Ferrari reveals stunning 488-based SP38, inspired by F40

Mitchell Jones

A new, bespoke car from Ferrari’s One-Off division has emerged and doesn’t it look drool-worthy. Meet the Ferrari SP38, a car based on the 488 GTB, but restyled to something arguably more sinister and elegant than its engineering-focused donor.

Visually, the SP38 is more wedge-like than its progenitor, with standout features including a blacked-out A-pillar, sharp horizontal headlamps and DRLs, a large grey intake integrated into the front bumper which hides the distinctive air scoop of the 488. The rear end is completely restyled, with three horizontal slits over the engine, a rear-hinged hood and air channels surrounding the taillamps and rear valance. The rear wing has been sculpted to look like a modern interpretation of the F40.

The 488 GTB upon which it is based is a very hardcore vehicle as it is. It uses a 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8 that generates 492kW at a screaming 8000rpm, with a muscular 760Nm available from 3000 to 6750rpm. This power is channelled through a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox for a 330km/h top speed and a 0-100km/h sprint of 3.0 seconds. While based on the 488 GTB, no word on whether or not the outputs are the same – we’ll have to wait for its official unveiling at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este on the 26th of May. Speaking about the creation in a statement, Ferrari said:

“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.”

Previous one-off editions include the 458 MM Speciale, the SP12 EC commissioned by Eric Clapton to evoke the 512 Berlinetta Boxer, and the SP275 RW Competizione.

Next Post

2019 Kia Sportage revealed with new hybrid diesel

Kia has unveiled the 2019 facelift of its popular Sportage medium SUV, with significant marches forward on the efficiency front. The star of the show is a new mild-hybrid ‘EcoDynamic+’ powertrain, which utilises a 48V electrical system, electric motor and lithium-ion battery in conjunction with a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine. A […]