We could be silly here and suggest Ferrari is now taking notes from Hyundai, this new one-off CZ26 looking like a streamlined version of the South Korean carmaker’s delightful N Vision 74 concept , but we won’t. Because the SF90 Stradale from whence this CZ26 came is not a silly car.
And Ferrari – understandably – takes this stuff very seriously. So, this is the latest Special Projects Ferrari, designed by Flavio Manzoni for an American customer that reimagines the mad, V8-engined supercar.
The headlight and front bumper structure has been completely redesigned, the SF90’s sharp, samurai-slashed lights making way for a pair of slim units “with a concealed effect”. There’s a set of vertical elements in the bumper, along with a set of strakes on the bonnet, too, trading the SF90’s elegant form for something a touch more brutal.
Ferrari calls it a ‘horizontal design’ theme, with a ‘two-box silhouette’. The rear has had a makeover too, again focusing on slim, horizontal light elements that do away with Ferrari’s original semi-circular ones.
There’s also – dare we say it – a cleaner, more streamlined treatment to the rear window leading into the little ducktail spoiler on this one versus the standard car. “The overall bodywork design is based on an extremely clean and rigorous aesthetic,” said Ferrari. Of course.
Ferrari said the materials used were “developed with a futuristic inspiration in mind”, giving off the idea of a “technical and sporty car”. We’d argue most Ferraris (barring That New One) tend to do this rather well, but there’s something very cyberpunk-ish about this one that hits nicely. New wheels, you’ll have noticed.
It’s not all just show, mind. Ferrari – because it’s Ferrari – reworked the aero, so the cooling and airflow were entirely redone by moving the radiator pack and bypass ducts, along with redesigning the underbody and vortex generator system. Even the rear engine cover gets new vents. Handy when you’ve got 986 very animated horsies attempting to turn rubber into dust.
Yep, 986bhp – Ferrari hasn’t messed with the SF90’s ‘base’ content, so it’s still a V8 with three electric motors and 4WD. It’ll go from 0-62mph in 2.5s, 0-124mph in 6.7s and lap Fiorano very quickly indeed.
“The project's aim was to create a car with an immediately recognisable character, capable of embodying strength, precision and formal purity through a rigorous design with a strong sense of identity,” said Ferrari. Serious stuff.
