Ferrari is to unleash a version of its 2023 Le Mans winning Hypercar as a more potent track day machine. The homologated World Endurance Championship (WEC) racecar combines a 200 kW electric front wheel drive system with an internal combustion rear wheel drive for an overall output capped by WEC rules at 500 kW. It is known as the 499P.

The Hypercar engine is based on that of the 296 GTB twin turbo - the first ever Ferrari road going V6. It is a compact all-aluminium twin overhead camshaft, 24 valve unit with direct injection. Bore of 88 mm and stroke of 82 mm provide an individual cylinder displacement of 498.7 cc [‘499’] and a total displacement of 2992 cc.

 

The bank angle is 120 degrees, providing smooth running even fire and the scope to house the twin turbochargers within the valley (‘hot side inside’). It was designed to run to 8500 rpm developing over 650 bhp. Where the 296 GTB road car is a plug in hybrid the GT3 race version for 2023 drops the electrical drive by regulation. The Hypercar race engine is derived from the GTB/ GT3 engine but shares few components.

 

The new version of the 499 is known as the 499 Modificata and is a limited edition strictly for private use on track - it is not road legal. At the same time, since it doesn’t have to conform to FIA Hypercar regulations Ferrari has extended its performance. The electronic powertrain control system has been reconfigured and now the front wheel drive 200 kW can be accessed at any speed. Without the 500 kW overall cap the Modificata driver will have access to a total of 640 kW (858 bhp).

Ferrari has paid attention to aspects such as suspension and even tyres to make the 499 Modificata as user-friendly as possible. Those buying one can participated in a new ‘Sport Prototipi Clienti’ programme, whereby the cars will be run by Ferrari on behalf of them at various tracks.