Ferrari unveiled the latest addition
to its One-Off series, the Ferrari SP-8. Part of the marque’s Special Projects
programme and designed by the Flavio Manzoni-headed Ferrari Styling Centre, it
is a mid-rear-engined V8 based on the F8 Spider from which it inherits its
layout, chassis and engine. The SP-8 one-off joins the hallowed ranks of the
most exclusive segment in the Ferrari range, unique cars crafted around
individual clients’ specifications, with the result that they embody the very
pinnacle of Prancing Horse customisation.
The car’s name celebrates its
3.9-litre V8 twin-turbo engine, one of the most critically-acclaimed power
units in history and the winner of the prestigious Engine of the Year (IEOTY)
award on four consecutive occasions. As
the client that commissioned the SP-8 hails from Taiwan, the number 8 is also
significant as it considered extremely lucky in Chinese culture, traditionally
auguring success, good fortune and personal achievement.
The SP-8’s most unique feature is the
fact that it has no roof, making it a thoroughbred two-seater roadster in every
respect, 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 to guarantee a standard of acoustic comfort and wind feeling
comparable to the car that inspired it.
Inside the car, an important
modification has been made to the central console to house the F1 gearbox
commands that have 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 interior finish is completed with seats featuring details in
laser-etched Navy Blue Alcantara® coupled with gradient effect cloth, and
carpets in specific twill fabric with an iridescent effect.
The matte Argento Micalizzato colour
created specifically for the SP-8 pairs brilliantly with the car’s carbon-fibre
section, which has 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.
SPECIAL PROJECTS
The Special Projects programme is
aimed at creating unique Ferraris (so-called “One-Offs”) characterised by an
exclusive design crafted to the requirements of the client, who thus becomes
the owner of a one-of-a-kind model. Each project originates from an idea put
forward by the client and is developed hand-in-glove with a team of designers
from Ferrari’s Styling Centre. Once the car’s proportion and forms have been
defined, detailed design blueprints and a styling buck are produced before the
manufacturing process for the new One-Off begins. The entire process takes
around two years on average, during which time the client is closely involved
in assessing the design and verification phases. The result? A unique Ferrari
sporting the Prancing Horse logo and engineered to the same standards of
excellence that characterise all of Maranello’s cars.