Ferrari, synonymous with exotic race machines, has unveiled yet another engineering marvel– the SP-8. A one-off mid-rear-engined roadster based on the F8 Spider, the SP-8 is part of the Italian marque’s Special Projects programme. The single-piece production is designed by the Flavio Manzoni-headed Ferrari Styling Centre (FSC).
The one-off SP-8 joins the hallowed ranks of the most exclusive segment in the Ferrari range where unique cars are crafted around individual clients’ specifications. The sports car has been commissioned by an unknown client from Taiwan. Also, the number 8 is added to the name since it’s considered lucky in Chinese culture and traditionally augurs success, good fortune and personal achievement.
Ferrari SP-8 visual highlights
The most striking highlight of the SP-8 is its roofless design making it a thoroughbred two-seater roadster, thus, underscoring its sporty character and the instantly exhilarating visual and en plein air driving experience it delivers. This solution demanded extensive refining of its aerodynamics through a combination of CFD simulations, wind tunnel testing and track testing.
Getting into details of its design, the front end of the car is dominated by an imposing full-width, cast aluminium grille made from a single, 3D-printed mould. The grille features the same strake theme, but in a vertical movement, with the spacing in plane view gradually widening towards the flanks to better channel airflow to the two front radiators.
Other visual elements of the SP-8 redesigned from the donor car include the headlights, which have special masks and lenses, the rear lights derived from those of the Roma with specific lenses, the windscreen, the tailpipes, which were given the same treatment as the 296 GTB’s, and the specially-designed wheel rims in a dedicated colour (matte Grigio NART).
The SP-8 is wrapped by a matte Argento Micalizzato paint scheme which gels nicely with the carbon fibre treatment on the car’s body. The carbon fibre panels get an equally specific colour and finish (glossy iridescent Blue Sandstone). Even the Blu Scuro Stellato colour used to link the two bodywork sections was specifically developed for this one-off model.
Ferrari SP-8: Interiors, engine specs
Inside the cabin, the most significant update is the revised central console housing the F1 gearbox commands featured in the Ferrari range since the debut of the SF90 Stradale. This meant modifying the now iconic shift-gate for this specific application. The seats are finished in laser-etched Navy Blue Alcantara and wrapped with gradient effect cloth, and carpets in specific twill fabric with an iridescent effect.
Powering the SP-8 is a 3.9-litre V8 twin-turbo engine mounted behind the seats that delivers a mammoth 710 horses and 770 Nm of peak torque. The SP-8 will be on display from the morning of 24th of October at the Mugello Circuit until the end of the Finali Mondiali Ferrari 2023. Thereafter, it will be displayed at the Ferrari Museum in Maranello from November 16 until March 2024.