Many individuals own Ferraris, but only a select few receive a special invitation packaged in a glossy Rosso Scuderia box when the iconic car manufacturer unveils a new standout model. This is Maranello’s way of differentiating between its customers and its friends. Most of us may never experience this privilege, but thankfully, one prominent invitee from the upcoming launch seems to have shared some insights with everyone else.
An Instagram user named @ferraricollectoraus posted several images on Monday of a box reportedly sent by Ferrari, captioned, “If you know you know, count down is on!” A few commenters claimed to have seen the soon-to-be-revealed car themselves or conversed with Ferrari personnel about it. One commenter noted that the new model features technology derived from the company’s two-time Le Mans-winning 499P.
Things get particularly intriguing here. Among the images, two clearly depict an artistic silhouette of the car’s profile, which brought to mind the Ferrari Vision Gran Turismo. This concept, created for the popular sim racing franchise, was introduced in late 2022, months before the 499P made its track debut. While it wasn’t a tangible vehicle, Ferrari’s lore positions the Vision GT as powered by the same engine used in the prototype racer: a hybrid-assisted 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6.
For those watching the world-renowned race the Saturday before last, it’s clear that the 499P competes in Le Mans’ Hypercar class. Although this category doesn’t currently mandate road car homologation as was initially intended, the idea of a street-legal version of the 499P is undeniably appealing. This could potentially clarify why a camouflaged prototype was spotted last year.
The allure of such a vehicle, combined with its stylistic resemblances to the earlier Gran Turismo design, leads to speculation that we might be looking at a Le Mans-inspired model available for Ferrari’s most cherished clients. Much like the Mercedes CLK-GTR, Porsche 911 GT1, or McLaren F1 LM, this car wouldn’t be bound by motorsport regulations and would exist purely for enjoyment.
That’s my perspective, at least. We won’t know for sure until Ferrari formally announces the details. According to a comment from the account that shared these images, an unveiling may take place on October 13. While it seems quite early to ask people to mark their calendars for such an event, perhaps when these rare occasions arise every 11 years, generous notice is warranted.
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