Even in the case of a regular car such as a Hyundai Elantra GT, the tires are probably the most important element that could improve or worsen handling, braking, and acceleration. In the case of the 488 Pista, the Prancing Horse collaborated with Michelin to create a model-specific variant of the Pilot Sport Cup 2 R designated K1.
First and foremost, it should be highlighted the Pilot Sport Cup 2 R is a track tire initially developed for the Porsche 911 GT3 RS and 911 GT2 RS. The regular Cup 2 tire is better in the wet, and Michelin specifies the Cup 2 R is a 10 out of 10 for track and road driving in the dry.
So what does the K1 specification bring new to the menu? Among others, Tame Tire modeling software was used during development. According to Pierre Chaput, the engineer responsible for developing the K1, this tire “pushes the limits of grip of the 488 Pista even further.” As if that wasn't enough, Ferrari and Michelin“have made a big gain in lap time performance while maintaining the driving pleasure as well as responsiveness.”
Measuring 245/325 ZR20 in the front and 305/30 ZR20 in the rear, the 488 Pista with the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R K1 tires has also managed to blitz the Nurburgring Nordschleife in 7:00.3 in the hands of Christian Gebhardt. The mid-engined supercar tested by Sport Auto is completely stock, and the lap time beggars belief in comparison to very competent rivals.
Sport Auto has also tested the GT3 RS, GT2 RS, 600LT, and 720S on the Green Hell, and only the GT2 RS managed to break the 7-minute barrier with a 6:58.28. The lesser Porsche and two McLaren models lapped the circuit in 7:05.41, 7:08.34, and 7:08.82. The Ferrari 488 Pista is also quicker than the Dodge Viper ACR (7:01.3) and Mercedes-AMG GT R Pro (7:04.6).
On an ending note, don’t cheap out on tires. They can make a serious difference in the event of an evasive maneuver and on the track.
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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