Ferrari 488 GT Modificata is an ultra-exclusive 700bhp track toy

Ferrari has revealed the perfect car for your next post-lockdown track day: the new 488 GT Modificata.

A track-only version of the 488 GTB, it’s been designed to go head-to-head with the likes of the Lamborghini SVC 12 and the McLaren Senna GTR.

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Obviously it’s not your average track day car. The Modificata will only be sold to drivers who have, in recent years, participated in Ferrari’s Competizioni GT and Club Competizioni GT racing series. As a result, it’ll only be produced in very limited numbers. How many hasn’t been revealed, but every example will be built to order.

It’s also slightly bonkers … in the nicest possible way. Ferrari engineers have designed the car to be as fast as it could be. In doing so, it doesn’t conform to any racing regulations, plus it boasts a host of chassis and drivetrain tweaks. Oh. And it’s fitted with a couple of aerodynamic appendages which would be illegal in most FIA-approved racing series.

(Photo: Ferrari)

So, what’s been done? Well the engineers and designers have completely reworked the 488 GTB’s aerodynamics. That means the Modificata gets a more aggressive rear diffuser, an impressively-sized rear wing, broader engine intakes, plus a new front splitter and deeper side skirts.

The tweaks, according to Ferrari, mean the new aero package can generate 1,000kg of downforce at 143mph. And of course, they have a minimal effect on the car’s overall drag because the upgrades don’t rely on a huge rear spoiler to generate that pressure.

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Inside, the cabin is more akin to thoroughbred race car. Don’t expect the same leather and aluminium trim from the road-going 488 GT supercar; they’ve both been ditched. Instead there’s a full roll cage and an F1-style racing wheel. Buyers though will be delighted to learn they can race in comfort: Ferrari has retained the car’s air-conditioning system.

Power? Well that comes from a tuned version of the twin-turbocharged 3.9-litre V8 engine found in the 488 GTE World Endurance racer. As for bhp, well that remains something of a secret: Ferrari isn’t revealing specifics. What we do know is the engineers have loaded the unit’s ECU with a new map that pushes performance from 600bhp to “around 700bhp.”

(Photo: Ferrari)

We also know the Modificata has been fitted with the same suspension setup as the 488 GTE Le Mans car, as well as the same ABS system as the current 488 GT3 Evo racer, plus upgraded Brembo brakes lifted from Ferrari’s world championship racers.

Like all Ferraris, the 488 GT Modificata offers customers a wide range of customisation options for both the exterior and interior.

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The Modificata will be also admitted to Club Competizioni GT events, an initiative that is carving out an increasingly prominent place among Ferrari’s track activities.

In 2021, customers will have the chance to participate in five events on tracks that bring out both the handling and dynamic qualities of the cars, such as the Virginia International Raceway, Monza, Watkins Glen, Suzuka and Nurburgring, as well as the Finali Mondiali. So yes, not exactly your everyday track day car.

(Photo: Ferrari)

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