The Gentleman Magazine Issue 9 | June 2018 | Page 33
THE FERRARI SP38, THE NEW CREATION
FROM THE ONE-OFF PROGRAMME
The Ferrari SP38, the latest offspring from Ferrari’s One-
Off programme, has been unveiled at Fiorano where, after
the ceremonial handover to one of Ferrari’s 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. 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 car. The twin-turbo, twin-intercooler
set-up of the award-winning 488 GTB inspired the team to
reference the mighty F40 as an icon from which to instruct the
project’s general direction.
The effect is dramatic, as it reinforces the importance of the
rear volume while, at the same time, maintaining the air flow
to the intercoolers at the base of the side window. The dynamic
styling continues over the engine cover, which 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 a hint at the famous
rear wing of the F40. The trailing edge of the spoiler links
seamlessly with the wing and with the aerodynamic diffuser
at the bottom, to create a suggestive frame surrounding the tail
volume.
A full Tailor Made cabin trim puts the finished touches on this
truly special Ferrari.
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 wheelarches, giving the car
potency and agility. 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 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.
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