Fifty years ago, Ferrari won the 1972 World Sportswear Championship, and it’s celebrating this half-century anniversary with a grand return to Le Mans. The Maranello marque will be competing in next year’s 24 Hours and World Endurance Championship and has shown off its 499P hypercar built for the occasion.
The four-wheel-drive ride boasts a load-bearing, twin-turbocharged V6 engine akin to the recently unveiled 296GT3 race car, although it has been made lighter for optimized performance. Additionally, the Le Mans car’s 900-volt electric motor is assisted by Ferrari’s proprietary Energy Recovery System, which offers a maximum power output of roughly 268hp; moreover, its maximum output is a sliver over 670hp.
What’s more, is its precise brake-by-wire system that promotes recovery of kinetic energy by the front axle. This energy is stored in the battery, then transmits torque to the front wheels, which suggests it’s beyond ready to unleash optimum performance. From a design standpoint, its futuristic look is highlighted by the Prancing Horse’s signature elements, including large louvers to reduce pressure inside the wheel housings and a few subtle references to previous models, like the Daytona SP3.
With the iconic auto manufacturer being out of the equation for 50 years, we are beyond excited to see what the 499P can churn out next year. Take a deeper look at Ferrari’s historic return to Le Mans on its website.
