Ferrari P80/C revealed as one-off track car

Ferrari has unveiled the P80/C, a one-off track car based on the 488 GT3 that takes inspiration from the firm’s sports prototype racers.

The new machine was developed at the Italian firm’s styling centre to a brief set by a “connoisseur of the Ferrari world”, who wanted a modern sports prototype inspired by the likes of the 1966 Dino 206 S and the 330 P3/P4. Those machines started as track cars, but also spawned road car variants.

The P80/C is based on a 488 GT3 racing car – chosen over the road-going 488 GTB because the extra 50mm of wheelbase offered more “creative freedom” – extensively reworked with a pure performance focus.

The aerodynamics are based on the 488 GT3, but without the need to meet sporting regulations there is a new front splitter and reworked rear diffuser. Ferrari claims the car is 5% more efficient, which is required to make use of the unrestricted engine.

There is also extensive use of underbody aerodynamics, with rear bodywork styled after the T-wings that have been seen in Formula 1 in recent years. The P80/C’s bodywork is made entirely from carbon-fibre.

Because it is a track-only car, Ferrari has been able to greatly reduce the size of the front headlights, while the back features a concave rear windscreen and aluminium louvres on the engine cover. 

The car has been designed for a carbon-fibre wing and 18inch wheels to be fitted when in ‘racing set-up’. It can also be converted to an ‘exhibition package’, with the aerodynamics appendages removed, and 21in wheels fitted. 

Ferrari says the car is sculpted to create a cab forward-effect with a more aggressive stance, including a wrap-around windscreen. There are also flying buttresses that converge near the roof line, and pay homage to both the Dino and 250 LM. The car’s bodywork is widest over the front axle, then narrows sharply before broadening again near the car’s rear.