488 Pista first impressions: awesomeness

BaronM69 · Jan 5, 2019

First of all, the exterior looks.
To me, this is really a major step forward for Ferrari and a vast improvement over the aesthetic differences which you could find on CS / Scuderia vs 360 / 430. IMO they did a better job making the car look special than on the Speciale from 458.
Spending time with the Pista, you realize Ferrari did a "next level" performance generally speaking, when one considers the work done on the body, the complex lines and shapes which never look hard to the eye, and the massive amount of details - from the CF extractors, "floating" Cavalino in the back, beautiful engine and engine bay (while always thought the 488 engine looked terrible and fake).
I can't take my eyes off of it, and it does make an 812 look dull next to it. (don't shoot me!)
I can also say that the overall quality of the assembly, is high. It is well executed.

Inside, they did a good job, but coming from a loaded 488, it does not look or feel that different.
I don't see this as a big negative, it delivers. Let's just say it could have felt even better.

The drive: exceptional.
The gear box shifts much faster than Lusso or 488, can be aggressive on downshifts if you pull too early which I appreciated and gave a more racy feel.
What amazed me the most is how agile the car is, and how secured you feel pushing it through twisty roads.
It is FAST.
The car is razor sharp, does exactly what you want, when you want, and goes exactly where you want it to go.

To the point where it is almost too good and too fast for open roads but that is not a new problem for modern cars.
I would say this comes forward increasingly with an exceptional car such as the Pista, that has a turbo engine: Ferrari did a wonderful job compared to a Porsche Turbo or 720s, but you won't get goosebumps out a screaming engine trying to scare you.

The engine note is slightly different inside from GTB, but not so different from outside if you have open valves.
The gear changes sound different though. More like a pop. Very cool.
Much less if any turbo lag than in GTB, which is a performance.
It feels like an NA car with more push in low revs, just without the noise. A different experience but a great experience.

I was very surprised at how comfortable the car was on uneven twisty curves jumping from one corner to another with many mass transfers: the car is planted, turns, but your back will not be the victim of your spirited drive.

One slight negative comment I can bring up is the "noise", but I won't close that case yet before further analysis. Not the engine noise, not turbo noise, not the lack of insulation.
There is some sort of a "wind noise" as soon as you reach 20mph. You feel like you push air, and this is not something you had in GTB, or in 360CS for example.
It acts as a white noise, you basically you forget it very soon.

All in all the Pista is a car that looks and drives so good it is certainly a keeper, regardless of the value up or down.
Compared to a 488, the Pista overall package does feel more expensive, justifying IMO a higher price compared to loaded 488. It does not feel like a kitted GTB.

Anyone who has one on order will not be disappointed.

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jim g · Jan 5, 2019

Congrats looks great!

Scudmsl · Jan 5, 2019

BaronM69 said: ↑

First of all, the exterior looks.
To me, this is really a major step forward for Ferrari and a vast improvement over the aesthetic differences which you could find on CS / Scuderia vs 360 / 430. IMO they did a better job making the car look special than on the Speciale from 458.
Spending time with the Pista, you realize Ferrari did a "next level" performance generally speaking, when one considers the work done on the body, the complex lines and shapes which never look hard to the eye, and the massive amount of details - from the CF extractors, "floating" Cavalino in the back, beautiful engine and engine bay (while always thought the 488 engine looked terrible and fake).
I can't take my eyes off of it, and it does make an 812 look dull next to it. (don't shoot me!)
I can also say that the overall quality of the assembly, is high. It is well executed.

Inside, they did a good job, but coming from a loaded 488, it does not look or feel that different.
I don't see this as a big negative, it delivers. Let's just say it could have felt even better.

The drive: exceptional.
The gear box shifts much faster than Lusso or 488, can be aggressive on downshifts if you pull too early which I appreciated and gave a more racy feel.
What amazed me the most is how agile the car is, and how secured you feel pushing it through twisty roads.
It is FAST.
The car is razor sharp, does exactly what you want, when you want, and goes exactly where you want it to go.

To the point where it is almost too good and too fast for open roads but that is not a new problem for modern cars.
I would say this comes forward increasingly with an exceptional car such as the Pista, that has a turbo engine: Ferrari did a wonderful job compared to a Porsche Turbo or 720s, but you won't get goosebumps out a screaming engine trying to scare you.

