To celebrate its 50th anniversary, this tuning company is unveiling the Gruppo 4 Tributo, featuring a 3.4L V8 engine and a manual transmission, with a curb weight of 950 kg

To celebrate half a century of racing history, the Italian tuning firm Michelotto is reviving the spirit of the legendary Ferrari 308 GTB Gruppo 4. Unveiled in Padua, the Gruppo 4 Tributo relies on a formula that has become a rarity: a naturally aspirated 380 ch V8, a five-speed manual transmission, and a curb weight of just 950 kg.

A Tribute to 50 Years of Competition

It was against the historic backdrop of the Palazzo Moroni in Padua that the Michelotto Gruppo 4 Tributo was unveiled on October 10, 2026. This city holds special significance, as it was here that Giuliano Michelotto opened his first workshop in 1969, before going on to become one of Italy’s leading specialists in race car preparation.

Now an authorized repair shop Ferrari In 1973, Michelotto made a name for itself with the Ferrari 308 GTB Group 4, which was homologated in 1976 and won several prestigious races, including the Tour de France Automobile and the Monza Rally. The company subsequently participated in iconic programs such as the Ferrari 288 GTO Evoluzione, the competition-spec F40, and the 333 SP, before contributing to the development of numerous Ferrari GTs entered in endurance racing. With more than 700 race cars built and 1,495 victories to its credit, Michelotto boasts an impressive track record. The Gruppo 4 Tributo, conceived at the initiative of Francesco Calzavara, founder of AC Motorsport, specifically celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Ferrari 308 Group 4’s homologation.

A naturally aspirated 380 ch V8 paired with a manual transmission

Visually, the resemblance to the Ferrari 308 is obvious. It features the low, angular silhouette, retractable headlights, and characteristic proportions of Italian berlinettas from the 1970s. But beneath this composite-material body lies a particularly appealing powertrain.

Mounted in a mid-rear position, the naturally aspirated 3.4-liter V8 produces 380 ch at 8,250 rpm and 363 Nm of torque. Weighing in at just 950 kg, the Gruppo 4 Tributo boasts a power-to-weight ratio of 2.5 kg/ch, or 400 ch per metric ton. Most importantly, Michelotto has chosen to retain a five-speed manual transmission, featuring a grid-shift mechanism and a dog-clutch system. Power is transmitted exclusively to the rear wheels. This configuration promises a particularly mechanical driving experience, a far cry from modern sports cars with automated transmissions.

A true race car for the road

The Gruppo 4 Tributo is more than just a car with retro styling. It’s built on a tubular chassis that incorporates a roll cage, with double-wishbone suspension and adjustable shock absorbers.

Braking is handled by 345-mm vented discs up front and 328-mm discs in the rear, paired with four-piston calipers. Eighteen-inch wheels fitted with Pirelli P Zero Trofeo RS tires round out this package, which is firmly focused on performance.

The interior follows the same philosophy. Two bucket seats upholstered in Alcantara, four-point harnesses, a digital instrument cluster, and an imposing gearshift lever with a white knob serve as a reminder that driving pleasure takes precedence over comfort here.

Measuring 4.23 meters in length, this berlinetta aims to revive the thrills of the Ferrari race cars of yesteryear, while incorporating modern technical innovations. All that remains to be seen is its price, the number of units planned, and the sales arrangements—three details that Michelotto has not yet disclosed.