Ferrari 499P, how the design of the Maranello hypercar was born

The wait is about to end. The next November 4on the track of Sakhirthe 2023 edition of will close FIA WECthe first season with the Ferrari 499P Hypercar. A really positive season, given that both crews from the Maranello company are still competing for the drivers’ title and given the splendid victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The winning 499P at Le Mans will first make an “appearance” at Ferrari World Finals scheduled for this weekend at Mugello, parading on the track on the day of October 29th.

BEHIND THE DESIGN OF THE 499P

—

– One of the things that is most striking and which perhaps has been talked about little is the design of the Emilian Hypercar. It is the fruit of cooperation between different working groups at Ferrari, capable of designing a racing car capable of combining style and technique in the best possible way. A plot that ended up going beyond the simple sporting side, also being applied for the technical clothing of Cavallino drivers and mechanics. Second Stefano Carmassiwhich leads the “technological” part of Maranello’s Endurance program, the development of the 499P went through three phases: one explorationone dedicated to achieving the best convergence between style, technique and race performanceand one of finalization which culminated in the tests immediately preceding the debut in the FIA ​​WEC and at Le Mans. Second Carlo Palazzaniat the head of the staff that takes care of the external design of the rear engine of the 499P, the decisive factors were the software that they allowed the dialogue between his department and the engineering departmentcreating a car captivating and at the same time extremely performingdestined to become iconic with the success of Le Mans.

BEAUTY AND POWER TOGETHER

—

After all, according to the chief designer Flavio Manzoni,”The aim was to make the 499P the most beautiful Hypercar on the FIA ​​WEC grid thanks to an instantly recognizable design”. The experience gained over the past years on cars like the has been decisive FXX K and the FXX Evo. During the conception of these racing cars there were the first working exchanges between designers and engineers; however, the creation of the 499P was a much more important challenge, as the further objective of creating a winning car was added. Again according to Manzoni “We worked to achieve the best result on a technical and aerodynamic level, combining functionality, performance and fidelity to the homologation rules and ensuring that the new Hypercar was immediately recognizable as a Ferrari.”. Interaction with the group Antonello Coletta“boss” of the 499P project, and the development project followed together with the team Ferdinando Cannizzo were characterized by an excellent level of understanding.

REFERENCES TO THE PAST

—

The 499P is a modern and ultra-technological racing carbut in its forms they are evident references to some of the most powerful and significant cars of Ferrari’s pastas the lead designer explains Francesco Russo. The design of the new car summarizes technique and function with simple shapes and geometries, contrasting with harmony on one side fluid and classic shapes like those of the sixties and on the other taut lines and flat surfaces, more typical of the seventies. Another reference to the past is the livery of the Hypercar, based on the 312 BPFerrari’s last great endurance car before 2023. A color that emphasizes and makes it very dynamic the shapes of the 499P, thanks also to the new “Le Mans Red”, equipped with a glossy finish which also has a practical value during the night racing phases. The “Le Mans Red” was combined with the classic “Modena yellow”.

YOU ALSO INFLUENCE THE NEW UNIFORMS

—

Even the uniforms designed for Ferrari’s FIA WEC team they closely resemble the 499Pcreating a common trait together with structures such as the garage and hospitality in Maranello. Rocco Iannonecreative director of Lifestyle Ferrari, says that “The Hypercar livery was a source of inspiration in the design of the uniforms, after a preparatory conversation between me and Antonello Coletta. The graphic element and the color combination created a project that involved various creative teams, with close collaboration”. The creation of the uniforms was handled by 8six400, which made the best fabrics available. Also not to be underestimated the opinion of the Hypercar drivers who tried the racing clothing, giving useful feedback at each test. Concluding, according to Iannone, “Capturing the enthusiasm in wearing these garments is the greatest satisfaction for those who made them”.