Only 80 of the 2011 Ferrari SA Apertas will be built.
The wait is over. Ferrari is finally lifting the covers – quite literally – off the long-anticipated 599 convertible.
Unlike the recently-launched Ferrari California, however, the Italian supercar maker is opting for a classic soft-top for the 2011 Ferrari SA Aperta that will make its formal debut, next week, at the Mondial de l’Automobile – the Paris Motor Show for the French-challenged.
The maker is calling this “the most exclusive Ferrari ever,” a bit of hyperbole if one considers some of the low-volume models to emerge from Italy over the years. Nonetheless, you’d better get ready to plunk down your cash quick if the Aperta appeals because only 80 will ultimately roll off the maker’s lines.
And for an estimated 400,000 Euros – to start –you will get an essentially hand-made and completely customized 2-seater with a miniscule cloth top that folds away into a cubbyhole in the trunk.
Unlike the California, the Ferrari SA Aperta offers a small cloth top for use in only the worst weather.
The top, Ferrari stresses, in a preview of the Paris show, is “designed to be resorted to only if the weather gets particularly bad.” Considering the large share of Ferraris sold in Southern California, that likely won’t be very often.
There are some other changes when compared to the current Ferrari 599 berlinetta, including a more steeply-raked windshield, a lower center of gravity and what Ferrari claims are better aerodynamics.
The Ferrari SA Aperta gets a stiffer body, better aerodynamics, and a bump from 620 to 670 hp.
The maker also reports having to add relatively little weight – specific details to follow in Paris – despite stiffening the body to compensate for the lack of a roof.
The Ferrari SA Aperta also gets an up-tuned version of the 599’s V12, making 670, rather than 620 horsepower.
The SA, in the name of the new model, refers to Sergio and Andrea Pininfarina, with whom Ferrari has a long and illustrious relationship. Meanwhile, the decision to build just 80 of the 2011 SA Apertas is a tribute to Pininfarina’s 80th anniversary.