Ferrari 499P Modificata: A Le Mans Winner Available for Purchase

Ferrari
A nod to Ferrari's '60s Le Mans champions, a 499P Hypercar variant will be accessible to non-racing enthusiasts.
Earlier this year, a historic moment unfolded when a Ferrari 499P triumphed at the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans, marking Ferrari's first victory in the race since 1965. Back in the '60s, fortunate customers could acquire iconic Ferraris like the illustrious 250 GTO directly from the Scuderia. Despite the immense transformations in the automotive world since then, Ferrari appears to cherish this tradition. As a testament to this legacy, they are making the 499P Modificata available for purchase, a variant of the 499P Le Mans Hypercar.

However, this isn't about selling cars to racing teams; it's about offering a 499P to individuals seeking the ultimate track-day experience. In contrast to the canceled Toyota GR Super Sport or the Aston Martin Valkyrie, which is transitioning to the Hypercar class in 2025, the 499P Modificata is not designed for road use. It is a purebred track car, unburdened by the regulations associated with racing to a specific ruleset. This gives the 499P Modificata a similar spirit to the Porsche 919 Evo in relation to the 499P's Porsche 919 Hybrid.

Though not as extreme as the Porsche, boasting over 1000 horsepower and active aerodynamics, the 499P Modificata's freedom from regulation allows Ferrari to maximize its power and harness the full potential of its hybrid assistance. With 697 horsepower, four-wheel drive that can be engaged at speeds significantly below the FIA-regulated 118 mph, and specially designed Pirelli tires, this track-focused machine is a force to be reckoned with. The hybrid powertrain's output can be unleashed with the push of a button, reaching a staggering peak of 858 horsepower. This performance catapults the 499P Modificata into a league occupied solely by the likes of the Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR Pro and the Bugatti Bolide.
Despite these remarkable credentials, managing a car of this caliber, with its intricate hybrid system, can be quite challenging for private owners. To address this, Ferrari has introduced the Sport Prototipi Clienti program, mirroring its F1 Clienti program for historic F1 car owners. Owners of the 499P Modificata will benefit from Ferrari's comprehensive support, ensuring the car's maintenance and performance optimization.

This innovative approach allows Ferrari to produce a more intricate and contemporary track car, and it establishes a framework for handling similar ambitious projects in the future. While the price for the 499P Modificata has not been officially disclosed, it stands alone as a prototype racer from a major manufacturer currently available for purchase. The closest comparison may be the ready-to-race Porsche 963, which commands a price tag of $3 million for customer race teams. Given the 499P Modificata's development for even more complex regulations, it's reasonable to expect a substantial cost. Ferrari's move into this ultra-exclusive segment is poised to make a profound impact on the world of track-focused hypercars.