Currently reading: New Ferrari SP-8 unveiled as celebration of twin-turbo V8

Exclusive new supercar, based on F8 Spider, completely dispenses with a roof

The new Ferrari SP-8 has been unveiled as a celebration of the firm’s twin-turbocharged 3.9-litre V8, a four-time winner of the Engine of the Year award.

It takes its underpinnings from the F8 Tributo and F8 Spider – which were themselves named after the powerplant – and repurposes them for a futuristic roadster.

Unlike the convertible F8 Spider, the SP-8 has no roof. This enabled Ferrari’s designers to completely rework the tail section of the car, because they no longer needed to accommodate space for a folding roof. 

The result is a dramatic split in the car’s shoulder line, with a carbonfibre and glass upper deck and a silver-painted lower area that flows into the engine bay cover.

Entirely removing the roof also required significant aerodynamic adjustments to reduce wind noise, said Ferrari.

Ferrari SP-8 rear quarter

The carbonfibre front end has been restyled with thinner headlights and a wider grille, improving airflow to the front radiators and bringing a more aggressive look. This area has been left unpainted, giving a strong contrast with the matt grey rear end.

The SP-8 also features several references to mainstream Ferraris past and present. The rear lights are derived from those on the Roma grand tourer, while the five-spoke wheels are said to recall those of the F40.

Inside, the centre console has been modified to accommodate the H-pattern-mimicking gear selector from the SF90 and 296 GTB.

Ferrari SP-8 interior

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The SP-8 is a one-off model, following previous ‘Special Projects’ cars such as the SP38 and the SP275 RW.

It was commissioned by a client from Taiwan, where the number eight is considered “extremely lucky”, according to Ferrari. The supercar will be displayed at the Ferrari Finali Mondiali at the Mugello circuit in northern Italy on 24 October. It will then be housed at the Ferrari museum in Maranello until March 2024.

Charlie Martin

Charlie Martin Autocar
Title: Editorial assistant, Autocar

As part of Autocar’s news desk, Charlie plays a key role in the title’s coverage of new car launches and industry events. He’s also a regular contributor to its social media channels, providing videos for Instagram, Tiktok, Facebook and Twitter.

Charlie joined Autocar in July 2022 after a nine-month stint as an apprentice with sister publication What Car?, during which he acquired his gold-standard NCTJ diploma with the Press Association.

Charlie is the proud owner of a Fiat Panda 100HP, which he swears to be the best car in the world. Until it breaks.

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jason_recliner 24 October 2023

The wheels remind me of the Mythos concept and the section wrapped around the cabin reminds me of the Guara. SENSATIONAL.

Blandi 24 October 2023
What's the point. Buy a Porsche 911 SC and have fun driving it on the road, through the Alps, down the Route Napoleon etc rather than some insanely fast missile that you can never enjoy in public.
Anton motorhead 24 October 2023
When manufacturers have to tell the public what certain design elements allude to, there is something wrong. I really don't see F40 in the wheel design, but I certainly see hints from the wheels of the F512M. Wonder if that was what they meant.