The engine note is slightly different inside from GTB, but not so different from outside if you have open valves.
The gear changes sound different though. More like a pop. Very cool.
Much less if any turbo lag than in GTB, which is a performance.
It feels like an NA car with more push in low revs, just without the noise. A different experience but a great experience.

I was very surprised at how comfortable the car was on uneven twisty curves jumping from one corner to another with many mass transfers: the car is planted, turns, but your back will not be the victim of your spirited drive.

One slight negative comment I can bring up is the "noise", but I won't close that case yet before further analysis. Not the engine noise, not turbo noise, not the lack of insulation.
There is some sort of a "wind noise" as soon as you reach 20mph. You feel like you push air, and this is not something you had in GTB, or in 360CS for example.
It acts as a white noise, you basically you forget it very soon.

All in all the Pista is a car that looks and drives so good it is certainly a keeper, regardless of the value up or down.
Compared to a 488, the Pista overall package does feel more expensive, justifying IMO a higher price compared to loaded 488. It does not feel like a kitted GTB.

Anyone who has one on order will not be disappointed.

View attachment 2649728
Click to expand...

Thanks for the very thorough analysis. I am very anxious for my April build...just need to decide on the color scheme.

Sent from my iPhone using FerrariChat.com mobile app

daflk · Jan 5, 2019

Thanks for sharing and the insights. Very informative!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

wthensler · Jan 5, 2019

Congrats! Beautiful car and interesting observation on the ‘white noise’. We’ll see if others opine as they are delivered to waiting owners.

junc · Jan 5, 2019

Congratulations. When you say the engine note is slightly different inside the car do you mean its slightly louder?

Caeruleus11 · Jan 5, 2019

Thank you! And Congratulations! I really enjoy reading first hand impressions of the car.

Gh21631 · Jan 5, 2019

Congrats. I didn't realize you had one coming. Good for you, I'm jealous. I can't wait to see it.

Coincid · Jan 5, 2019

I have no doubt the Pista is very special, but has there ever been a case where a new owner of an expensive, highly sought after car will post a negative review.

Johnnugget · Jan 5, 2019

T

junc said: ↑

Congratulations. When you say the engine note is slightly different inside the car do you mean its slightly louder?
Click to expand...

The car is about as loud as the GTB. The big difference is that the valves won’t close while idleing and the spooling noise generated by the turbochargers is more present.

junc · Jan 5, 2019

Johnnugget said: ↑

T

The car is about as loud as the GTB. The big difference is that the valves won’t close while idleing and the spooling noise generated by the turbochargers is more present.
Click to expand...

Ok interesting. Thanks.

Sent from my iPhone using FerrariChat.com mobile app

BaronM69 · Jan 5, 2019

junc said: ↑

Congratulations. When you say the engine note is slightly different inside the car do you mean its slightly louder?
Click to expand...

Engine noise in cabin in slightly louder, very likely due to thinner glass separation and less insulation to save weight.
I find the resonance of the engine noise above 5krpm different than GTB, hard to depict with words.

BaronM69 · Jan 5, 2019

Johnnugget said: ↑

T

The car is about as loud as the GTB. The big difference is that the valves won’t close while idleing and the spooling noise generated by the turbochargers is more present.
Click to expand...

From outside, exactly. If you have a GTB and you have a valve control button, the Pista at idle sounds pretty much same than GTB with valves open.

458-Italia · Jan 5, 2019

It’s a French Pista
Are you near Paris ?

JagShergill · Jan 5, 2019

BaronM69 said: ↑

First of all, the exterior looks.
To me, this is really a major step forward for Ferrari and a vast improvement over the aesthetic differences which you could find on CS / Scuderia vs 360 / 430. IMO they did a better job making the car look special than on the Speciale from 458.
Spending time with the Pista, you realize Ferrari did a "next level" performance generally speaking, when one considers the work done on the body, the complex lines and shapes which never look hard to the eye, and the massive amount of details - from the CF extractors, "floating" Cavalino in the back, beautiful engine and engine bay (while always thought the 488 engine looked terrible and fake).
I can't take my eyes off of it, and it does make an 812 look dull next to it. (don't shoot me!)
I can also say that the overall quality of the assembly, is high. It is well executed.

