Tag Archives: Ferrari

Ferrari 296 GT Modificata Is a 730-PS Track Weapon That Outruns the 296 GT3 Evo at Fiorano

September 20, 2026 Francis Mitterrand

Ferrari has unveiled the new 296 GT Modificata, an extreme track-only supercar developed specifically for non-competitive events within the Ferrari Club Competizioni GT programme. Based on technology derived from the 296 GT3 Evo, the latest Ferrari “Modificata” combines a 730-cv V6 engine, racing-derived aerodynamics, upgraded brakes and a two-seat cockpit designed to let owners share the track experience with a passenger or instructor.

Presented at Ferrari Racing Days in Budapest, Hungary, the Ferrari 296 GT Modificata represents the latest evolution of Maranello’s customer-focused track cars. Built without the restrictions imposed by conventional motorsport regulations, it is designed to extract significantly more performance from Ferrari’s 2.9-liter, six-cylinder platform.

Ferrari says the 296 GT Modificata has the potential to lap the Fiorano circuit approximately three seconds faster than the 296 GT3 Evo, despite sharing the fundamental architecture of that competition car.

Ferrari 296 GT Modificata: 730 PS From a 2.9-Liter V6

At the heart of the Ferrari 296 GT Modificata is a rear-mid-mounted 2,992-cc 120-degree V6 internal-combustion engine.

The engine retains the basic architecture of the powerplant used by the 296 GT3 Evo, but Ferrari has extensively modified the hardware to increase performance. Changes include the cranktrain, camshafts, induction system, intercoolers and turbochargers.

The turbochargers retain the exterior housing geometry of the 296 GT3 Evo, while their internal components were developed specifically for the 296 GT Modificata. Ferrari also drew on engineering experience from the 499P Modificata, another customer track car created without the constraints of competition regulations.

A revised fuel system, including an additional low-pressure pump, supports the engine’s increased fuel-flow requirements.

The result is 730 cv, equivalent to 537 kW, at 7,500 rpm.

That figure is particularly significant because it is 130 cv more than the 296 GT3 Evo produces. The race car is restricted by Balance of Performance regulations, while the 296 GT Modificata is free from those limitations.

Ferrari quotes a specific output of 244 cv per liter, or 179 kW/l, making the V6 one of the most highly developed engines in the company’s customer racing portfolio.

A Six-Speed Sequential Gearbox Developed for the Track

The engine is paired with a six-speed sequential transmission featuring a carbon clutch.

Ferrari has revised the transmission ratios specifically for the 296 GT Modificata. The objective is to exploit the engine’s expanded operating range and deliver stronger performance during non-competitive track driving.

Unlike a road car, where gearing has to accommodate a wide variety of everyday driving conditions, the 296 GT Modificata is engineered around circuit performance. That allows Ferrari to optimize the drivetrain for acceleration, response and driver engagement on a race track.

The exhaust system is also completely new, with redesigned tailpipes forming part of the car’s distinctive technical and visual character.

Ferrari 296 GT Modificata Aerodynamics

The biggest visual changes compared with the 296 GT3 Evo are found at the front and rear of the car.

Ferrari has developed bespoke aerodynamic solutions around two critical areas: the front wing and bonnet, and the rear wing.

At the front, the 296 GT Modificata receives what Ferrari calls a “Slotted Splitter.” Its purpose is to improve airflow management underneath the car while increasing the overall downforce generated by the bodywork.

The front bonnet has also been redesigned.

Because the 730-cv engine generates greater thermal loads, Ferrari needed to improve cooling capacity. The new bonnet features a larger main opening and a dedicated vane designed to redirect hot air exiting the central front radiator.

This helps prevent unwanted interaction with the lateral intercoolers.

Ferrari has also redesigned the vent located near the base of the windshield to improve thermal management beneath the front bodywork.

New Rear Wing Inspired by the Ferrari 499P

The rear of the Ferrari 296 GT Modificata features a completely new aerodynamic architecture.

