The significantly modified Ferrari 458 Italia was used for the first phase of development of the LaFerrari model between 2011 and 2012.
–
The fate of prototypes and development cars is not exactly famous. In the best case, the carmaker keeps the cars and uses them for further development, but in most cases they are destroyed during safety tests or simply scrapped. However, there are exceptions.
One of them is this extremely modified Ferrari 458 Italia, internally referred to as the M6 test prototype, which the carmaker used between May 2011 and December 2012 to develop the first phase of the “F150” project, which eventually became LaFerrari. The changes made to the prototype are really extensive.
For example, the carmaker had to significantly modify the car’s aluminum chassis to accommodate a V12 engine that replaced the otherwise standard V8 engine. During the development, the carmaker first worked with the F140 EB engine used in the FF model, but eventually the car received the F140 FE engine, which was its evolution and offered higher performance.
–
–
–
–
–
However, other mechanical components were also tested on the M6 prototype. The carmaker focused on brakes, steering, chassis, weight distribution, ESP system development and there were also extensive tests of a prototype hybrid system.
At first glance, it is clear that the prototype significantly exceeded the functionality over the appearance. In the body, for example, there are countless improvised and completely open openings, which were supposed to ensure quick access to important components. The front hood or exhaust system is also quite specific.
However, at the time of testing, the carmaker tried to disguise the special mission of this prototype with custom-made body pieces that covered the front bumper, the hood, part of the roof, the entire engine compartment, part of the sides and the rear bumper. All used panels have been preserved for the car. You ask how?
–
–
After testing, the carmaker decided to offer test prototypes for purchase to its most loyal customers. This particular piece was sold in 2016, and the applicant had to accept that the car is not allowed on public roads or racing circuits due to the lack of homologation. However, thanks to the functional drive, the owner can use it on his own land.
At present, the car has a mileage of 3,322 kilometers on its tachometer, so the owner probably drove it a few times. After all, it’s no wonder – the drive system is fully functional, including the KERS hybrid system.
In addition, the car has now appeared in the auction company’s offer RM Sotheby’s, which will auction it on April 14 at an auction in Monte Carlo, Monaco. The starting price of the car was not published, but we are still quite sure that the sale price will be dizzyingly high.
–
