black interior with red stitching and accents that leaves no doubt as to its functionality while still exuding refinement. Fine leather and polished carbon-fiber surfaces abound, sharing space with deep bucket seats, red seat belts and a large yellow tach centered behind the multi-function steering wheel.
This vehicle will be auctioned off at Mecum Auctions’ Kissimmee 2021 event (January 7-16, 2021).
