The 488 Pista (which, aptly, means “Track” in Italian) was introduced in March 2018 and took its place as the latest in the line of special V8 Ferrari models which includes the 430 Scuderia and 458 Speciale. The convertible variant, the Pista Spider, was later unveiled at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in the same year.

The Pista was very highly anticipated, and once it was released to journalists its reception was overwhelmingly positive. From sheer acceleration, to its precise handling and the subtle yet stunning design updates over the standard 488 GTB, many saw the Pista as a perfectly refined masterpiece. It borrows internal components from the 488 Challenge car, with the 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8 receiving a healthy increase of power to 710bhp (with the 488 GTB sitting at 661bhp) and an improved 0-62mph time of just 2.9 seconds.

The Pista’s design was influenced by the race variants of the 488, with a large air vent added to the bonnet and new air ducts in the grille working together to produce maximum airflow and downforce, whilst also acting as a striking design feature. The rear of the Pista also sees changes over the GTB, with large air ducts now sitting behind the rear wheels and an F1-inspired fog light sitting between the tailpipes. Weight has also been reduced over the standard 488 GTB by an impressive 90kg, primarily through the use of carbon fibre and a reduced amount of sound deadening.

Overall, while many are sceptical of Ferrari’s use of turbochargers in their modern V8 models, the reality is that the manufacturer have managed to refine the twin-turbo V8 to such an extent that the Pista is one of the fastest and most capable cars that has ever left their factory. Its ability to create drama, whether on road or track, is something believed to be reserved for Ferrari’s highest-level hypercars, however the Pista, whether in coupe or spider format, delivers this perfectly in every aspect, and is truly one of the great modern Ferraris.