Ferrari has revealed the "SP38", the latest creation from its "One-Off" programme, which has been presented at the Fiorano test track where, after the ceremonial handover to who the company say is "one of its most dedicated customers", the car was immediately put through its paces in a series of hot laps.
Designed by the Ferrari Design Centre on the chassis and running gear of the 488 GTB, this unique car "reflects the specific vision of a client with a deep passion for racing," Ferrari says.
"The result is a model that can be driven both on road and on track, while at the same time expressing all the beauty and innovation inherent in Ferrari’s road cars," it adds.
The coachwork, which has all been changed from the 488, and finished in a newly conceived three-layer metallic red paint, marks a departure from the aethetics of the donor car and draws many styling cues from period supercars from not just those built in Maranello but other iconic Italian brands.
Ferrari also says that the twin-turbo, twin-intercooler set-up of the 488 GTB inspired its team to reference the legendary F40 as an icon from which to instruct the project’s general direction. The SP38 remains unchanged technically so produces 662 hp from the 3.9-litre V8 engine.
Compared to the 488 chassis, the visual mass of SP38 appears more concentrated over the rear wheels as the wedge design sharply stretches towards the front. In plan view, the strongly tapered nose expands towards muscular wheelarches, which aim to give the car more potency and agility.
The nose offers some hints of the recent low volume "Pininfarina Sergio" which was also based on the 458/488 mid-engined sportscar breed.
Specific inset headlights were designed to be as thin as possible, with the mandatory DRL (daytime running lights) units relocated to add character and functionality to a slim bumper lip reminiscent of the 308 GTB.
On the side, the defining big air scoop of the 488 GTB is completely concealed where the sheet metal folds in on itself from the low beltline on the door and into the rear wheelarch and three-quarter light, a feature that gives the SP38 quite an unusual visual feel in the photographs that were released today to accompany the announcement.
The effect is dramatic, and Ferrari says that it was created to reinforce the importance of the rear volume while, at the same time, maintaining the air flow to the intercoolers which remain located at the base of the side window.
The styling changes continue over the engine cover, which loses the donor car's glass and is treated as a flip-up assembly in carbon fibre with shutlines slashing the flanks in another gesture towards the reference point F40.
Three transversal slats slash across the engine cover to evacuate engine heat, a cue that's very reminiscent of many of the most fondly rembered supercars of the 70s/80s.
Overall the engine cover follows a distinct styling direction that's been integral to Lamborghini's core design language over recent decades but one that the Maranello firm has been less inclined to fully explore on its contemporary sportscars.
The smooth integration of a substantial rear spoiler is a hint at the famous rear wing of the F40, albeit much lower and integrated on this occasion.
The trailing edges of the spoiler link smoothly with the wing - an unusual feature for a Ferrari roadcar to come equipped with a prominent rear wing - and with the aerodynamics-enhancing diffuser at the bottom, which combine with the aim of creating a suggestive frame surrounding the tail volume.
It rides on Ferrari's usual five spoke alloy wheels while cabin trim would appear to remain relatively standard but according to the launch statement it benefits from a makeover under the umbrella of Ferrari's "Tailor Made" customisation programme.
The SP38 won't be hidden away for long at all as it's all set to make its first high profile appearance. Ferrari says that it will make its debut in the public domain during the upcoming Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este the day after tomorrow (Saturday 26 May) where it's sure to be one of the highlights of this glamorous occasion.
Photos: Ferrari SP38
