The Ferrari 408 4RM is a concept car that made its debut in 1987, and it’s definitely one of the more unique prototypes in Ferrari’s history. What makes it stand out? Well, it was the first Ferrari to feature 4-wheel drive (4RM stands for “4 Ruote Motrici,” meaning four-wheel drive in Italian), which was a groundbreaking feature for the brand back then. The “408” part of the name refers to its 4.0L engine, and the “8” represents the number of cylinders it packs.
History of the Ferrari 408
The 408 4RM was a product of Ferrari’s experimental phase, and it was designed to push the boundaries of the brand’s road cars. Under the guidance of legendary engineer Mauro Forghieri, Ferrari sought to explore new possibilities with this prototype. It came with a hydraulic four-wheel-drive system that used a center differential and torque biased 29% to the front and 71% to the rear wheels. However, despite all the innovation, Ferrari decided to retire the system by 1991, as it added too much weight to the car.
This prototype was built in two versions. The first, with chassis no. 70183, was painted red and featured a steel welded chassis. The second version, chassis no. 78610, came in yellow and had an aluminum frame, which was a more advanced design co-developed with Alcan. Ferrari used the 408 to showcase a lot of new features, like composite body panels, a unique self-inflating door seal, and adjustable suspension height.
The Ferrari 408’s Legacy
Even though it wasn’t a production car, the 408 4RM had a lasting impact on Ferrari. It was the first Ferrari to use a four-wheel-drive system, setting the stage for future models like the Ferrari FF, which came along in 2011 with an even more advanced system.
Here’s a closer look at the Ferrari 408’s specs:
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 4.0 L (3,999.7 cc) Tipo F117 DOHC V8 |
| Power Output | 221 kW (296 hp; 300 PS) |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| Wheelbase | 2,550 mm (100.4 in) |
| Length | 4,220 mm (166.1 in) |
| Width | 1,885 mm (74.2 in) |
| Height | 1,200 mm (47.2 in) |
| Curb Weight | 1,343 kg (2,960.8 lb) |
The Ferrari 408 4RM remains a fascinating piece of Ferrari’s history. Only two units were made, and if you’re lucky enough to see one, you’re looking at a truly rare and innovative machine.