Inside, they did a good job, but coming from a loaded 488, it does not look or feel that different.
I don't see this as a big negative, it delivers. Let's just say it could have felt even better.

The drive: exceptional.
The gear box shifts much faster than Lusso or 488, can be aggressive on downshifts if you pull too early which I appreciated and gave a more racy feel.
What amazed me the most is how agile the car is, and how secured you feel pushing it through twisty roads.
It is FAST.
The car is razor sharp, does exactly what you want, when you want, and goes exactly where you want it to go.

To the point where it is almost too good and too fast for open roads but that is not a new problem for modern cars.
I would say this comes forward increasingly with an exceptional car such as the Pista, that has a turbo engine: Ferrari did a wonderful job compared to a Porsche Turbo or 720s, but you won't get goosebumps out a screaming engine trying to scare you.

The engine note is slightly different inside from GTB, but not so different from outside if you have open valves.
The gear changes sound different though. More like a pop. Very cool.
Much less if any turbo lag than in GTB, which is a performance.
It feels like an NA car with more push in low revs, just without the noise. A different experience but a great experience.

I was very surprised at how comfortable the car was on uneven twisty curves jumping from one corner to another with many mass transfers: the car is planted, turns, but your back will not be the victim of your spirited drive.

One slight negative comment I can bring up is the "noise", but I won't close that case yet before further analysis. Not the engine noise, not turbo noise, not the lack of insulation.
There is some sort of a "wind noise" as soon as you reach 20mph. You feel like you push air, and this is not something you had in GTB, or in 360CS for example.
It acts as a white noise, you basically you forget it very soon.

All in all the Pista is a car that looks and drives so good it is certainly a keeper, regardless of the value up or down.
Compared to a 488, the Pista overall package does feel more expensive, justifying IMO a higher price compared to loaded 488. It does not feel like a kitted GTB.

Anyone who has one on order will not be disappointed.

View attachment 2649728
Click to expand...

Congratulations ! I love the colour choice ! Thanks for the 1st impressions ...

09Scuderia · Jan 5, 2019

Concur with all your comments.

I have 500 miles on our Pista. Mostly curvy country roads.

You have to drive it smoothly...like a race car. If you get on the throttle too fast the rear tires easily spin. Smooth inputs on the throttle, smooth inputs on the brakes is what the Pista demands. The car is seriously fast. It is not merely quick, it is fast.

The noises you hear from all over the car are an experience by themselves. You can hear the engine, transmission and of course the exhaust. Reminds me of my 'classic' cars in how much it communicates with you.

I didn't love-love the Pista for the first month or so..it is not a car you drive a few times and feel like you 'know it'. I have never driven let alone owned a car like the Pista. Every time I experience the Pista I discover new things. The speed IS intimidating. At the same time, it always feels secure in its performance and abilities. The Pista could be a 'peek sports car' for me. Time will tell but, it really is that special. I may keep it long term....I haven't said that about any car (we have owned 100+) ever.

buddyg · Jan 5, 2019

Gorgeous more pics please, maybe a video?

REALZEUS · Jan 5, 2019

BaronM69 said: ↑

Engine noise in cabin in slightly louder, very likely due to thinner glass separation and less insulation to save weight.
I find the resonance of the engine noise above 5krpm different than GTB, hard to depict with words.
Click to expand...

Ferrari officially say that it is several decibels louder than the GTB. I don't know how they get around those pesky EU noise regs...

kevin1244 · Jan 5, 2019

Congrats! Very nice write up and gorgeous car.

Scudmsl · Jan 5, 2019

09Scuderia said: ↑

Concur with all your comments.

I have 500 miles on our Pista. Mostly curvy country roads.

You have to drive it smoothly...like a race car. If you get on the throttle too fast the rear tires easily spin. Smooth inputs on the throttle, smooth inputs on the brakes is what the Pista demands. The car is seriously fast. It is not merely quick, it is fast.

The noises you hear from all over the car are an experience by themselves. You can hear the engine, transmission and of course the exhaust. Reminds me of my 'classic' cars in how much it communicates with you.

