The Car Diaries Episode 7 Ferrari 488 Pista Review

Well... what can we say... what an opportunity, what a day! Myself and Craig are lucky enough to have experienced many great cars, but driving these roads, in these conditions, in the newest mid engined Ferrari 488 Pista track car, to take over the mantle from those that have come before, the 458 Speciale, F430 Scuderia, and 360 Challenge Stradale, is really something that will be remembered forever! Thanks in particular goes to Reg Switch as they supplied us with the car. Make sure you give them a follow on their instagram at RegSwitch, you might even spot some of the cars that will be appearing on the channel very soon.

If you have any questions at all then feel free to ask them in the comments below.

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@TheCarDiaries (Thats us, only cars)
@CraigHandley5 (The one whom speaks in videos)
@MrMattWheeler (The one whom does not speak in videos)
@RegSwitch (The guys who supplied us with the car, and sell/buy personalised registration plates)

On 6 March 2018, Ferrari unveiled the 488 Pista (track in Italian) at the Geneva Motor Show. The Pista's design was influenced by the 488 GTE and 488 Challenge race variants. The car has received many mechanical and exterior modifications to make it more capable than the 488 GTB. The 3.9-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine now generates a power output of 720 PS (530 kW; 710 hp) at 8,000 rpm and 770 N⋅m (568 lb⋅ft) of torque at 3,000 rpm due to the use of new camshafts, a larger intercooler, strengthened pistons, titanium connecting rods and Inconel exhaust manifolds in the engine borrowed from the 488 Challenge. Revisions to the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission also allow for shifts in 30 milliseconds when drivers enter race mode. The most noticeable exterior changes for the Pista are at the front end. Air passes through the ducts in front bumper and which direct it through a large vent in the hood, which creates more downforce over the nose at high-speeds. Helping boost performance further, the air intake tunnels have been moved from the flanks to the rear spoiler to optimize clean air flow. Other exterior changes include underbody diffusers and the rear diffuser shared with the 488 GTE. In total, the car generates 20% more downforce than the 488 GTB. On the interior, carbon fibre and Alcantara are used throughout in order to reduce weight. Overall, the car is 200 lb (91 kg) lighter than the 488 GTB due to the use of carbon fibre on the hood, bumpers, and rear spoiler. Optional 20-inch carbon fibre wheels available for the Pista save an additional 40% of weight. The car also incorporates a Side-slip Angle Control system having an E-Diff3, F-Trac and magneto rheological suspension to improve handling at high speeds. These modifications enable the 488 Pista to accelerate from 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) in 2.85 seconds, 0–200 km/h (0–124 mph) in 7.6 seconds and give the car a maximum speed of 340 km/h (211 mph), according to the manufacturer.

In 2017 Ferrari won the drivers and constructors titles in the LM GTE Pro class of the FIA World Endurance Championship with the Ferrari 488 GTE number 51 of AF Corse, with Alessandro Pier Guidi and James Calado behind the wheel. As a tribute, a special edition of the 488 Pista was created called the 488 Pista Piloti which incorporates numerous technical and aerodynamic solutions incorporated in the racing versions of the Ferrari 488. The special edition has been developed by the Ferrari Tailor Made department, the division which is entrusted with all the customisations ordered by the customers, starting from the internal fabrics up to the colours and finishes. The exterior has a new livery with stripes in the colours of the Italian flag, reminding one of the race winning 488 GTE. The exterior is further enhanced by the word "PRO" indicating the racing class. The Italian flag colours are also present along the bottom of the doors which are also adorned with the personal race number of the client's preference. The launch version carries the number 51 used by the world championship drivers. Also part of this personalisation project is the matte black S-Duct and the natural carbon fibre "dovetail" suspended rear wing and vent surrounds. On the interior, Alcantara has been used throughout in order to give the driver the feel of a race car, with a special technique applied to upholster the sports seats in the same perforated material. The tri colour Italian flag is embedded in the seat upholstery along with the floor mats in order to create an entirely new look along with edge the paddle shifters also painted in the colours of the Italian flag to complete the bespoke interior.

The colours available for the bodywork include Corsa red, Tour De France blue, Daytona black and Nurburgring silver. The 488 Pista Piloti is exclusively available for Ferrari drivers.