2017 Ferrari J50: A Nod to the Past, a Glimpse of the Future
The 2017 Ferrari J50 is a striking testament to both the heritage and robust future vision of an automaker that has established itself as a purveyor of motoring excellence. Revealed during a grandiose event in Tokyo celebrating half a century of Ferraris in Japan, this roadster does not shy away from making bold statements with its design, powertrain, or exclusivity.
A Roadster Reborn From Classic Roots
Intriguingly opting for a targa body style - reminiscent of some beloved Ferrari models from past decades - the two-seater mid-rear-engined roadster pays homage to former giants while asserting its unique footprint in auto history. The limited run model comes straight out of Maranello's Special Projects department and sees just 10 units built, each tailored to meet specific customer requirements.
Sporting Heart Of An Award-Winner
Underneath its seductive shell, the J50 houses an engine fit for champions – it draws upon a specially tweaked version of the 3.9-litre V8 enginel that previously clinched International Engine of The Year honors. Pumping out an impressive 690 cv (approx. 681 hp), this car brings substantial muscle into play once you put your foot down on unrestricted roads.
Pioneering Design Language
Moving beyond generic designs plaguing today’s market, every facet of bodywork on the J50 heralds radical innovation. With low slung aesthetics encapsulating Ferrari's intrinsic agility and nimbleness ethos, designers conveyed dynamicism through intersecting lines shaping flanks and sides resulting in harmonious convergences between visual elements.
The “helmet visor” effect conjured by the window graphic echoes Ferrari’s open competition barchettas dating back to the 1950s. On top of that, a reinterpreted black dividing line morphs perception of the vehicle's silhouette atypical from its counterparts – lending it an air of barchetta-like charm.
Illustrative Aerodynamics
In pursuit of maximised airflow efficiency, no stone was left unturned in optimizing aerodynamic elements on this machine. Radiators are brought closer together while redesigned front bumpers and lowered windscreen header rails allow more wind to glide over integral aerodynamic parts - ultimately leading to improved stability at increased velocities.
Tailoring The Rear To Perfection
Dominating the rear section is an intricately crafted polycarbonate cover highlighting the distinct roll hoops for driver and passenger heads while housing engine components underneath — reminiscent of iconic sports prototypes from the past century. Aggressive quad tail light design broadens visual width under high-downforce wing profiles while unique jet-afterburner-shaped extractor inspires awe with highly distinctive diffuser cutouts.
Cabin Refinements Imbibed With Richness
Interior cabins haven't been spared from enriching modifications either: sport seat trimmings echo rear bonnet contour designs providing signature features inside out. A carbon fiber hard targa top split into two pieces enhances practicality without compromising aesthetics - demystifying what driving heaven could only mean in a Ferrari. Finally, add a shade of exclusive three-layer red exterior pigmentation coupled with fine Alcantara leather trimmed interiors completed in alluring red-over-black tone, one can say that being special just reached another level above extraordinary.
Lasting Impressions
Kudos to Ferrari for literally bending lines, reshaping perceptions, and darings to cross conventional boundaries with their 2017 Ferrari J50. This car is an electrifying combination of the past, present, and future – a limited edition roadster that dares to dream while paying fitting tribute to a golden anniversary in Japan.
-Ed
2017 Ferrari J50
