Ferrari 499P Le Mans winner unleashed — yours for £4.6m
Ferrari is selling a track-only version of its Le Mans winning car with more power; the 499P Modificata is unrestricted by the WEC rulebook
Now you can recreate your own 100th anniversary Le Mans win with a 499P Modificata
Ferrari
It returns to Le Mans as a factory contender for the first time in 50 years and wins the 100th anniversary edition of the 24 Hours with a brand new car. Now for Ferrari’s lucky (and well-heeled) customers, the fairy-tale continues.
The unveiling of the Ferrari 499P Modificata less than six months after the model’s landmark Le Mans victory represents a major departure – for any carmaker. “This is the first time I can think of where a top-level racing car has been adapted for customer use for neither road nor racing purposes,” wrote Andrew Frankel on Motor Sport’s website.
The £4.6m price tag is eye-watering, but not for Ferrari’s elite clientele at which this car is targeted, for use at the Prancing Horse’s nine private track events it runs annually – especially as the modified Hypercar will surely only appreciate in value. Of greater significance to those who can afford it is the spec. This is a Le Mans-winning race car now unleashed from the fetters of a tight racing rulebook.
You’ll be on bespoke Pirelli tyres rather than Michelin, but that shouldn’t spoil your enjoyment
Ferrari
The tub, engine, hybrid drive, suspension, basic aerodynamic concept and monoposto cockpit remain in line with the 499P that has just concluded its first campaign in the World Endurance Championship. What has changed is the power and driveability, both of which have gone up. The 3-litre twin-turbocharged V6 and front-mounted electric motor boasts a combined 846bhp when boosted by the ‘push to pass’ button outlawed in the WEC, compared to the race car which is limited to 671bhp. Factor in the release of power to the front axle from a standing start – compared to only once the car reaches 118mph under WEC rules – and in theory, the Modificata should be quicker than James Calado’s regular mount. But Ferrari is staying quiet on that.
In reality and by necessity the adapted car will be tailored for amateur drivers and runs on Pirellis rather than its Michelin race rubber. But comparisons, when they finally come, will be fascinating. Balance of Performance? The words in this context mean nothing.