Released in 1984, the 288 GTO was designed for racing: Ferrari was planning to enter Group B, and the result was the GTO Evoluzione. The 288 GTO was also a milestone in the history of the prancing horse, for following on from the 208 GTS, which had inaugurated turbocharging in the range in 1982, it was the first supercar to go turbocharged. The 2.9 twin-turbo V8 unleashed 400 hp and 496 Nm at the rear wheels, which was simply amazing at the time. Although initial production was set at 200 units, the model's success led Ferrari to increase this figure to 272. Unfortunately, Group B was brought to a premature halt at the end of the 1986 season, following Henri Toivonen's fatal accident. The GTO Evoluzione remained a prototype, but served as the basis for the F40, presented in 1987.
The soul of a genius hovers over this Maggiore
What do the two icons have in common? They were the brainchild of engineer Nicola Materazzi, who died in 2022 after a long illness. Despite his illness, Materazzi collaborated on a final project, a "restomod" led by Automobili Maggiore. The 288 GTO thus rose from the ashes in the form of the Maggiore GranTurismo. This is no replica, as a donor 308 is used. This is particularly evident in the central cell, which retains its original proportions. The chassis, on the other hand, has undergone a complete restoration and strengthening process to support the extra power, not to mention the installation of Brembo brakes and aircraft-grade aluminum suspension.
What a face!
The body line, made entirely of carbon fiber, blends vintage and modern aspects, flirting with the limits of restomod. You could almost fall for an Icona creation. The Maggiore retains its muscular silhouette, especially when viewed from the front, with widened tracks that give it an even more intimidating, bestial silhouette. The air intakes have been widened, while the typical retractable headlamps have been updated with an LED strip. The 18-inch alloy wheels continue the starburst styling of the original hoods. Additional air intakes and "gills" have been added to the sides. The front spoiler, with its side fins and multiple openings, betrays the modernity of the aerodynamic work. The face of this GranTurismo is absolutely incredible, worthy of the designs of the Synthwave movement, which often features eighties-style supercars in its visuals.
A rear end in keeping with current Ferrari styling
Starting with the sides, and especially the stern, we move away from the taut lines of the '80s. The pencil strokes are more fluid and refined, bringing them closer to the aerodynamic and stylistic standards of today's Ferrari production. The Maggiore's flanks are hollowed out, accentuated by the wider track. The manufacturer even talks of "Coca-Cola bottle" curves, reminiscent of the Ferrari single-seaters designed by John Barnard in the late '80s, notably the 640 and 641.
The designers refer to "rear lights installed as if in small volcanoes that are as if cut in two by a strip of shiny material, reminiscent of the concepts of Maranello's most recent productions". Indeed, the rear end is more reminiscent of the F8 Tributo or SF90 Stradale. Triple gills are fitted to the rear wings, as well as to the rear hood, a glazed section of which gives a glimpse of the engine.
A more powerful turbo V8
As with the 288 GTO, the engine is a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V8, but with numerous modifications and corrections. Maggiore refers to "GT3"-type specifications and F1-derived systems: the engine has been modified from top to bottom, with only the crankcase remaining original. The V8 features new sequential turbochargers to eliminate turbo lag, a new dry sump intake and lubrication system, and an intercooler in the intake manifold to reduce lag.
Craftsmen speak of a more compact 30% engine than the original. As a result, the engine could be installed longitudinally, unlike the transverse layout of the 288's V8 from the '80s. The V8 is said to be capable of 600 hp, almost as much as the 650 hp of the GTO Evoluzione. Finally, the soul of the purist is respected with the adoption of a 6-speed mechanical gearbox.
19 models are planned, with a choice of customization options. We'll have to wait a little longer to discover the interior.
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