Ferrari has introduced the newest member of its One-Off series, the Ferrari KC23. This special vehicle is part of the brand's Special Projects program and was specifically commissioned by one of Ferrari's esteemed collectors.
The KC23 represents a bold and extreme vision of what closed-wheel racing might look like in the future. It takes the successful 488 GT3 in its 'Evo 2020' version and elevates it to a new level, effortlessly combining elegance when stationary and thrilling performance when in motion. This achievement is made possible by groundbreaking aerodynamic solutions, including motorized air intake vents and an imposing rear wing.
The design of the KC23 was led by the Ferrari Styling Centre, headed by Flavio Manzoni. It is based on the 488 GT3 Evo 2020 platform, inheriting its layout, chassis, and engine. The foundation for this project is exceptional, as the 488 GT3 has an impressive racing history since 2016. It has achieved over 530 victories and secured more than 119 championships, establishing itself as the most successful racing Ferrari ever.
Due to its extreme engine, chassis, and suspension setup, the Ferrari KC23 is exclusively designed for non-competitive track use. Its most distinctive feature is its dual configuration, which showcases clean and sleek lines when stationary but transforms into a more aggressive appearance on the track. The visual impact is intensified by the automatic opening of the car's air intakes and the presence of an imposing rear wing. Right from the early stages of the project, the Ferrari Styling Centre aimed to create a radical one-off car that is unrestricted by homologation constraints. They focused on designing timeless lines that would make the KC23 an instant classic while also providing a glimpse into the future of supercars. Achieving this ambitious goal involved redesigning every aspect of the 488 GT3 Evo 2020, including glass surfaces and light clusters. The result is a car with a monolithic beauty, appearing as if it were sculpted from a single block of metal. The design cleverly conceals several technical functions, such as the side air intakes that automatically open when the mid-rear V8 twin-turbo engine is activated. This dynamic characteristic gives the KC23 a lifelike quality, as its shape adapts to its purpose. The rear wing is also removable, emphasizing the car's clean and formal lines when not on the track.
The surface treatment of the KC23 is impeccably smooth and seamless, minimizing sharp angles to highlight its spare and sinuous purity. This pursuit of an iconic and futuristic design ensures that the KC23 will remain timeless. When the driver starts the engine and prepares to hit the track, the KC23 undergoes a radical transformation, assuming a racing stance and exuding aggression. The dominating rear wing cannot be ignored, as it signifies a racing car capable of cutting through corners and unleashing the full power of the V8 engine. To maintain the performance of the donor car despite the KC23's different silhouette, the designers focused on optimizing downforce and cooling. Custom kinematics were developed for panels that automatically activate when the engine is turned on. For instance, the panel behind the front wheel enhances front downforce for balanced aerodynamics, while the panel at the rear regulates intake air for intercoolers, auxiliary components, and the engine. The butterfly doors of the Ferrari KC23 open vertically on single front hinges, a distinctive architectural solution shared with another iconic supercar, the LaFerrari. No structural changes were necessary to incorporate this feature. The clam-shell bonnet boasts a simple opening system, requiring the removal of just two pins for inspection and maintenance. The headlights and rear lights have undergone redesigns as well, with the rear lights featuring striking methacrylate light blades that spring to life, inspired by the Ferrari Vision Gran Turismo, when the engine is activated.
Even the glass surfaces of the KC23 reflect the design philosophy underpinning this exceptional vehicle. They seamlessly integrate with the bodywork, devoid of visible pillars, frames, or seals, creating an aeronautics-inspired dome effect. Their metallic finish merges seamlessly for a visually striking and futuristic outcome.
