New Ferrari 499P Marks the Prancing Horse’s Return to Le Mans

Ferrari’s withdrawal from Le Mans to focus more on Formula 1 has garnered the team an unprecedented level of success. With its current Formula 1 team finally back in contention for wins after its slight downfall, it is only right that the Maranello outfit returned to the pinnacle of endurance racing.

Marking its comeback to the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), Ferrari has unveiled the 499P Le Mans Hypercar. This Le Mans Hypercar prototype is poised to compete in the 2023 FIA WEC season, though its drivers’ line-up remains unannounced for now.

The 499P is draped in Ferrari’s signature ‘Rosso Corsa’ hue, with flashes of yellow across the car – an homage to its Le Mans predecessor 50 years ago, the Ferrari 312P. Also paying tribute to its 50 years Le Mans ‘hiatus’ are the race numbers it wears, with both cars carrying the number #50 and #51 respectively – the latter being a historic Ferrari racing number.

Its nomenclature follows the Prancing Horse’s naming tradition, with ‘499’ derived from its engine’s individual cylinder capacity in cubic centimetres, while the ‘P’ stands for prototype.

Powering this Le Mans hypercar is a 3.0-litre V6 turbocharged mill – derived from the 296 GTB/GTS – alongside its hybrid electric motor. The electric-hybrid component of the power unit delivers 272 HP and consists of both an electric motor juiced by an F1-derived 900-volt battery pack that recharges under braking and during deceleration. Coupled with a seven-speed sequential racing transmission, this hybrid power unit outputs a regulation-limited rate of 680 HP (500 kW).

The 499P Le Mans Hypercar boasts similar design language as the Daytona SP3 – notably its slim headlights. Big rear wings and bold front canards – all made of carbon fibre – add some black elements to an otherwise red-yellow car, akin to its Formula 1 siblings.

Officially unveiled at the Ferrari Finali Mondiali 2022 late last week, the 499P is set to headline the Prancing Horse’s return in FIA WEC at the inaugural Sebring 1,000 Miles round in March next year.