Ferrari 488 Pista Spider

The 488 Pista Spider is Ferrari’s convertible adaptation of the performance-focused, special series edition of the existing 488 model line. Ferrari began its production of drop-top sports cars in the 1950s due to the overwhelming demand in the American market, and the Pista Spider marks the prancing horse’s 50th convertible model in history. The name “Pista” comes from the Italian term for racetrack, making it clear what Ferrari had in mind while designing the car.

Ferrari 488 Pista Spider Specs

• • Engine: 3.9L Twin Turbo V8
  • Horsepower: 710 hp @ 8,000 rpm
  • Torque: 568 lb-ft
  • Top Speed: 211 mph
  • Acceleration: 0 – 60 mph in 2.85 seconds

Ferrari 488 Pista Spider Engine Details

The 488 Pista Spider boasts a mid-rear-mounted twin turbo 3.9L V8 engine that produces 710 hp and 568 lb-ft of torque, making it the most powerful V8 that Ferrari has ever offered. With this power, the Pista Spider sets a new Ferrari benchmark for power-to-weight ratio in a Spider model. With zero turbo lag, the engine’s application of horsepower feels smooth and powerful, recording an impressive 0 – 60 mph time of 2.85 seconds. The engine alone has been recognized around the world as one of very best V8s available, receiving the International Engine of the Year award in 2016, 2017, and 2018. The addition of a retractable roof doesn’t lead to any sacrifice in performance, as this engine will still propel the Pista Spider to a top speed of 211 mph. Even though you can’t hit that speed on the highways between St. Louis and Indianapolis, you’ll understand that you’re driving a car that’s built for pure performance.

Ferrari 488 Pista Spider Performance Details

The Pista Spider joins a long line of racing bred Ferrari convertibles for the road, including the 430 Scuderia 16M and the 458 Speciale Aperta. Designed by the Ferrari Styling Center, the Pista Spider borrows elements from Ferrari’s Formula 1 car culminating in a convertible design with an aggressive, track-ready look.

Improving on many of the things the 488 Spider already excelled at, the Pista Spider allows its driver higher revs, more responsive acceleration, and sharper turning capabilities. The seven-speed dual-clutch transmission achieves shift times to emulate the instantaneous shifts of a racing sequential transmission, while Ferrari’s Variable Torque Management system gives the diver a helping hand in taming the power and performance of the Pista Spider, managing the rev limits of the engine at all the right times. To further help the driver control this beast, the Slip Control System constantly monitors steering angle, brake pressure, and downshift speed to achieve maximum grip when needed.

New on the Pista Spider is a stability control system called the Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer, making it easier to drive this car on its performance edge. In addition to the new stability control system, many other pieces of aerodynamic technology, such as the menacing rear diffuser, help the Pista achieve peak performance.

Ferrari 488 Pista Spider Exterior Details

With the introduction of the Pista Spider, Ferrari is offering peak performance on the road with the option of having the top down: the ultimate combination of luxury car and supercar. Despite the heavy retractable roof system, the standard weight difference between the Spider and the coupe is only around 150 pounds.

The Pista Spider also boasts a variety of details that give it the signature Ferrari look. The availability of Ferrari’s new 20-inch diamond finish alloy wheels perfectly compliment the overall design of the car, and a racing stripe that runs the length of the car, expanding near the rear wing to represent the flow of air while driving. Elsewhere on the car, steel parts used for the 488 Spider are replaced by aluminum parts to save weight. The final product of all this is an exclusive convertible that brings peak Ferrari performance to the road — all with an open top.