Ferrari 488 Pista Spider

Why it matters

Unveiled at the 2018 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, the 488 Pista Spider was Ferrari's 50th open-top road model. Its 3,902 cc twin-turbocharged V8 produced 710 hp at 8,000 rpm and 770 Nm of torque, using intake plenums, Inconel exhaust manifolds, titanium connecting rods and other lessons derived from the 488 Challenge and 488 GTE racing programs. Ferrari reduced weight by approximately 100 kg compared with the 488 Spider through lightweight engine components, carbon-fiber body panels, a stripped Alcantara cockpit and optional one-piece carbon wheels. The deep front S-duct, redesigned underbody, high rear spoiler and active diffuser substantially increased downforce while reducing drag. Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer used precise brake pressure at the limit to make controlled oversteer more predictable, working with Side Slip Control 6, the E-Diff, F1-Trac and magnetorheological dampers. The two-piece retractable hardtop preserved coupe-like refinement when closed and transformed the car into an open spider in approximately 14 seconds. Ferrari quoted 0–100 km/h in 2.85 seconds, 0–200 km/h in 8.0 seconds and a 340 km/h maximum speed. More than a roofless derivative, the Pista Spider delivered the full circuit-bred character of the Pista with a more immediate connection to its turbocharged V8 and surroundings.