The rear wing incorporates a new central support, a 5-mm Gurney flap and endplates inspired by the Ferrari 499P.

The endplates perform a structural function but also help control the vortices generated around the wing. That becomes increasingly important as aerodynamic load increases.

The combination of the redesigned front splitter, revised bodywork and new rear wing gives the 296 GT Modificata a significantly more aggressive aerodynamic package than the standard road-going 296 family.

Most importantly, Ferrari has engineered the system to maintain aerodynamic balance while increasing downforce.

Upgraded Ferrari 296 GT Modificata Brakes

Extra engine performance and aerodynamic capability require equally significant improvements to braking performance.

The Ferrari 296 GT Modificata therefore uses an evolution of the braking system developed for the 296 GT3 Evo and 296 GT3 Biposto.

At the front are new steel brake discs with improved ventilation and greater cooling capacity.

An additional air intake positioned in the lower section of the front bumper increases the volume of air directed toward the braking system. Ferrari has also optimized the brake cooling ducts to improve airflow efficiency.

The result is better thermal management during extended track sessions.

That matters particularly on circuits where repeated heavy braking can quickly increase temperatures. Ferrari says the revised system is intended to provide more consistent braking performance and improved reliability, allowing drivers to exploit the car’s performance for longer periods.

ABS Designed for Drivers of Different Skill Levels

Despite its extreme performance, the Ferrari 296 GT Modificata is not intended exclusively for professional racing drivers.

The car features an ABS system derived from the technology used on its GT3 counterpart, but calibrated specifically for this application.

The objective is to make the car’s performance more accessible across different levels of driving experience while maintaining the performance required for extended circuit use.

That philosophy is important because the 296 GT Modificata is part of Ferrari’s customer-focused track programme rather than a conventional competition car.

Two Seats Make the 296 GT Modificata Different

One of the most interesting aspects of the Ferrari 296 GT Modificata is its two-seat configuration.

Ferrari modified the roll-bar structure to accommodate a passenger seat alongside the driver.

That allows owners to share the experience with another person rather than treating the car exclusively as a single-seat track machine.

The second seat also makes the 296 GT Modificata particularly suitable for driver coaching. An instructor can ride alongside the owner during track sessions and provide immediate feedback.

Ferrari has fitted the passenger side with a dedicated footrest, while an integrated intercom system allows continuous communication between driver and passenger.

For a customer-focused track car, that is a significant advantage. The 296 GT Modificata is not simply designed to deliver lap times; it is also intended to help its owner become a better driver.

Track Technology Included as Standard

Ferrari has equipped the 296 GT Modificata with a substantial amount of equipment that is normally available as optional hardware on the 296 GT3 Evo.

The standard specification includes the Data Acquisition System in Step 1 and Step 2 configurations.

That system adds sensors including pitot tubes for measuring airspeed, damper potentiometers and brake-temperature sensors.

The car also receives VideoBox Premium, allowing drivers to record their track sessions and review their performance with a coach.

Other standard equipment includes Rear Camera Premium and the IRTPMS Step 2 system for monitoring tire pressure and temperature.

The specification also includes a carbon clutch, professional seat harnesses and the “extra fan” function designed to improve cockpit cooling.

Additional equipment can be ordered from Ferrari, including a rear radar system capable of warning the driver about faster vehicles approaching from behind.

Owners can also select the color scheme of the car’s livery from Ferrari’s Design Studio palette.

Built for Ferrari Club Competizioni GT

The Ferrari 296 GT Modificata is designed from the outset for participation in the Club Competizioni GT programme.

This means owners are not buying a conventional road car that has been modified for occasional track use. Instead, the car is engineered specifically around the experience of driving on a circuit.

It is also produced in extremely limited numbers, reinforcing its position as a highly exclusive Ferrari customer-racing product.

