The gala dinner at Ferrari’s Finale Mondiale tonight saw the wraps taken off a unique programme, celebrating Ferrari’s 2023 win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and offering for the first time for a very select group of customers, a track-only car built around a Ferrari race car, rather than adapted around a road going platform.
The Ferrari 499P Modificata is startlingly visually similar to the factory 499P Hypercars, though Ferrari are quick to state, repeatedly so, that these cars will never race!
In fact, the differences from the hypercar are simple to express:
Firstly, the car’s powertrain is engineered without restriction via regulation. That means that the front e-axle can operate unrestricted and indeed is designed to power the front axle at all times in addition to the internal combustion engine and not, as in the racing Hypercar, a supplementary system that sees the engine power filled down as the hybrid power is delivered, the power replenished by recovering energy during deceleration and braking.
This means that the car’s E-power is a boost to the engine power with a maximum power output of 520 kw, or c.700 bhp.
But before you determine that this is not dramatically different to the Hyercar, there is another string to the powertrain’s bow. The hybrid system is capable of a ‘Push to pass’ boost of up to 7 seconds with a further 120kw (c.160 bhp) giving a combined total of c.860 bhp (640 kw).
The extra power, accessed via a button on the rear face of the steering wheel, is only available when the accelerator is pushed to full throttle and for a duration of no more than 7 seconds per activation. The maximum number of activations per lap depends on the track type and battery energy balance: the system automatically deactivates below a certain charge threshold and then reactivates when energy recovery has recharged the battery to an appropriate level.
The 800 volt battery pack was developed using the company’s Formula 1 technology.
Secondly the car has had a complete recalibration of the suspension set-up, electronic controllers and engine mappings to suit its intended purpose and to be a more predictable platform for its future owners.
And finally the car runs on bespoke Pirelli tyres rather than the Michelins used in the FIA WEC.
The 499P Modificata retains the cockpit, with its single-seater layout, and ergonomics of the 499P, providing clients with exactly the same driving experience as the crews who drove at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Whilst Ferrari is famously cautious about giving away production numbers and budgets, it is clear that the programme is going to be restricted to a very select customer base. Our understanding is that the cost is c.4.1 million Euro, including two years of Ferrari event running costs. Those numbers have not been confirmed by Ferrari.
The 499P Modificata sits alongside the brand’s F1 Clienti programme in a range of options for high-value customers to sample Ferrari’s impressive event management range at exclusive events worldwide.
With effect from 2024, the Corse Clienti department will organise the “Sport Prototipi Clienti” programme where 499P Modificata owners will be able to rely on Ferrari assistance with maintenance and support, both technical and logistical, for all dedicated track events.
Alongside their one-make and GT race activities, Ferrari also offers the Club Competizioni GT for private customers with a range of Ferrari GT race cars (plus their track-only versions), plus the FXX programme which has been running since 2005 offering private customers the opportunity to drive a series of highly advanced versions of their top-end road cars featuring tech up to and including F1.
The car has been developed with input from Ferrari Brand Ambassador Olivier Beretta and extensive testing has already been undertaken at a variety of circuits around Europe.
The calendar of events for owners in 2024 mirrors that of the F1 Clienti programme with owners able to run their own cars elsewhere, calling upon Ferrari technical support if they wish to do so. The 2024 calendar currently features no events which take place at FIA WEC venues.
Despite the similarities between the new car and the 499P Hypercar, Ferrari believes, via extensive discussions with the FIA, that there is no issue with relation to Hypercar testing restrictions.
499P Modificat Technical Specifications
Chassis & Suspension
- Chassis – Carbon-fibre monocoque
- Suspension – Double wishbones, push-rod
Internal Combustion Engine
- Type – V6 – 120 degree twin turbocharged – dry sump
- Total displacement – 2994 cc
Electric Front Axle
- Maximum power – 200 kW (272 cv)
- Activation speed – Not limited by regulations
Powertrain
- Maximum power, ICE and electric axle* – 640 kW (870 cv)
Tyres & Wheels
- Front – 310/710-18
- Rear – 340/710-18
Transmission & Gearbox
- 7-speed sequential gearbox
Electronic Controls
- Traction control, brake-by-wire system
* With ‘Push to Pass’ system activated
