Ferrari’s rally-racing history is getting a modern tribute with the Michelotto Gruppo 4 Tributo, a new sports car inspired by the iconic Ferrari 308 GTB rally car. Developed independently of Ferrari by Michelotto Group in collaboration with AC Motorsport, the lightweight machine combines a naturally aspirated V8, a gated five-speed manual transmission and retro-inspired styling with modern engineering. Although it draws inspiration from a notable chapter in Ferrari’s motorsports history, the new car is not an official Ferrari model or a traditional restomod.
Ferrari’s Rally Racing Legacy Lives On
Ferrari is best known for performance cars built for the road and circuit, including the 488 GT3, but the Italian automaker also has a history in rally racing. Among its most recognizable rally cars was the Ferrari 308 GTB, which finished second at the 1982 Tour de Corse to secure the brand’s first and only top-level World Rally Championship podium.
During that era, Italian motorsports specialist Michelotto Group was responsible for developing Ferrari’s rally cars. The company also worked on the 308 GT/M project, which was canceled after Group B was banned in 1986.
Despite the project’s end, its engineering contributed to the development of two of Ferrari’s most iconic cars: the 288 GTO and the F40. Now, Michelotto is revisiting that rally-racing heritage with a new vehicle inspired by the original 308, developed independently of Ferrari.
Michelotto Gruppo 4 Tributo: A New Take on the 308 GTB
According to CarBuzz, the new car is called the Michelotto Gruppo 4 Tributo. Rather than modifying an existing vehicle, Michelotto has created an entirely new car from the ground up in collaboration with AC Motorsport.
The Tributo preserves the wedge-shaped silhouette associated with the original Ferrari 308 GTB while reinterpreting its design for the modern era. The result is a contemporary tribute to the historic rally car rather than an exact reproduction.
Its mechanical setup also emphasizes traditional driving characteristics. Instead of a turbocharged engine or hybrid powertrain, the Michelotto Gruppo 4 Tributo uses a naturally aspirated 3.4-liter V8 paired with a gated five-speed manual transmission.
The engine produces 375 horsepower and 268 lb-ft of torque without forced induction or electrification. The car’s low weight further contributes to its performance potential, with the vehicle tipping the scales at just 2,094 pounds.
That figure makes the Tributo roughly 270 pounds lighter than a modern Mazda MX-5 Miata, highlighting its focus on lightweight construction.
Lightweight Construction and Racing-Inspired Interior
The Michelotto Gruppo 4 Tributo features composite body panels and rides on 18-inch wheels fitted with Pirelli P Zero Trofeo RS tires. These components complement the car’s motorsports-inspired design and lightweight construction.
Inside, the cabin combines a minimalist layout with modern equipment. Alcantara-trimmed bucket seats, four-point harnesses and a three-spoke steering wheel establish the racing-focused atmosphere, while a digital instrument cluster introduces a contemporary element.
The combination of a manual transmission, naturally aspirated V8 and stripped-back interior gives the Tributo a traditional sports-car character, even as its design incorporates modern touches.
Why the Michelotto Tributo Wouldn’t Qualify for WRC
Despite its rally-inspired appearance and heritage, the Michelotto Gruppo 4 Tributo would not qualify for the World Rally Championship in its current configuration.
WRC regulations require 1.6-liter turbocharged engines and four-wheel drive for Rally1 and Rally2 entrants. The Tributo’s naturally aspirated 3.4-liter V8 therefore differs from the engine configuration required by those categories.
The design also reflects a different era of rally cars. Wedge-shaped vehicles have largely disappeared from the sport’s top category, where hatchbacks and crossovers now dominate. Examples include the Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 and Ford Puma Rally1.
Although the Tributo does not fit the current WRC formula, its connection to the Ferrari 308 GTB gives it a clear link to the brand’s rallying past.
Michelotto Gruppo 4 Tributo Pricing and Availability
The Michelotto Gruppo 4 Tributo offers a modern interpretation of a historic rally-car design, pairing its retro-inspired silhouette with a naturally aspirated V8, a five-speed manual transmission and a lightweight chassis.
For enthusiasts interested in Ferrari’s rally-racing heritage, the independently developed tribute car revisits the spirit of the 308 GTB without attempting to recreate the original exactly. Pricing and availability have not yet been announced.
