Ferrari 499P: all-wheel drive and hybrid powertrain for the new Ferrari Le Mans hypercar

The return of Ferrari to the top category of the FIA World Endurance Championship now has a name and a date: the new hypercar is called Ferrari 499P and will debut at the 1,000 Miles of Sebring, the race that opens the 2023 WEC season, although all eyes will be on the 24 Hours of Le Mans. To find the last participation of the Italian brand in the top category of endurance racing, you have to go back 50 years, when it competed with the legendary Ferrari 312 P.

Let’s remember that Ferrari has no fewer than 9 overall victories at Le Mans, although the last one came back in 1965.

Hybrid powertrain and all-wheel drive

The new Ferrari 499P competes in the Hypercar category. Its hybrid propulsion system uses a twin-turbo V6 petrol engine and an electric drive unit that work together to transmit power to all four wheels. The combustion engine, which plays a load-bearing role, is connected to the rear wheels, with a maximum output (limited by regulation) of 500 kW (680 CV). The electric motor on the front axle delivers 200 kW (272 CV) and is powered by a battery that recharges directly during acceleration and braking through the energy recovery system. Total weight is 1,030 kg, and the gearbox is a seven-speed sequential unit.

Among the technical solutions featured on the Ferrari 499P, besides its carefully developed aerodynamics, the new carbon fibre monocoque stands out. There is also the by-wire braking system, which allows kinetic energy to be recovered at the front axle during braking and stored in the high-voltage battery (operating at 900 volts), then used to deliver thrust to the front axle when accelerating. The rear design is characterised by a double horizontal rear wing to ensure aerodynamic downforce at high speed, while at the front, the lower splitter includes a light bar.

The livery of the cars that will debut at Sebring pays tribute to the 312 P of the 1970s, including the race numbers: 50 as a reminder of the 50 years since Ferrari’s last participation in the category, and 51 for the second car, in memory of one of the most successful race numbers in the history of the Maranello marque in competition.

Ferrari 499P – Image gallery