The absence of competition regulations gives Ferrari’s engineers considerably greater freedom. There is no requirement to conform to the Balance of Performance restrictions that apply to the 296 GT3 Evo.

That freedom is one of the fundamental reasons why the 296 GT Modificata can produce 730 cv.

Why the Ferrari 296 GT Modificata Is Faster Than the 296 GT3 Evo

The most striking claim surrounding the new Ferrari is its potential performance advantage over the 296 GT3 Evo.

Ferrari estimates that the 296 GT Modificata can lap the Fiorano circuit approximately three seconds faster than the 296 GT3 Evo.

That may sound surprising given that the 296 GT3 Evo is a purpose-built racing machine, but the difference is explained by the regulations.

The GT3 car must comply with FIA GT3 regulations and Balance of Performance requirements. The 296 GT Modificata does not.

Ferrari can therefore increase engine output, optimize aerodynamic performance and tailor the drivetrain specifically for unrestricted customer track use.

The result is a machine that takes technology developed for Ferrari’s racing programmes and removes many of the restrictions that competition requires.

The Meaning Behind “296 GT Modificata”

The name itself provides a concise explanation of Ferrari’s philosophy.

“296” refers to the engine’s 2.9-liter displacement and six-cylinder configuration.

“GT” identifies the car’s grand touring and racing lineage.

“Modificata” describes Ferrari’s tradition of taking an existing platform and introducing extensive modifications designed to push performance beyond the original specification.

The concept is particularly important for Ferrari’s track-only cars because these machines are not constrained by the same technical regulations as competition vehicles.

Ferrari’s Modificata Tradition

The 296 GT Modificata is not the first Ferrari to carry the name.

The modern lineage began with the 488 GT Modificata, introduced in 2020. That car brought together technology and experience developed through the Ferrari 488 GT3 and 488 GTE competition programmes in a track-only package for customers.

Ferrari followed it with the 499P Modificata in 2023.

The 499P Modificata was derived from the 499P Sport Prototype that competed in the FIA World Endurance Championship and won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2023, 2024 and 2025. The 499P programme also brought the World Endurance Championship overall constructors’ and drivers’ titles back to Maranello in 2025.

The origins of the Modificata name go back considerably further.

The Ferrari 512 M Started It All

Ferrari’s first “Modificata” was the 512 M, introduced in 1970 as an evolution of the 512 S.

The 512 M featured a lighter construction, more powerful V12 engine and revised aerodynamic bodywork. Its engine produced 610 cv, equivalent to 449 kW.

The car made its debut at the Zeltweg circuit before competing in the 1971 Manufacturers’ World Championship.

Ferrari subsequently extended the Modificata designation to road cars.

The F512 M appeared in 1994, followed by the 456M GT in 1998, the 575M Maranello in 2002 and the Portofino M in 2020.

Those cars were road legal, but they followed the same basic philosophy: take an established Ferrari model and introduce meaningful technical and performance upgrades.

The 296 GT Modificata takes that idea back to the extreme end of the spectrum.

Source: Ferrari

Tuning

Dubai Police Ferrari 812 Superfast Gets Mansory Upgrade and 811 HP

September 17, 2026 Francis Mitterrand

Dubai Police has added another spectacular supercar to its tourism-oriented patrol fleet, and this time the spotlight falls on a Ferrari 812 Superfast modified by Mansory. Unveiled at the Arabian Travel Market 2026, the customized V12-powered Ferrari is the fifth collaboration between Dubai Police and the German tuning company in the past two years.

With 811 hp, a 344 km/h top speed, and a body kit that includes a huge rear wing, this is not exactly a low-key addition to the fleet. But the mission is not to chase suspects. It is to attract attention at some of Dubai’s most recognizable tourist destinations.

A Ferrari 812 Superfast With Mansory’s Signature Treatment

Mansory presented the customized Ferrari at the Dubai World Trade Center, where its white, green, black, and yellow livery immediately distinguished it from the standard 812 Superfast. The color scheme was designed to stand out against Dubai’s skyline, rather than serve any tactical purpose.

