Image: Ferrari
Image: Ferrari
Image: Ferrari
Image: Ferrari
Image: Ferrari
Returning to the elite class of Le Mans for the first time in 50 years, the new Ferrari 499P has big shoes to fill in the highly competitive WEC series. This is the red and yellow-liveried hybrid competitor in all of its glory.
Image: Ferrari
It has been half a century since Ferrari last contended the top tier of the Le Mans series. As such, the Italian automaker steeped in motorsport has drawn inspiration from elite racecars of yesteryear for their newcomer. The name, for example, continues the nomenclature that the Maranello outfit has used for the past few decades. The 499 refers to the cubic capacity in centimetres of each cylinder while the subsequent letter represents the word prototype.
Following regulations, the model employs a 3,0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 with Formula 1-derived hybrid assistance. With a 120-degree layout, the automaker has confirmed that it is not the same motor that has been employed on the Ferrari 296 GT3 racecar and GTB road car citing structural differences. The V6 was chosen for its lightweight and compact layout while the combined output with a 900-volt battery is rated at the regulated 500 kW.
Image: Ferrari
Similar to the Formula 1 hybrid system, the front-mounted electric motor rated at 200 kW draws power from the 900-volt battery that is recharged during deceleration and braking. Delivering the power to the rear wheels is a seven-speed sequential transmission.
While the name of the 499P signals the racing heritage of the Prancing Horse, the historic details continue with its racing numbers and livery colour choice. The model which was ushered into the world at the Ferrari Finali Mondiali at Imploa bears Daytona SP3 design cues while the livery itself harkens back to the 312PB of the early 1970s – the last time the team contended the elite tier of the Championship.
On the side of the models will be the race numbers #50 and #51 with the first representing the same amount of years since Ferrari contended the top tier of Le Mans and the latter simply being a prolific number employed in Ferrari GT race cars.
Image: Ferrari
Prior to its release and 2023 entrance into the FIA World Endurance Championship, the model has completed over 12 000 km of testing with the two prototypes scheduled on being fully homologated before the end of the year. The first race it will contend will be the Sebring 100 Miles in mid-March.
Keyword: Ferrari unveil 499P which signals momentous return to Le Mans racing