I didn't love-love the Pista for the first month or so..it is not a car you drive a few times and feel like you 'know it'. I have never driven let alone owned a car like the Pista. Every time I experience the Pista I discover new things. The speed IS intimidating. At the same time, it always feels secure in its performance and abilities. The Pista could be a 'peek sports car' for me. Time will tell but, it really is that special. I may keep it long term....I haven't said that about any car (we have owned 100+) ever.
Click to expand...

Thanks for that great summary. I am waiting for mine and reviews like this make me anticipate this car more than the previous 50+ I have owned!

Sent from my iPhone using FerrariChat.com mobile app

ingegnere · Jan 5, 2019

Congratulations on a beautiful and obviously very special car - enjoy it!

Wondering if the wind noise has anything to do with the S-duct directing more air over the top of the car, and therefore around the cabin, than on the GTB.

Solid State · Jan 5, 2019

BaronM69 said: ↑

First of all, the exterior looks.
To me, this is really a major step forward for Ferrari and a vast improvement over the aesthetic differences which you could find on CS / Scuderia vs 360 / 430. IMO they did a better job making the car look special than on the Speciale from 458.
Spending time with the Pista, you realize Ferrari did a "next level" performance generally speaking, when one considers the work done on the body, the complex lines and shapes which never look hard to the eye, and the massive amount of details - from the CF extractors, "floating" Cavalino in the back, beautiful engine and engine bay (while always thought the 488 engine looked terrible and fake).
I can't take my eyes off of it, and it does make an 812 look dull next to it. (don't shoot me!)
I can also say that the overall quality of the assembly, is high. It is well executed.

Inside, they did a good job, but coming from a loaded 488, it does not look or feel that different.
I don't see this as a big negative, it delivers. Let's just say it could have felt even better.

The drive: exceptional.
The gear box shifts much faster than Lusso or 488, can be aggressive on downshifts if you pull too early which I appreciated and gave a more racy feel.
What amazed me the most is how agile the car is, and how secured you feel pushing it through twisty roads.
It is FAST.
The car is razor sharp, does exactly what you want, when you want, and goes exactly where you want it to go.

To the point where it is almost too good and too fast for open roads but that is not a new problem for modern cars.
I would say this comes forward increasingly with an exceptional car such as the Pista, that has a turbo engine: Ferrari did a wonderful job compared to a Porsche Turbo or 720s, but you won't get goosebumps out a screaming engine trying to scare you.

The engine note is slightly different inside from GTB, but not so different from outside if you have open valves.
The gear changes sound different though. More like a pop. Very cool.
Much less if any turbo lag than in GTB, which is a performance.
It feels like an NA car with more push in low revs, just without the noise. A different experience but a great experience.

I was very surprised at how comfortable the car was on uneven twisty curves jumping from one corner to another with many mass transfers: the car is planted, turns, but your back will not be the victim of your spirited drive.

One slight negative comment I can bring up is the "noise", but I won't close that case yet before further analysis. Not the engine noise, not turbo noise, not the lack of insulation.
There is some sort of a "wind noise" as soon as you reach 20mph. You feel like you push air, and this is not something you had in GTB, or in 360CS for example.
It acts as a white noise, you basically you forget it very soon.

All in all the Pista is a car that looks and drives so good it is certainly a keeper, regardless of the value up or down.
Compared to a 488, the Pista overall package does feel more expensive, justifying IMO a higher price compared to loaded 488. It does not feel like a kitted GTB.

Anyone who has one on order will not be disappointed.

View attachment 2649728
Click to expand...

I really like this review. It touches on some things not described before and the picture looks very nice. Congratulations on the new purchase. Its a really great feeling to own a new Ferrari! Did you receive it from FoW?

BaronM69 · Jan 5, 2019

Solid State said: ↑

I really like this review. It touches on some things not described before and the picture looks very nice. Congratulations on the new purchase. Its a really great feeling to own a new Ferrari! Did you receive it from FoW?
Click to expand...

This one is in France

Ferrari 308 GTB · Jan 18, 2019

BaronM69 said: ↑

This one is in France
Click to expand...

Just the job for those empty d roads.

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