By Nik Berg / Hagerty.com
Hot on the heels of Lamborghini’s Huracán STO Ferrari has launched its own track day tool. Like its Lamborghini rival the 488 GT Modificata is built on the racing prowess of the GT3 and GTE circuit stars which competed in the World Endurance Championship and GT series.
The 488 GT3 has claimed 350 wins and 630 podiums in international competition, while the GTE won Le Mans and the Petit Le Mans. That’s some serious provenance to work with.
Unrestricted by F.I.A. Balance of Performance regulations the 488 GT Modificata sees its twin-turbo V-8 engine boosted to 700 horsepower, along with updates to the chassis and aerodynamics. The bodywork, with the exception of the aluminum roof and uprights, is made from carbon fiber like the GTE, with aero tricks that generate high downforce without increasing drag. At 140 mph the Modificata produces over 2200 lbs of downforce.
The Modificata carries the same suspension as the GTE racer, with Brembo brakes that were developed for the 2020 GT3 Evo. On-board Bosch telemetry can be saved to a USB drive for drivers to analyze their track performance.
The 488 GT Modificata isn’t road legal, so will be confined to track days, although those seeking a more competitive drive will be able to take part in Ferrari’s Club Competizioni GT events, which brings together the most significant closed-wheel Ferrari racers for races at Virginia International Raceway, Monza, Watkins Glen, Suzuka and the Nürburgring.
We’re more interested in seeing the 488 GT Modificata going head to head with Huracán STO. We’re quite sure that YouTube will oblige in 2021 when both cars begin to reach their owners. Meanwhile, you can watch a preview of the Modificata here.