J50 iv
John Mahoney14 Dec 2016
NEWS

Ferrari reveals 488-based J50

Limited-run J50 created to celebrate 50 years of Ferrari in Japan; just 10 will be made

Ferrari has unveiled a new ultra-limited-run supercar based on its 488 Spider and called the J50.

Just 10 will be made and all have been created to celebrate 50 years of Ferrari sales in Japan.

Beneath its bespoke body, the J50 is based on the firm's 488 Spider.

That's why, under its rear boot lid, you'll find the same turbocharged 3.9-litre V8 as the 488 but instead of producing 492kW, the new J50's blown V8 produces an even punchier 508kW.

Claimed to feature completely new body work, the automotive anniversary for the Japanese sales milestone was created to be a "low-slung roadster".

To do this, the Italian car-maker has lowered the bonnet and given the J50 a sharper new look.

This has seen some significant reengineering of the small Ferrari's cooling system and sees the front radiators squeezed closer together.

The J50 also gains a cut-down, steeply raked windscreen and a new rear deck that incorporates a spoiler.

The J50 receives the Italian car maker's classic four tail lamps and a large rear diffuser.

All 10 cars also come with a set of new 20-inch forged alloy wheels specifically created for the J50.

Completing the look, the J50 gets more pronounced front wheel-arches and two front carbon-fibre air channels and a black beltline like the ones that also featured on its 288 GTO, F40 and F50.

Unlike the 488 Spider, the J50 does away with its folding retractable hard-top. Instead, owners have to make do with a two-piece carbon-fibre roof panel that can be stored behind the driver's and passenger seats.

Inside, the bespoke theme continues with the J50 gaining seats that have a centre section that’s said to be inspired by the rear boot lid design.

Ferrari hasn’t released performance figures for the more powerful and what's thought to be significantly lighter J50, but against the clock the Italian roadster should hit 100km/h in around 2.8 seconds and reach 330km/h.

Pricing hasn't been revealed either, although it's thought the J50 could exceed $2 million, if they haven't already all been sold.

Tags

Ferrari
Car News
Convertible
Performance Cars
Written byJohn Mahoney
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