The exterior modifications are equally difficult to ignore. Mansory fitted the Ferrari with a redesigned front bumper, a deeper front splitter, new side skirts, and a substantial rear wing. The result replaces the 812 Superfast’s relatively clean factory design with a much more aggressive appearance.

The car will patrol areas including the Burj Khalifa, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, and JBR—locations that regularly appear in visitors’ photographs and social media posts.

811 HP From a Naturally Aspirated V12

The Ferrari 812 Superfast was already one of the most formidable cars ever to join the Dubai Police fleet. Its naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12 produces 800 hp and 719 Nm of torque in standard form, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 340 km/h.

Mansory’s version raises output to 811 hp, while the claimed 0–100 km/h acceleration time drops to 2.8 seconds. Top speed increases to 344 km/h.

Those gains are modest on paper, but the 812 Superfast’s naturally aspirated V12 remains the star of the show. Ferrari produced the model from 2017 to 2024, before the 12Cilindri became the company’s flagship V12-powered car. Dubai Police is therefore giving a discontinued Ferrari a new role—one centered on public display rather than high-speed enforcement.

A Rolling Advertisement for Dubai

A Dubai Police representative described the Ferrari as an addition intended for visibility at tourist hotspots rather than active police interventions. That distinction is important: the car’s extraordinary performance is largely secondary to its ability to draw a crowd.

Dubai’s exotic patrol cars have become a recognizable part of the emirate’s tourism image. Visitors can encounter them at major attractions, take photographs, and share the experience online. The Ferrari’s unveiling at Arabian Travel Market 2026 fits neatly into that strategy, particularly as the trade show coincided with strong tourism activity.

The car’s flashing roof lights may suggest a conventional police role, but its real assignment is considerably more theatrical. In a city where architecture, luxury, and spectacle are central to the visitor experience, a Mansory Ferrari 812 Superfast makes a remarkably effective promotional tool.

The Ferrari 812 Superfast Still Knows How to Make an Entrance

The Dubai Police Ferrari 812 Superfast may never need to demonstrate its 344 km/h top speed in pursuit of a suspect. Instead, it will spend much of its time doing what it was effectively built to do in this particular setting: turning heads.

With its naturally aspirated V12, dramatic Mansory body kit, and unmistakable Dubai Police livery, it is another reminder that the world’s most extravagant patrol fleet is as much about tourism and visibility as it is about policing.

Key specifications

Specification	Ferrari 812 Superfast	Mansory version
Engine	6.5-liter naturally aspirated V12	6.5-liter naturally aspirated V12
Power	800 hp	811 hp
Torque	719 Nm	Not specified in the source
0–100 km/h	2.9 seconds	2.8 seconds
Top speed	340 km/h	344 km/h
Production	2017–2024	Dubai Police special project

Source: Mansory

NEW CARS

Ferrari CZ26 Unveiled as a Stunning One-Off Based on the SF90 Stradale

August 25, 2026 Francis Mitterrand

Ferrari has unveiled the Ferrari CZ26, an exclusive One-Off created through the marque’s Special Projects programme for a client in the United States. Designed by the Ferrari Design Studio under the direction of Flavio Manzoni, the CZ26 transforms the familiar supersport berlinetta formula into something far more radical, minimalist and futuristic.

Based on the exceptional technical architecture and performance characteristics of the Ferrari SF90 Stradale, the CZ26 retains the essence of Ferrari’s top-tier performance philosophy while introducing a completely bespoke exterior and interior design. Rather than simply restyling an existing Ferrari, the project delivers a highly personal interpretation of what an ultra-high-performance berlinetta could look like in the future.

The result is a Ferrari with an unmistakable presence, defined by horizontal proportions, an exceptionally clean body and a distinctive two-box silhouette.

