One-off destined for US

Ferrari has unveiled its CZ26, a one-off created as part of its special projects programme.

Designed by the marque’s design studio under the direction of Flavio Manzoni and developed for an American client, the car draws on the dynamic features and performance of the SF90 Stradale.

The project’s aim was to create a vehicle with a recognisable character, and “capable of embodying strength, precision and formal purity through a rigorous design with a strong sense of identity”.

The CZ26 is defined by a horizontal design with a distinctive two-box silhouette. It has a stable, road-hugging presence thanks to a structure based on a pure central mass resembling a capsule, supported by the four muscle-like elements at the wheel arches. 

A full-width functional grille dominates the front and incorporates lighting units, ultra-slim modules with a concealed effect, brake air intakes, sensors and technical components. 

The rear features a truncated tail and cantilevered tail-lights. The diffuser also features a pronounced horizontal design, which helps to visually widen the car’s stance.

The side air intakes for cooling, the front end, rear diffuser, cantilevered light clusters and carbon-fibre elements are part of a single design language that “combines function and aesthetic expression”. Ferrari says this approach draws on significant examples of Italian industrial design from the 1970s. 

Aerodynamic development “encompasses” every area of the car. At the front, the cooling system and airflow management were redesigned by reorientating the central radiator pack and introducing bypass ducts to enable improvements in cooling efficiency and downforce generated over the front axle. 

The underbody and vortex generator system were also completely redesigned to optimise aerodynamic balance. The outer sections of the front bumper incorporate an air-curtain system that manages the wake generated by the front wheels, helping to reduce drag. 

And the rear sees the introduction of a large upper-rear spoiler and dedicated diffuser to increase downforce while maintaining aerodynamic efficiency.