Ferrari SC40: The Modern Rebirth of the Legendary F40

Ferrari has once again proven that it can combine nostalgia and cutting-edge technology like no other brand. The latest creation from the company’s Special Projects division, the Ferrari SC40, is a stunning tribute to the iconic F40—one of the most celebrated supercars of the late 20th century. Built as a one-off model, the SC40 is not just a visual homage; it merges classic design cues with the advanced hybrid powertrain of the Ferrari 296 GTB.

A Homage Reimagined for the Modern Era

The Ferrari F40, produced from 1987 to 1992, was the last car personally approved by Enzo Ferrari. It symbolized pure mechanical excellence—twin-turbocharged, lightweight, and brutally fast. The new SC40 aims to channel that same spirit through a modern lens.

While maintaining the proportions of a mid-engine supercar, the SC40 features a completely new carbon-fiber body. Its front end is low, flat, and sharply contoured, echoing the aerodynamic profile of the original F40. The rear fixed wing, a defining element of the original, returns in a modernized, sculptural form integrated into the tail section.

Ferrari designers included subtle nods to the F40’s DNA—such as triple air intakes, angular LED headlamps, and slim, NACA-style side ducts. The car’s silhouette exudes both aggression and purity, managing to feel distinctly retro yet unmistakably contemporary.

Interestingly, this homage is finished not in Ferrari’s traditional Rosso Corsa red, but in an exclusive white shadedeveloped specifically for the project. The matching forged alloy wheels are also bespoke, emphasizing the SC40’s individuality as a true fuoriserie masterpiece.

Interior: Minimalism Meets Motorsport

Inside, the SC40 retains much of the 296 GTB’s interior layout, but the materials and finishes transform the atmosphere entirely. Inspired by the original F40’s stripped-back racing focus, Ferrari’s designers used carbon and Kevlarthroughout the cabin—covering the dashboard, steering wheel, footwells, and rear bulkhead.

The overall mood is spartan yet refined, showcasing craftsmanship that respects Ferrari’s racing heritage. Exposed composites, lightweight door panels, and Alcantara inserts highlight that this is not a car built for luxury—it’s built for emotional engagement.

Hybrid Powertrain with F40 Spirit

Underneath its bespoke skin, the SC40 borrows the hybrid powertrain and chassis architecture of the Ferrari 296 GTB, one of the most advanced systems in Maranello’s arsenal.

At its heart lies a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 (code-named F163), paired with an electric motor integrated into the gearbox. Together, they produce an astonishing 830 horsepower (610 kW) and 740 Nm of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels through an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission.

This combination delivers performance figures that rival Ferrari’s own hypercars:

• 0–100 km/h in just 2.9 seconds
• Top speed of over 330 km/h
• Electric-only range of around 25 km, ideal for short, silent city drives

While the SC40 embraces modern hybrid technology, Ferrari engineers tuned its throttle response, sound, and handling dynamics to evoke the raw feel of the original F40’s twin-turbo V8. The result is a fascinating blend of the analog past and the digital future.

A Museum Piece — But Fully Functional

The SC40 isn’t a concept car; it’s a fully operational, road-legal supercar. The vehicle is currently on display at the Ferrari Museum in Maranello starting from October 18, 2025. Ferrari, however, has not revealed who commissioned the car, in keeping with the Special Projects division’s tradition of confidentiality.

Each project of this kind is created for a single client, often at a cost estimated between €3 million and €5 million (≈ AED 12–20 million). The SC40, given its heritage inspiration, may well exceed even that range.

Interestingly, around the same time, Lewis Hamilton, who recently joined Scuderia Ferrari’s Formula 1 team, publicly expressed admiration for the F40, calling it his “dream car.” Though Ferrari hasn’t confirmed the client’s identity, enthusiasts speculate whether Hamilton himself could be the lucky owner.

Why the SC40 Matters

The Ferrari SC40 isn’t just a collector’s item—it’s a symbol of how the brand is navigating the transition from gasoline-powered icons to electrified performance cars. By reviving the essence of the F40 through a modern hybrid architecture, Ferrari has created a bridge between eras: the raw, mechanical purity of the past and the sustainable precision of the future.

It demonstrates that Ferrari can honor tradition without being trapped by it—continuing to innovate while paying respect to the cars that defined its legacy.

Technical Specifications