A special celebration was held at the National Art Center in Tokyo to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Ferrari in Japan, with Ferrari revealing a new limited series of bespoke cars, the gorgeous J50. Ferrari says it is “strictly limited”. If you’re wondering how strict, it’s just 10 examples, with each one tailored specifically to the customer’s requirements.
Based on the 488 Spider, the J50 is powered by a 680 hp 3.9-litre V8 twin-turbocharged engine from the 488 GTB, which has won the International Engine of the Year Award this year. Ferrari has not published any details about the car’s performance, but it should be more or less the same as 488 Spider’s capabilities, a model that can hit 100 kph in three seconds and maxes out at 325 kph+.
Ferrari says the bodywork is all-new, and heralds a radically futuristic design language. The “helmet visor” effect, which spawns from the window graphic, is reminiscent of Ferrari’s open competition barchettas going as far back as the 1950s, the black dividing line is a novel interpretation of a recurring Ferrari styling cue seen on iconic models such as the GTO, F40 and F50. Circling around the front of the car below knee height, it is a key element that alters the perception of the beltline, setting it at a much lower height than usual, transforming the J50 into a barchetta.
Further explaining the design, the bonnet section is lower at the centre with raised wheel arch crests giving the emphasized muscularity. Two carbon-fibre air channels in the front bonnet create an even more sharper looking front mass underlined by the full LED headlights. The radiators have been positioned closer together, and the front bumper has been redesigned. The windscreen header rail has been lowered allowing more airflow over the aero foil and thus over the rear spoiler.
The tail section is dominated by the artful interplay of graphic design themes and three-dimensional elements. The engine is framed by a transparent polycarbonate cover which is intricately shaped to provide a visual extension of the two separate roll hoops protecting the heads of driver and passenger. A transverse aero foil projects as a bridge between the hoops, effectively revisiting one of the most distinctive features of Ferrari sports prototypes of the 1960s.
The rear end is aggressive in nature, with the quad taillight design making it appear more wider. Ferrari says the rear diffuser features an extractor shape inspired by jet engine afterburners. The car sits on 20 inch forged rims that were crafted specifically for this limited-edition model.
Inside the cabin, specific trim adorns the sports seats, echoing the design of the rear bonnet contour. The carbon-fibre hard targa top is divided into two pieces that stow conveniently behind the seats.
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