Ferrari has a very tough job on its hands every time it designs a new model. Not only are its designers tasked with upholding a history of elegant style that oozes with sex appeal, but they also have to incorporate the most advanced aerodynamic accessories and shapes, adhere to the latest crash regulations and evolve the brand’s styling language in such a way that Ferrari maintains its status as builder of bedroom poster material.
Needless to say, their talents seem to be coming along pretty well. Sticking to the meaning of “Aliante” and “Barchetta”, which translate to “glider” and “little boat” in Italian (though Barchetta came to be used as the Italian name for a roadster), the design study features no roof, two seats, and a perfect mix of Ferrari styling and technology from the past and present.
That includes a mid-mounted naturally-aspirated V12 engine with independent throttle bodies, a sleek athletic shape complete with modern aerodynamic elements, large haunches in the bodywork highlighting each wheel, carbon ceramic brakes the size of a hatchback’s wheels, absolutely zero driver aids, and, our personal favorite, a gated manual shifter.
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