Limited edition track-only Ferrari 488 GT Modificata unveiled

Special edition Ferrari 488 GT Modificata has more power and some cosmetic tweaks lifted from the 488 GT3 racer

This is the new Ferrari 488 GT Modificata. It’s a track-only version of the 488 GTB, designed to rival the likes of the McLaren Senna GTR and the Lamborghini SCV12.

It’ll be produced in very limited numbers, as Ferrari plans to only sell the Modificata to drivers who participated in its Competizioni GT and Club Competizioni GT racing series. Specific production numbers are yet to be confirmed, but every example will be built to order.

Like its rivals, the 488 GT Modificata doesn’t conform to any racing regulations. Instead, Ferrari’s engineers simply designed the car to be as fast as it could be by fitting a host of chassis and drivetrain tweaks, along with a brace of aerodynamic appendages that would be illegal in most FIA-approved racing series.

To start, Ferrari swapped the standard 488’s body panels for carbon fibre replacements, just like its 488 GTE Le Mans racer. Ferrari then completely reworked the 488 GTB’s aerodynamics, fitting a new front splitter, deeper side skirts, broader engine intakes, a more aggressive rear diffuser and a suitably sized rear wing.

Ferrari says the aero tweaks can generate 1,000kg of downforce at 143mph – and, as the upgrades don’t rely on an enormous rear spoiler to generate that pressure, they have a minimal effect on the car’s overall drag.

The 488 GT’s cabin gets a similarly race-inspired overhaul. The leather and aluminium trim from the road-going supercar has been banished, replaced by a pair of Sabelt bucket seats, racing harnesses, a full roll cage and an F1-style racing wheel. However, as this isn’t a fully fledged racer, Ferrari has elected to retain the road car’s air-conditioning system.

It’s powered by a tuned version of the twin-turbocharged 3.9-litre V8 engine found in the 488 GTE World Endurance racer – although Ferrari hasn’t yet provided a solid answer on how much power it generates. All we know is that the brand’s engineers have loaded the unit’s ECU with a new map that pushes performance from 600bhp to “around 700bhp.”

We know a bit more about the car’s chassis, though. It features upgraded Brembo brakes lifted from Ferrari’s world championship racers and the same suspension setup as the 488 GTE Le Mans car. Buyers also get the same ABS system as the current 488 GT3 Evo racer.

What do you make of the new Ferrari 488 GT Modificata? Let us know in the comments section below…

Recommended

New MINI Countryman JCW aims to deliver performance and practicality
MINI Countryman JCW - front
News

New MINI Countryman JCW aims to deliver performance and practicality

The new MINI Countryman JCW gets 296bhp and four-wheel drive
10 Nov 2023
New Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door: super saloon gets tweaked for 2024
Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door - front
News

New Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door: super saloon gets tweaked for 2024

The GT 4-Door is Mercedes’ range-topping performance saloon
31 Oct 2023
New 2024 Porsche 911 could be all you ever need from a sports car
All-new Porsche 911 facelift - front
News

New 2024 Porsche 911 could be all you ever need from a sports car

911 will be more varied than ever with the introduction of electric power
27 Oct 2023
New Porsche Taycan facelift unmasked on Nurburgring
Porsche Taycan facelift - front tracking
News

New Porsche Taycan facelift unmasked on Nurburgring

Buyers can expect the updated Taycan to arrive in 2024
26 Oct 2023

Most Popular

New Jaguar XF Sportbrake 2024 review: big estate with value boost
Jaguar XF Sportbrake - front tracking
Road tests

New Jaguar XF Sportbrake 2024 review: big estate with value boost

Jaguar's XF Sportbrake may be 8 years old but it just got a whole lot cheaper!
7 Dec 2023
New Nissan Qashqai to get radical look and all-electric power
Nissan Qashqai exclusive image - front
News

New Nissan Qashqai to get radical look and all-electric power

Major investment in Nissan’s Sunderland plant underpins the new fourth-generation Qashqai
8 Dec 2023
Deal of the Day: Volkswagen ID. Buzz brings retro-style and practicality for £311 per month
Volkswagen ID. Buzz - front cornering
News

Deal of the Day: Volkswagen ID. Buzz brings retro-style and practicality for £311 per month

All-electric MPV offers style and substance - making it our Deal of the Day for Wednesday 6 December
6 Dec 2023