Tag Archives: tightlipped

Le Mans-winning Ferrari 499P gives rise to £4.6m track car

Ferrari has created a new track car based on its Le Mans-winning 499P racer, called the 499P Modificata. Although Ferrari has not provided specific performance figures, racing driver Antonio Fuoco achieved a top speed of 213mph during testing of the 499P, and it is expected that the more powerful Modificata version will at least match this figure.

One of the major challenges for Ferrari was to engineer the powertrain of the 499P Modificata in a way that makes it accessible to less experienced customers. The engine mapping has been fine-tuned to ensure that torque can be easily managed, even at the car’s limit.

The torque output has not been disclosed by Ferrari, but it has been revealed that the electric motor produces 132lb ft and in the 296 GT3 model, the V6 engine produces 525lb ft. Therefore, the combined torque output of the two power sources in the Modificata could be around 660lb ft.

Ferrari paid significant attention to the development of bespoke Pirelli tires for the Modificata. The tires were designed to prioritize vehicle dynamics and powertrain delivery management, making them suitable for long, continuous runs. They feature a bespoke tread pattern and are easier to manage during warm-up.

The Modificata does not need to adhere to homologation requirements, which means it is not subject to Balance of Performance constraints. This allowed Ferrari to make the car “more accessible” for less experienced drivers, primarily through aerodynamic enhancements.

Olivier Beretta, the ambassador driver for Ferrari, expressed surprise at how well the Modificata performed, especially considering the extent to which Ferrari pushed its limits.

Ferrari 499P Modificata

Aston Martin to Enter Le Mans in 2025 with Valkyrie Racer

Aston Martin has confirmed its entry into Le Mans in 2025 with the Valkyrie racer. While the driver lineup has not been announced, a selection process will begin next week. It is important to note that the team’s current Formula 1 drivers will not be participating.

The testing phase is scheduled to begin next year, with the racing career of the car commencing in January 2025.

Derived from the AMR Pro, the Valkyrie racer will not feature the hybrid drivetrain of the road car. Furthermore, its total power output will be limited to 670bhp, adhering to LMh balance of performance regulations.

In collaboration with US-based sports car squad Heart of Racing, which currently competes in the GT class of sports car racing, Aston Martin’s Valkyrie will also participate in the Le Mans 24 Hours, Rolex 24 at Daytona, and the 12 Hours of Sebring. Consequently, Aston Martin will become the only manufacturer with a presence across all levels of sports car and GT racing, in addition to Formula 1.

The development of the racing Valkyrie will benefit from Aston Martin’s extensive expertise gained through its involvement in Formula 1. This knowledge will eventually trickle down to the brand’s road cars.

The prototype of the Valkyrie racer is presently undergoing testing at Silverstone. It will be equipped with a specially optimized and detuned version of the 6.5-liter, naturally aspirated, 11,500rpm Cosworth V12 used by the road-going Valkyrie.