Ferrari just unveiled the SP48 Unica, the latest addition to the One-Off series from Ferrari. It is now part of the most exclusive group in Maranello’s entire production. Designed and crafted based on the specifications of a single client, the unique and completely bespoke cars are a clear expression of their own individual requirements.
Under the direction of Chief Design Officer Flavio Manzoni, the Ferrari Styling Center designed the SP48 Unica as a two-seater sports Berlinetta developed on the F8 Tributo platform. Compared to the original model, its taut lines and aggressive stance make it immediately recognizable, and due to its arrow-shaped front profile, it is unmistakable too. To achieve this effect, they redesigned the headlights and relocated the brake air intakes.
One of the most important parts in the design of this unique new car is the considerable use of procedural-parametric modelling techniques and 3D prototyping (additive manufacturing) which allowed the Ferrari Styling Center designers as well as Maranello’s engineers to completely redesign the engine air intakes and the front grille. The advanced production process enabled the creation of the perfect 3D grilles that looks as if carved from a solid volume that creates a look of seamless continuity and dynamic fluidity.
The procedural graphic solutions used on the bodywork blends perfectly with the grilles and the overall design of the SP48 Unica. The transition from the black in the roof, engine cover, and windows towards the body color is distinctly clear. Highlighting the powerful muscularity of the SP48 Unica is the striking visor effect of the front and it is emphasized by the smaller side windows and the non-existent rear screen, making it appear as if it was sculpted from a single block of metal.
In plain view, the central section of the roof, including the graphic representation of the air intakes is placed on the rear part of the carbon-fiber engine cover before the rear wing. This angle lets the viewer completely appreciate the styling research used on the SP48 Unica and shows the sophisticated symmetries and intersecting lines created by its forms.
The thermal-fluid-dynamic design of the SP48 Unica has been slowly perfected to guarantee that all cooling requirements are met as well as to provide a different aerodynamic balance. Some of the biggest deviations from the style of the F8 Tributo can be seen in the air intakes for cooling flows for the engine on the front bumper and under the rear spoiler. A deep procedural grille is placed in each air intake, and every section is perfectly angled to maximize the amount of air passing through.
The configuration of the car also let the engineers place an intercooler intake behind the side windows, and that positioning also allowed them to minimize the dimensions of the intakes on the flanks. Helping boost the rear downforce is the longer rear overhang that minimizes the suction from the roof area.
For the interior, the F9 Tributo’s technical identity was kept, excluding the rear screen. To set it apart, meticulous development work was used to create the perfect combination of color and trim to show the SP48 Unica’s sleek, sporty, and aggressive personality. This work can be seen in the specially developed black laser-perforated Alcantara® used on the seats and it can also be seen on most of the cabin trim, and underneath are glimpses of iridescent reddish-orange fabric that perfectly matches the exterior.
The interior motif is influenced by the hexagonal motif on the grilles and the procedural livery on the roof creating the seeming continuity between the interior and exterior. In the cockpit of the SP48 Unica, the polished sill covers showing the same laser-embossed hexagonal motif immediately draws the eyes. Matte carbon-fiber gives the cockpit a sense of technicality and exclusivity, complemented by the Grigio Canna di Fucile accents.
Deeply involved in every step of the creation process is the long-standing client who was instrumental in the design of the one-off Ferrari SP48 Unica. It is a bold interpretation of a sports car, while cleverly improving its racing soul and passion for speed. With the goal of transforming an existing model and elevating it to masterful effect, the SP48 Unica took inspiration and honored the company’s core values of innovation and passion.
Special Projects
The Special Projects program creates unique One-Off Ferraris through an exclusive design created around the requirements of each individual client to ensure that each client becomes the owner of a truly one-of-a-kind model. Starting from an idea put forward by the client, a team of designers from Ferrari’s Styling Center helps develop and bring it to life. The car’s proportion and forms are defined, and then they produce the detailed design blueprints, and a styling buck are produced before production of the new One-Off starts.
On average, the entire process takes more than a year, and throughout the process, the client is key in assessing the design and the verification process. This results in a unique Ferrari sporting the Prancing Horse logo, engineered to the same standard of excellence that we’ve come to expect from every car that comes from the Maranello assembly lines.
