The Greatest Ferrari Track Cars of All Time

Why We Picked It:

The Competizione moniker on this special edition Ferrari 348 GT alludes to the fact that it was inspired by racing cars. In 1993, near the end of the 348's production run, after the '348 TB' had been replaced by the more agile '348 GTB,' a total of fifty road-legal Competiziones were produced. Eleven of Ferrari's 348s were modified from track-day vehicles to racing cars.

Several significant modifications were made to the original 348, transforming it into something that could only be used on a racetrack. There's more to the 348 GT Competizione than just a lightweight chassis. Driving one demonstrated how all these minor tweaks had improved the game's dynamics and performance since version 348. The GTC's 3.4-liter V8 remains unchanged, generating 320 horsepower.

The Competizione is quite similar to the standard 348 in terms of straight-line performance, and that's a good thing since the 348's engine was its best attribute. The 348 GT Competizione is a throwback to the days of pure Italian supercar driving pleasure.

Why We Picked It:

The Ferrari 430 Scuderia joined the road-going V8 line-up alongside the F430 coupe and the F430 Spider. The 430 Scuderia was a genuinely high-performance 2-seater berlinetta, showcasing Ferrari’s Formula 1 know-how applied to its production cars.

The track-focused model is a special series based on the F430 and was explicitly aimed at Ferrari’s most passionate and sports-driving-oriented clients. Development focused on lightweight, minimum trimmings, and innovative technology to exalt the car’s extremely high performance and ability to thrill the driver.

The car can count on an extremely low weight-to-power ratio of just 2.45 kg per hp thanks to a low dry weight of just 1250 kg—100 kg less than the standard F430—and the naturally-aspirated 4308cc V8’s 510 hp at 8500 rpm.

The F1 Superfast software reduced gearchange times to just 60 milliseconds, and traction control combines the E-Diff electronic differential and the F1-Trac traction and stability control in a single integrated system.

Why We Picked It:

The Challenge Stradale is similar to the other 360s but with minor tweaks. Increased power and decreased weight contribute significantly to improved performance. With the help of titanium and carbon fiber, the Ferrari 360 shed 243 pounds (110 kg).

Carbon fiber chairs upholstered in leather or fireproof fabric are a visual reminder of the Stradale's weight. Four-point racing harnesses, roll bars, and Lexan sliding windows are all viable alternatives to electric ones for the dedicated fan. One of the few concessions made to increase car sales is the inclusion of air conditioning. The Stradale can stop at the same distance as the Enzo thanks to its carbon brakes and shift gears in only 150 ms.

The Ferrari team fine-tuned the 3.6-liter V8 to increase its output using a high-compression combustion chamber, polished ports, and a larger intake tract. A dual-flow exhaust with a valve can bypass soundproofing and produce a resounding concerto. The transmission of every Stradale is a six-speed semi-automatic, and there are Sort and Race modes to help you find your ideal level of comfort.

Why We Picked It:

Like all special-series Ferraris, the 458 Speciale was intended for a specific type of owner, in this case, individuals looking for an even more focused sports car that gives strong driving emotions.

The 458 Speciale's lightning-fast response to the driver's inputs and intuitive sense of control, even in the most extreme maneuvers, will make the driver feel at one with the car from the first mile. The car's perfectly balanced handling allows it to achieve the highest performance levels of any Ferrari V8. A 5.0-liter V8 engine with 600 hp and a seven-speed sequential transmission that sends power to the rear wheels power the 458.

Ferrari's core engineering tenet is to push the limits with each new model while retaining the natural chassis balance and handling allowing even amateur drivers to get the most out of the car. Drivers can push the new 458 Speciale to its limits on the track and feel the thrill of genuine sportiness at low speeds on challenging roads.

Why We Picked It:

The 2019 488 Pista is Ferrari's special series vehicle, improving upon the "regular" 488 GTB in every way. The Pista takes advantage of many characteristics and technologies developed for racing competitions. Ferrari's 488 GTE and 488 Challenge race cars have contested and won multiple Manufacturers' titles in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), from which much of the car's development was drawn.

When the 488 Pista was launched, the updated V8 was Ferrari's most potent ever, continuing the company's tradition of producing some of the world's fastest vehicles. Due to its twin turbos, the 3.9-liter engine can produce 568 lb-ft of torque at 3,000 rpm and 710 hp at 8000 rpm.

Engine components from the 488 Challenge race vehicle boost power and performance above the ordinary 488 GTB model by 49 hp and seven lb-ft, respectively. These components include Inconel exhaust manifolds, reinforced pistons, a larger intercooler, and a new camshaft. In their own words, Ferrari is pleased to announce that "the engine sound is unique and unmistakably Ferrari, as such a special car warrants."

Why We Picked It:

The new Ferrari SF90 XX Stradale is the race car many dream about driving on the road. It's the latest masterpiece from the Maranello automaker, combining the best features of their Special Series and "XX" models on a street-legal race car. The FXX-K EVO versions are aimed at consumers wanting to further their racing aspirations on the track.

The Ferrari SF90 is a plug-in hybrid that can travel up to 25 kilometers solely on electric power thanks to its 7.9 kWh lithium-ion battery. The total horsepower is 1,030. Visually, it's easy to spot which Ferrari served as the platform: the Ferrari SF90 Stradale. The SF90 XX reminds us of the legendary Ferrari F50 from 1995—with its rear wing to improve the vehicle's aerodynamic load on the track.

Another highlight of the SF90 XX is that it's lighter than the regular SF90 by 10 kg. The engine sheds 3.5 kilograms, and other components, like the carbon fiber bucket seats, shed another 1.9 kilograms while providing full adjustability for the driver.

Why We Picked It:

The Ferrari 599XX Evo is an extreme, track-only version of the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano, designed exclusively for Ferrari’s elite clients who want a pure, uncompromised driving experience. Unveiled in 2011, the 599XX Evo represents the pinnacle of Ferrari’s engineering prowess, blending cutting-edge technology with raw performance to deliver a car that is as thrilling as it is exclusive.

At the heart of the 599XX Evo is a naturally aspirated 6.0-liter V12 engine, producing a staggering 740 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. This immense power allows the 599XX Evo to sprint from 0-60 mph in just 2.9 seconds, with a top speed exceeding 196 mph. Ferrari engineers fine-tuned the engine and aerodynamic features to extract maximum performance, incorporating advanced technologies such as active aerodynamics, a rear wing with drag-reduction system (DRS), and a redesigned front splitter and diffuser for improved downforce and stability at high speeds.

What sets the 599XX Evo apart from other Ferrari models is its track-focused nature. It's not road-legal and was built solely for the track, with Ferrari running its Corse Clienti program, where customers could participate in exclusive Ferrari track days. The 599XX Evo’s suspension system, weight-saving measures (it’s around 77 lbs lighter than the standard 599XX), and advanced electronics, including a more aggressive traction control system, all contribute to making it one of the most advanced track cars Ferrari has ever produced.

Top reviewers and test drivers have described the Ferrari 599XX Evo as a visceral, adrenaline-pumping experience, highlighting its agility, extreme power, and unmatched driving dynamics. The car’s ability to deliver a racecar-like experience with modern Ferrari engineering makes it one of the most sought-after models among Ferrari’s track-focused creations.