Ferrari unveiled the 499P, its new Le Mans hypercar set to compete in the elite class of the FIA WEC World Endurance Championship starting from 2023. The name 499P recalls Ferrari’s history, as past Ferrari prototypes often included a “P” in their designation, sometimes placed before the single engine displacement. The 499P follows this tradition.
This vehicle proudly inherits Ferrari’s legacy of recording 22 World titles and 9 overall victories at the Le Mans 24 Hours. On the other hand, as a prototype, the 499P represents a future direction in both its technological and design aspects. The 499P’s livery, which will be unveiled at the upcoming Sebring 1000 Mile race, reflects the color scheme of the iconic 312P from the 1970s.
This design visually emphasizes the historical connection with Ferrari’s last participating model from 50 years ago. For this reason, one of Ferrari’s endurance racing cars is expected to carry the number 50, while another will feature the number 51, one of the most successful race numbers in Ferrari’s history. The official lineup of drivers for the 499P will be announced in the future.
In accordance with the new technical regulations for the hypercar class set by the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile) and ACO (Automobile Club de l’Ouest), Ferrari has embarked on developing a Le Mans Hypercar (LMH) that stays true to its tradition. Ferrari traditionally considers the ‘track’ as the ideal place to develop innovative technological solutions applicable to road cars. The 499P can be deemed a declarative model showcasing Ferrari’s commitment and efforts toward endurance racing.
The all-wheel-drive prototype 499P complies with the technical regulations and requirements of the Le Mans hypercar class, including delivering a maximum power of 500 kW to the wheels and weighing a minimum of 1,030 kg. The development of the 499P involved extensive contributions in technology, expertise, and manpower from Ferrari. The project was overseen by Antonello Coletta, leading the Attività Sportive GT, while Ferdinando Cannizzo, who heads engineering and development for sports cars and GT racing cars, took on the role of technical director.
The hybrid powertrain of the 499P combines a mid-rear power unit with an electric motor that drives the front axle. The internal combustion engine (ICE), derived from the street-legal twin-turbo V6, delivers a maximum regulated output of 500 kW (680 horsepower) and shares a similar structure to the engine fitted in the 296 GT3. This engine has undergone thorough checks by Ferrari engineers to develop a temporary solution for prototypes while minimizing overall weight. One of the most significant features of the 499P’s V6 engine is that it is derived from a street-legal engine. Thus, compared to the engines of GT race cars mounted on the vehicle’s rear sub-chassis, the 499P engine can perform critical structural functions.
Another feature of the hybrid powertrain is the ERS (Energy Recovery System), with a maximum output of 200 kW (272 hp). The electric motor is equipped with a differential and is powered by a battery that charges during deceleration and braking, requiring no external power source. The battery pack, with a nominal voltage of 900 V, was specially developed for the 499P based on Formula 1 experience. The total maximum output of the 499P stands at 500 kW (680 hp), coupled with a 7-speed sequential gearbox.
The design of the new Ferrari 499P has become more refined with support from the Ferrari styling center led by Flavio Manzoni. The vehicle’s technological and aerodynamic features have been further enhanced by expressing the simple and smooth shapes that are part of Ferrari’s DNA. The balance between the futuristic and pure expressions of ‘tight lines’ and ‘rippling surfaces’ clearly realizes a necessary architecture.
The body of the prototype is sculpted from a flat surface, evolving harmoniously into side pods and wheel arches. The aerodynamic flow cools the radiator hidden under the body by passing through the concave parts surrounding the driver’s seat and out through the side pods. A prominent feature of the wheel arch surface is the large louver installed to lower pressure inside the wheel housing. This louver adds character to the nose area of the 499P, alongside the headlight cluster. In addition, this nose section subtly references the styling first introduced in the Ferrari Daytona SP3.
The rear of the vehicle ultimately expresses how to mix technology, aerodynamics, and design. The carbon fiber skin, responsible for various functions, prominently displays the wheels and suspension. The tail features a dual horizontal wing, with the main wing and upper flap meticulously designed to ensure necessary downforce and achieve maximum performance.
The lower wing also includes a ‘light bar,’ which enriches the rear design of the vehicle with a firm yet minimal touch. Lastly, a multiple air intake system is mounted at the upper center of the vehicle to intake air for the V6 engine and supply cooled air to the battery and transmission.
The Ferrari 499P, built on a completely new carbon fiber monocoque chassis, showcases cutting-edge motorsport technology solutions. The double wishbone structure and push-rod type suspension ensure excellent damping rigidity while providing significant advantages in top speed and cornering. The electronic system has been developed through experiences gathered from GT racing and the innovations stemming from it. The highly sophisticated brake system interacts with the brake-by-wire system to recover kinetic energy during braking through the electric front axle. This system has been designed to integrate accuracy, response speed, reliability, and durability, which are key elements that influence success in endurance racing.
The electric front axle uses the recovered energy during braking to store it in the high-voltage battery, which, when a certain speed is reached, transmits torque to the front wheels. This is expected to enhance track performance in the races scheduled for 2023.
The Ferrari 499P will be operated on the track by Maranello’s technicians and engineers in collaboration with AF Corse. This partnership has been thriving since its inception in the FIA GT Championship with the F430 in 2006. They clinched team, driver, and constructor titles during their debut season in 2006. Most of Ferrari’s GT success in recent years, including wins achieved in the 2012 World Endurance Championship (WEC), has resulted from this partnership with AF Corse.
Ferrari Chairman John Elkann stated, “The 499P is a vehicle that marks Ferrari’s return for a perfect victory in the WEC series, based on our tradition of considering the ‘track’ as an ideal place to develop cutting-edge technological solutions, which will eventually find their way into Ferrari road cars.”
Jin-Seong Lee daedusj@autodiary.kr