Ferrari showcases the J50

In commemoration of Ferrari’s 50th anniversary in Japan, the Italian sports car manufacturer unveiled the J50, a customised model that comes within Ferrari’s ultra-limited series. During the anniversary celebration held on 13 December (Tuesday) at the National Art Centre in Tokyo, the latest racer that inherits the targa body styling of Ferrari road cars in the retro era – 1970s and 1980s – graced the event with much fanfare. Created by Ferrari’s very own Special Projects Department and designed by the Ferrari Styling Centre Team at the Maranello-based headquarters, only 10 of these exquisite beauties will be built, with each one trimmed to its customer’s individual preferences. And unfortunately to the rest of the whole world, all 10 cars are exclusive to the Japan market. A special evolution of the 488 Spider, the J50 is powered by a specific 690 cv version of the 3.9-litre twin-turbocharged V8 power-plant that has recently won the undisputed International Engine of the Year Award for 2016. The engine cover is made of polycarbonate, a light-weight yet tough feature that can only be found in top-end sports car. Unlike the 488 Spider, the J50 adopts a targa body style that speaks boldly of what future super-cars should look like. Fitted with 20-inch forged sports wheels, the windscreen design of the J50 resembles the visor of a helmet, reminiscing Ferrari’s open competition barchettas in the 1950s. The bonnet section is lower at the centre of the J50. With raised wheel arch crests, the J50 represents the muscularity that is typical of Ferrari’s mid-engined sports models. The carbon-fibre air-intake channels in the J50 look more diminutive and sharper. The windscreen head rail has been lowered as well, allowing a greater volume of air to flow over the rear spoiler and increasing its aerodynamic profile. The rear diffuser features an extractor shape inspired from the designs of jet engine after-burners. The interior of the J50 takes after the 488 Spider except for the specially-trimmed seats that have been designed to echo the contours of the J50's exterior. The carbon-fibre hard targa top, which is designed in two equal pieces, are neatly stowed behind the seats.