One-Off Ferrari SP38 unleashed
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. The result is a model that can be driven both on road and on track.
By Tushaar Singh Gill
The latest One-Off Ferrari is based on the 488 GTB, with some design elements inspired by the F40 and 308 GTB.
The Ferrari SP38, which is the latest offspring from the Italian company’s One-Off programme, has been unveiled at the Fiorano circuit in Italy.
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. 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.
The all-new bodywork, in a newly conceived three-layer metallic red, marks a radical departure from the language aesthetic of the donor GTB. Compared to the 488 chassis, the visual mass of SP38 appears concentrated over the rear wheels as the wedge design sharply stretches towards the front.
In plan view, the strongly tapered nose expands towards muscular wheel arches. Specific inset headlights were designed to be as thin as possible, with the DRL units relocated to add character and functionality to the slim bumper lip that’s claimed to be inspired by the 308 GTB.
The rear sheds its rear glass and is treated as a flip-up assembly in carbon fibre with shutlines slashing the flanks in a gesture directly reminiscent of the F40’s. Three transversal slats slash across the engine cover to evacuate engine heat, and the smooth integration of a substantial rear spoiler is also a hint at the famous rear wing of the F40. The trailing edge of the spoiler links with the wing and aerodynamic diffuser at the bottom.
A full tailor made cabin trim puts the finished touches on this special Ferrari, though the interior pictures have not been shared as yet. While the SP38 is confirmed to use the same 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8 from 488, the exact power and torque figures are yet to be released. It would be interesting to see if this engine is tuned in GTB-spec or Pista-spec.
The Ferrari SP38 will be on public display for the first time at the upcoming Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este on May 26, 2018. More details should be revealed then.
