Ferrari has unveiled a new iteration of its Le Mans-winning hypercar, christened the 499P Modificata. Surprisingly, this latest model isn’t exclusively aimed at professional racing drivers; it marks a significant departure from Ferrari’s norm.
To clarify, Ferrari typically offers exclusive programs like the XX and F1 Clienti, where affluent individuals can acquire high-performance vehicles like the FXXK or vintage Scuderia F1 cars. These cars are then transported to various racetracks worldwide for owners to enjoy. However, the 499P Modificata introduces a fresh perspective on this concept, as it welcomes non-professional buyers into the fold. This extension of Ferrari’s portfolio is dubbed the “Sport Prototipi Clienti” program, a groundbreaking move that allows regular enthusiasts to purchase these remarkable machines.
Starting in 2024, the Sport Prototipi Clienti program will see Le Mans Hypercars sharing track time with historic F1 cars at renowned circuits like Suzuka and the Nürburgring, promising a thrilling spectacle for motorsport aficionados.
An intriguing aspect of these non-competitive track toys for the extravagantly wealthy is that Ferrari doesn’t need to adhere to the stringent Balance of Performance regulations, providing the company with the freedom to enhance performance. Accordingly, they have amplified the 2022 Le Mans 24hrs winner’s capabilities, all just in time for the general public to experience.
The modification is not centered on the 296 GT3-derived 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine. Instead, the electric motor on the front axle has undergone significant upgrades. The electric motor now delivers enhanced power to the front wheels at all times, a stark contrast to World Endurance Championship regulations that limit electric assistance to speeds exceeding 190kph. Consequently, the Modificata operates as a four-wheel-drive vehicle right from a standstill, resulting in a prodigious combined power output of 858bhp. This full potential is only unlocked when the driver engages the new ‘Push to Pass’ button, which is conveniently situated on the back of the steering wheel. This power surge lasts for a seven-second burst, and without it, the car remains exceptionally potent with 697bhp.
Aside from these modifications, most of the vehicle’s internals closely resemble those of the Le Mans winner. This includes a full carbon monocoque chassis, a seven-speed sequential gearbox, fine-tuned push-rod suspension designed to make the car more driver-friendly, a sophisticated brake-by-wire system, and an F1-inspired 800-volt battery pack. The exterior design and aerodynamics remain identical to the standard 499P model, with only minor interior alterations such as the inclusion of a digital rear-view mirror and a slightly wider seat, catering to a broader range of drivers beyond the slim profiles of professional racers.
One notable departure from the race car is the custom Pirelli slick tires. Unlike the Michelins used at Circuit de la Sarthe, these Pirelli tires have been specifically engineered to warm up more rapidly and offer more predictable handling characteristics, enhancing the car’s usability.
Ferrari has not disclosed the exact number of Modificata units it intends to produce. However, it has been described as a “strictly limited-series car” reserved for the brand’s “most valued and special customers.” Given the exclusivity and performance enhancements, it is safe to assume that potential owners will need to be among Ferrari’s most affluent clientele.
The price tag for each Modificata is a staggering €5.1 million before taxes, roughly equivalent to £4.4 million. While this figure may seem exorbitant, it does include the cost of the car, a two-year participation in the Sport Prototipi Clienti program, all maintenance expenses, and the provision of a personal engineering team at each track. Consider the fact that this is the reigning Le Mans champion, and the value proposition starts to emerge, even though it may still be an extravagant purchase at five million euros.
