Photo: Ferrari via EUIPO
If you’re searching for “targa” in the database of the European Union’s Intellectual Property Office, chances are you’ll notice that Porsche owns the right to use that name. But search some more and you’ll find that Ferrari has registered a targa top with the EUIPO, which is a bit curious when you think about it.
The targa top is virtually dead since the F355 GTS went the way of the dodo in 1999. Based off the F355 GTB but with a targa-style removable roof that could be stored behind the seats, the F355 GTS is a rare breed. In total, Ferrari produces 2,577 models with the six-speed manual and another 529 with the F1 electrohydraulic transmission.
Even more curious is the sketch, which is based off the F430. Based on the information included in the patent, the design relates to a coupe body with a rigid roof that is removable and is supported at the front by the windshield and at the rear by the roll bar. A classic design even from a structural standpoint, the targa top design patent could be an indicator for the 488 GTS or something else.
Attributed to Matteo Biancalana (technical director of aerodynamics at Ferrari) and a gentleman called Giuseppe Cuzzillo, the patent isn’t indicative of the finished product because Ferrari wouldn’t like you and me to find out how their upcoming car looks.
While we wait for the Prancing Horse to come clean about what’s in the pipeline, there are a few other Ferrari models worth noting for having removable hard tops. Between the F355 GTS of old and LaFerrari Aperta of today, don’t forget the limited-edition 575 Superamerica and J50. A total of 559 and 10 examples were produced, so good luck finding one of those cars roaming on the same street as you.
On that note, why would Ferrari turn its attention back to the targa top instead of leaving the Spider body style be? The most obvious reason I can think of is weight saving. At the end of the day, the targa is lighter than an electrically-operated roof, and lightness helps squeeze out every ounce of performance from whatever Ferrari is cooking up.
Even more curious is the sketch, which is based off the F430. Based on the information included in the patent, the design relates to a coupe body with a rigid roof that is removable and is supported at the front by the windshield and at the rear by the roll bar. A classic design even from a structural standpoint, the targa top design patent could be an indicator for the 488 GTS or something else.
Attributed to Matteo Biancalana (technical director of aerodynamics at Ferrari) and a gentleman called Giuseppe Cuzzillo, the patent isn’t indicative of the finished product because Ferrari wouldn’t like you and me to find out how their upcoming car looks.
While we wait for the Prancing Horse to come clean about what’s in the pipeline, there are a few other Ferrari models worth noting for having removable hard tops. Between the F355 GTS of old and LaFerrari Aperta of today, don’t forget the limited-edition 575 Superamerica and J50. A total of 559 and 10 examples were produced, so good luck finding one of those cars roaming on the same street as you.
On that note, why would Ferrari turn its attention back to the targa top instead of leaving the Spider body style be? The most obvious reason I can think of is weight saving. At the end of the day, the targa is lighter than an electrically-operated roof, and lightness helps squeeze out every ounce of performance from whatever Ferrari is cooking up.
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