Ferrari Makes Bespoke BR20 For Customer
There will not be another Ferrari BR20. And that is because the BR20 is the latest to join Ferrari’s line of One-Off series. This is an exclusive edition specified and made bespoke, based on a customer’s requirements.
The bespoke Ferrari BR20 is a two-seater V12 coupé built on the GTC4Lusso platform. The GTC4Lusso is a front-engined shooting brake which is styled after the magnificent Ferrari coupés of the 1950s and 60s. However, the BR20 does away with the nostalgic references. Instead, it pulls off the challenging feat of marrying timeless elegance with muscular sportiness, effortlessly incorporating styling themes typical of some of the most iconic 12-cylinders in Ferrari history, including the 410 SA and 500 Superfast.
To achieve this look, the GTC4Lusso’s rear seats were removed to allow for the BR20’s ultra-sleek fastback shape. The new car is 3″ longer than the one it is based on thanks to a specific rear overhang treatment designed to create a silhouette that emphasises its proportions. One of the cornerstones of the design process for this one-off was the radical modification made to the cabin volume. This gave the design team, led by Flavio Manzoni, the opportunity to conceive the innovative proportions that has resulted in a powerful yet stylistically coherent exterior design theme.
The new cabin design solution creates the impression of a pair of arches running lengthwise from A-pillar to rear spoiler. The rear volume of the arch has been hollowed out to create an aerodynamic channel with the air outlet concealed by the black fascia in the rear, under the spoiler. This is a modern take on Ferrari’s “flying buttress” theme and connects the car to signature Prancing Horse styling cues not just from Ferrari’s GT tradition, but also sports cars such as the 599 GTB Fiorano. To visually lighten the cabin, the black paint of the roof visually connects the windscreen to the rear screen, which stands above the surface of the rear tailgate.
Still at the rear, the bumper has an aggressive design, with the prominent rear diffuser and the pair of twin tail lights that correspond with the tailpipes. The BR20’s twin round exhaust tips were designed specifically for this bespoke model.
Furthermore, the BR20’s many carbon-fibre details highlight the edgy dynamic characteristics and powerful performance of this 4-wheel drive car. High, sinuous sills add a hint of dynamism to the lower section of the flanks as well as emphasise the front air vents on the wheel arches. The wide front grille sports an upper carbon-fibre element, a note of stylistic consistency with other recent Ferrari one-offs, while unusual chrome side inserts help underline the car’s dynamic front stance.
The BR20’s unique identity is further reinforced by the front grille’s striking new horizontal slats that give it a sense of three-dimensionality. A virtually endless list of elements was designed specifically for the BR20, not least its modified headlights. They are lower in height compared to those of the GTC4Lusso, and with slimmer DRLs, which makes the bonnet seem even longer and sleeker. The 20” tone-on-tone diamond-finish wheels were also created especially for this unique car.
The bespoke nature continues in the interior. Trimmed in 2 shades of brown leather and carbon-fibre, an exquisite combination developed according to the client’s indications. The seats are trimmed in dark brown Heritage Testa di Moro leather and sport an exclusive pattern at the front as well as silver cross-stitching. The cabin volume runs uninterrupted from the windscreen to the luggage compartment at the rear, creating a sense of unique lightness and airiness for occupants. Oak trim with carbon-fibre inserts adorns the rear bench and luggage deck, which conceals a deeper loading area when folded flat, as well as on the door handles.
The BR20 is designed for a longstanding client who was deeply involved in every step of its creation. It is also a showcase for Ferrari’s mastery of the traditional coachbuilder’s art, successfully transforming an existing model in a masterful and unique way taking inspiration from, and paying homage to, the company’s core values of innovation and passion.
The Special Projects programme is aimed at creating unique and bespoke Ferraris characterised by an exclusive design crafted according to the requirements of the client, who thus becomes the owner of a one-of-a-kind model. Each project originates from an idea put forward by the client and developed with a team of designers from Ferrari’s Styling Centre; after having defined the car’s proportion and forms, detailed design blueprints and a styling buck are produced before starting the manufacturing process of the new One-Off. The entire process lasts on average more than a year, during which the client is closely involved in assessing the design and verification phases. And the result is a thoroughly unique Ferrari, which sports the Prancing Horse logo and is engineered to the same levels of excellence that characterise every production car from Maranello.
