Bojan Vrbnjak
Are you already a little tired of the eternal racetracks with your own Ferrari's Formula 1 racing cars? This is very dry. And when it rains – very unpleasant! But rejoice, madman rich Ferraris, because the solution is at hand. There really hasn't been anything like it. More exotic like that really can't be. Ferrari himself talks about “the most exclusive project" that have ever been made. Say hello to the new one 499P Modificata.
No, you didn't get it wrong, you didn't read wrong, and don't get me wrong: it is indeed a winning car Le Mans 2023 for private use. seriously, prancing Horse degrees LMH car for very normal people. Very normal people with a lot of money and monumental collection of Ferraris, but you get the point. Ferrari calls this target group its best customers, the classic "gentleman drivers". The vehicle was also optimized for this purpose. Or rather: the driving characteristics have increased significantly, since probably not every buyer was born with the talent by Antonio Giovinazzi. So of course it's more fun not having to be removed from the fence every race day. There is another big advantage, because with a car that will only be used for fun and never in an official race, there is of course no annoying performance balance (BoP) as in Le Mans.
It all starts with the powertrain. 499P Modificata uses (heavily modified) 3,0 liter V6 biturbo engine from the model 296 GT3 and an electric motor on the front axle borrowed from a racing car Formula 1. System power is 520 kW (707 hp), which is already 20 kW more than in the winning car from Le Mans. But there is also a function push-to-pass, with which you can increase the power by 7 na by pressing the button on the steering wheel for 120 seconds 640 kW (870 hp). The logic of this system is similar the KERS system, which was introduced to Formula 1 in 2009. Electric motor has the power to 200 kW (272 HP) and has a differential and an energy recovery system. In addition, it is available 800-volt battery. Shifting takes place via 7-speed sequential gearbox.
Unlike a racing car, however electric motor don't just turn it on at speeds over 190 km / h, but practically already at standing start. You know - the official rules don't matter here. That's right 499P Modificata basically four-wheel drive, which should increase the aforementioned driving characteristics and give the driver more confidence when driving at the limit. On carbon monococci the winning car from Le Mans nothing has changed. However, shock absorbers, springs and anti-roll bars were used for a purpose more predictable and less critical management. The same goes for engine mapping and traction control setup.
There is also a surprising difference in tires. If they slicks designed to be equally sharp and short-lived as Michelins in a racing car, brings a day at the track less pleasure and a lot of hustle and bustle. That's why it is Pirelli made a new tire for the model Modified. This one is – you guessed it – more predictable in handling and is supposed to increase feedback. It also heats up faster and has longer lifespan. After all, you want to drive and not constantly change tires. By the way, sizes: 310/710-18 front and 340/710-18 behind. It will be a Ferrari division from 2024 Customer races, which also organizes car events such as FXX-K Here, led the so-called program "Sport Prototypes Clients". Buyers of the model 499P Modificata will be able to relax on the tracks of this world together with the owners of the above mentioned former Formula 1 cars. Including technical and logistical support manufacturer.
Ferrari has yet to comment number of units of the 499P Modificata model; they only said that "very exclusive". The price is set accordingly. If you want to have your own hypercar from Le Mans, you must have available 5,1 million euros before taxation.
