Ferrari 488 Pista Spider (2020)

Ferrari started the ultimate evolution of their mid-engined V8 sports cars with the 348 GT Competizione in 1993. Ten years later, the launch of 360 Challenge Stradale in 2003 spurned a more regular line of successors. Pared back, lighter and more powerful, the special iterated through the 430 Scuderia and 458 Speciale. The launch of 488 Pista marks a monstrous leap in performance. Aspiration change means the now smaller-displacement V8 benefits from two turbochargers. Whilst the Speciale made a not-to-be-sniffed- at 597bhp, the turbocharged Pista finds itself with a warp speed-enabling 710bhp.

Aerodynamic revisions and extensive weight loss sees the car some 90 kg down over the standard 488 GTB, whilst downforce is up 20% with no drag penalty. The 3.9-litre V8 gains an Inconel exhaust manifold, lightened flywheel, titanium conrods, lightweight cylinder liners, new valves and valve springs. 18 kg of this weight loss alone comes from changes to the engine. Fantastically for a turbocharged engine, peak power is made between 6,750 rpm and the 8,000 rpm limiter. 568 lb/ft of torque is electronically governed depending on gear choice, providing a more linear delivery.

Following on from the success on the coupe, the Spider was launched with its folding metal roof offering a topless experience in just 14 seconds stowing neatly out of sight behind the rear seats.