Ferrari CZ26: A New Interpretation of the Berlinetta

The Ferrari CZ26 was created with a clear objective: to combine strength, precision and formal purity in a body that immediately distinguishes itself from Ferrari’s regular production models.

Its proportions are dominated by a strong horizontal theme. At the centre of the design is what Ferrari describes as a pure central mass resembling a capsule, visually supported by four muscular elements surrounding the wheel arches.

This gives the CZ26 a planted, road-hugging stance while making the body appear as though it has been sculpted from a single continuous form.

The design flows naturally from the front fascia toward the rear, where the body terminates in a clean, truncated tail. The geometry of the rear deliberately echoes the front, creating a visual connection between both ends of the car.

It is an approach that places simplicity at the centre of the design rather than relying on excessive aerodynamic ornamentation.

A Dramatic Front End

The Ferrari CZ26 has an especially distinctive face.

A full-width functional grille dominates the front end, incorporating ultra-slim lighting elements, brake cooling openings, sensors and other technical components. The lighting modules have a concealed appearance, allowing the grille and surrounding bodywork to remain visually clean.

Perhaps the most striking feature is the car’s unprecedented vertical leading edge. It gives the front end a bold, almost architectural appearance while reinforcing the CZ26’s wide and low stance.

Behind the styling lies extensive aerodynamic work. Ferrari redesigned the cooling system and airflow management around the front axle, including a reorientation of the central radiator package and the addition of dedicated bypass ducts.

The changes were designed not only to improve cooling efficiency but also to increase downforce over the front axle.

Sculpted Rear Design and Advanced Aerodynamics

The rear of the Ferrari CZ26 is just as distinctive as its nose.

A sharply truncated tail is framed by cantilevered taillights, giving the rear a lightweight, sculptural appearance. Beneath them, a pronounced horizontal diffuser visually increases the width of the car and reinforces its planted stance.

Ferrari also developed a large upper rear spoiler specifically for the CZ26. Together with the dedicated diffuser, the spoiler is designed to increase downforce without sacrificing aerodynamic efficiency.

The rear engine cover has also been redesigned. Dedicated vents provide improved thermal management and help remove heat from the engine compartment under demanding driving conditions.

The underbody and vortex generator system were completely reworked as part of the aerodynamic programme, highlighting the fact that the CZ26 is not simply a visual exercise.

Aerodynamics Hidden Within the Design

One of the most interesting aspects of the Ferrari CZ26 is how extensively its aerodynamic features have been integrated into the bodywork.

The outer sections of the front bumper incorporate an air-curtain system designed to control the airflow generated by the front wheels. By managing this turbulent wake, Ferrari aims to reduce aerodynamic drag while maintaining the car’s high-downforce characteristics.

Cooling openings, air-management channels, the rear diffuser and other aerodynamic elements emerge directly from the main body surfaces.

This creates a much cleaner appearance than the increasingly complex aerodynamic solutions seen on many modern high-performance cars.

The philosophy also reflects some of the most influential examples of Italian industrial design from the 1970s, although Ferrari has interpreted those principles through a distinctly modern and technological lens.

Ferrari CZ26 Exterior Design: Argento Veloce and Rosso Lampante

The visual identity of the CZ26 is further enhanced by an exclusive colour and materials strategy.

The body is finished in Argento Veloce, a sophisticated silver shade designed to produce a liquid-like visual effect across the sculpted surfaces. The finish emphasizes the precision of the bodywork and allows the complex geometry to remain visible without becoming visually overwhelming.

Contrasting Rosso Lampante details add a traditional Ferrari performance accent. The red elements highlight selected functional and technical components, giving the otherwise futuristic design a more recognizable connection to Ferrari’s sporting heritage.

Pigmented carbon-fibre components extend visually around the wheel arches, adding another layer of technical character.

The bespoke wheels combine gloss-black painted surfaces with a shot-peened treatment. The process uses microscopic beads to create a distinctive polished appearance while maintaining the technical character expected of a Ferrari One-Off.

