Ferrari KC23 - 'UNIQUELY SPECIAL'

At infrequent (and perhaps random) intervals, Ferrari makes a one-off for one of its VIP customers through its Special Projects program. Commissioned by the owners, these cars are often what that particular customer has always dreamed of as the perfect Ferrari automobile. The new Ferrari KC23 is just that; a privately commissioned 'uniquely special' one-off designed to the desires of an unnamed Ferrari collector.

Built for track use, the KC23 borrows bits and pieces from some of Ferrari's most iconic modern track cars, offering a machine that looks like no other but maintains the DNA and spirit of the Prancing Horse brand.

Engine and Performance

Under the hood, the KC23 houses a twin-turbo V8 engine from the iconic and now formidable 488 GT3 Evo 2020. That's the most successful race car in Ferrari's history with 530 victories and 119 championship wins. With this strong platform, the KC23 should ship with similar performance numbers to the 488 GT3 Evo with an astounding 600 cv horsepower and 700-newton meters of torque. This, though, is just an assumption, as the Maranello-based outfit didn't reveal any of the car's performance stats.

Exterior Design

Designed by Centro Stille in collaboration with the owner and taking inspiration from some of Ferrari's most iconic racers, the silhouette of the KC23 is quite literally very unique. Ferrari says that all the lines of the 488 GT3 Evo 2020 had to be redesigned, along with the car's glass surfaces and light clusters, to create this impressive profile. The result? A timeless design that should provide a sneak peek into future cars from the Italian manufacturer.

To maintain the car's flawless silhouette, the KC23's motorized air intakes and active aerodynamics bits are hidden away by default and only protrude from their casings once the engine starts. That isn't true for the ever-apparent butterfly doors, huge rear wing, headlights (similar to those on the 499P Endurance), and the dynamic methacrylate light blade at the back inspired by the Ferrari Vision Gran Turismo single-seater concept.

Dubbed gold mercury, the KC23 comes with a custom paint job, a four-layer aluminum livery that gives the car a "luminous gleam" in sunlight and changes color depending on the lighting conditions and when viewed from different angles.

Interior

On the inside, the KC23 is as minimalistic as the race car that it's based upon. A button-clad steering wheel and a panel of rocker switches are similar to what you'll find in a car built for endurance racing. The custom-made Alcantara bucket seats complement the car's cabin and exterior while highlighting the intended purpose of the car; track-day driving.

The KC23 will debut publicly at the Goodwood Festival of Speed between the 13th and 16th of July. While most Special Project cars are not shown off to the public, the owner of the KC23 wanted the world to catch a glimpse of his prized asset, and we sure are grateful. If you're unable to attend Goodwood, the car will also be on display at the Ferrari Museum in Maranello from the 1st of August to the 2nd of October 2023.