Natural-finish titanium exhaust tailpipes complete the exterior, making the performance-focused nature of the car immediately apparent.

A Bespoke Ferrari CZ26 Interior

Inside, the CZ26 continues the same design philosophy established by the exterior.

The cabin is visually integrated into the body through extensive use of black trim across the roof and pillars. This creates the impression of a cockpit embedded within the main body structure.

A bespoke black technical fabric forms the central theme of the interior, complemented by specially designed seat inserts manufactured using additive manufacturing technology.

The seat design was created specifically for the CZ26, reinforcing the project’s highly personalized nature.

Rosso Lampante accents provide a direct visual connection with the exterior, while an embroidered CZ26 logo adds another layer of exclusivity.

The interior also combines different textures to create a sophisticated technical environment. Matte technical fabric contrasts with satin-finish carbon fibre, while special gloss carbon fibre incorporates metallic filaments woven directly into its structure.

Body-coloured elements appear on the door panels and upper dashboard, further connecting the cabin with the exterior design.

Ferrari CZ26 Performance: SF90 Stradale DNA

Although the Ferrari CZ26 is visually unique, its performance credentials are rooted in one of Ferrari’s most technologically advanced road cars.

The project draws on the dynamic characteristics and performance of the Ferrari SF90 Stradale while retaining its technical specifications and the fundamental character of an ultra-high-performance Ferrari.

That means the CZ26 is not intended to be merely a collector’s styling exercise. Its aerodynamic development demonstrates that the One-Off programme can combine individual customer requirements with serious engineering objectives.

Ferrari’s work on cooling, airflow management, underbody aerodynamics, vortex generation, front-wheel wake control and rear downforce demonstrates the extent to which performance influenced the design.

Ferrari Special Projects: When a Client Becomes Part of the Design Process

The Ferrari CZ26 is a product of Ferrari’s Special Projects programme, one of the most exclusive ways for a customer to commission a highly personalized Ferrari.

Rather than selecting from a conventional catalogue of options, Special Projects clients can participate in the creation of a vehicle with an individual identity.

The CZ26 illustrates the possibilities of that approach particularly well. Every major design area—from the proportions and body surfaces to the colour scheme, wheels, carbon-fibre components and interior materials—has been developed around a singular design vision.

The result is a Ferrari that is effectively a bespoke interpretation of the brand’s performance philosophy.

A Glimpse Into Ferrari’s Design Future

Perhaps the most important aspect of the Ferrari CZ26 is not its exclusivity but what its design represents.

The car demonstrates Ferrari’s willingness to explore a more restrained interpretation of performance-car design. Instead of covering the body with visible aerodynamic devices and complicated surfaces, the CZ26 integrates much of its functionality into a clean and coherent form.

Its horizontal proportions, capsule-like central body, muscular wheel arches, concealed lighting and truncated rear create a visual identity that feels distinctly different from Ferrari’s current mainstream range.

At the same time, traditional Ferrari cues remain present through the performance-oriented proportions, red detailing, exposed technical components and aggressive aerodynamic stance.

The Ferrari CZ26 therefore occupies an interesting position between Ferrari’s heritage and its future.

Ferrari CZ26 One-Off: A Ferrari Designed as a Personal Statement

The Ferrari CZ26 is ultimately less about numbers and more about identity.

Created for a US client and developed through Ferrari’s Special Projects programme, it takes the technical foundation of the SF90 Stradale and turns it into an intensely personal design statement.

Its clean surfaces, futuristic materials, sophisticated aerodynamics and distinctive two-box silhouette make it one of the most unusual modern Ferrari One-Offs.

The CZ26 shows what happens when Ferrari’s engineers and designers are given the freedom to rethink the shape of a high-performance berlinetta without being constrained by the requirements of mass production.

It is Ferrari at its most individualistic: technically serious, visually experimental and built around the idea that an extraordinary automobile can be more than a machine—it can be a personal expression of design, performance and exclusivity.