Ferrari Rossa by Pininfarina: A Design Masterpiece Ahead of Its Time
Design Legacy - There’s something truly timeless about Italian car design—how it turns heads not just with speed, but with style, soul, and stories. Every now and then, a car emerges not just to dominate roads or racetracks, but to mark a moment in history. One of those unforgettable moments arrived when Pininfarina, the legendary design house known for sculpting some of Ferrari’s most iconic models, decided to celebrate its 70th anniversary with something bold, something beautiful, something visionary: the Ferrari Rossa by Pininfarina.
Ferrari Pininfarina Rossa concept car made for celebrated Pininfarina's 70th anniversary in the 2000. (Picture from: Motor1)
Unveiled to the public at the 2000 Paris Motor Show, the Ferrari Rossa wasn’t just another concept car. It was a love letter to the golden days of Ferrari, wrapped in futuristic curves. A tribute to the Ferrari Testarossa—arguably one of the most recognizable Ferraris of all time—this concept also hinted at where design was headed next. Even the rounded taillights, seemingly a small touch at the time, would go on to appear in the design of the Ferrari Enzo, a supercar that redefined performance in the early 2000s.
Ferrari Pininfarina Rossa concept car built by taking basis of the Ferrari 550 Maranello and designed by Ken Okuyama. (Picture from: Motor1)
What made the Rossa even more fascinating was the man behind its sleek lines and confident silhouette: Ken Okuyama. Before he left his mark with the Kode 57 and Kode 0, Okuyama shaped the Rossa while working at Pininfarina. His design signature is clear—bold, fluid lines and an aggressive stance that feels both powerful and elegant. The DNA of the Rossa clearly echoes in the Kode 57, which looks like a sharpened, more mature descendant of the concept. It’s no coincidence that when the Kode 57 came to life in 2016, it instantly drew comparisons with the Rossa.
Ferrari Pininfarina Rossa concept car still using the same engine of the 550 Maranello, ie a naturally aspirated V12 engine with capacity of 5.5-liter mated with six-speed manual transmission system. (Picture from: Motor1)
While the Rossa was never meant for production, it wasn’t just about looks. Beneath its sculpted body, it shared the heart of the Ferrari 550 Maranello: a 5.5-liter naturally aspirated V12 engine, pumping out 478 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 419 lb-ft of torque at 5,000 rpm. The performance numbers were impressive, especially for a show car.
Ferrari Pininfarina Rossa concept car capable of reaching a top speed of about 186 mph (300 kph). (Picture from: Supercar.net)
Though a bit slower than the 550 Maranello, the Rossa still reached a top speed close to 186 mph. And let’s not forget the gated six-speed manual shifter—an unmistakable nod to classic Ferraris, offering that raw, mechanical feel that modern paddle shifters just can’t replicate.
Ferrari Pininfarina Rossa concept car was first introduced to the public at the Paris Motor Show 2000. (Picture from: Motor1)
Built purely as a showpiece, the Rossa was never intended to grace showroom floors or city streets. But its spirit didn’t end in 2000. Years later, the Kode 57, seen by many as its spiritual successor, brought similar design values into the hands of a lucky few. Only five were planned for production, and the very first was sold to boxing legend Floyd Mayweather for a staggering $2.5 million—a fitting price for something that blends rarity, art, and performance.
Today, as Ferrari explores new territories with its Icona series—think of the Monza SP1, and SP2 speedsters—it’s clear that the Rossa wasn’t just a celebration of the past. It was a preview of what was to come: a vision rooted in history but reaching boldly toward the future. Cars like the Rossa remind us that in the world of automotive design, beauty isn’t just about aerodynamics or numbers—it’s about emotion, heritage, and dreams made real through metal and motion. *** [EKA [18082019] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MOTOR1 | SUPERCAR.NET ]
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Ferrari Rossa by Pininfarina: A Design Masterpiece Ahead of Its Time
Unveiled to the public at the 2000 Paris Motor Show, the Ferrari Rossa wasn’t just another concept car. It was a love letter to the golden days of Ferrari, wrapped in futuristic curves. A tribute to the Ferrari Testarossa—arguably one of the most recognizable Ferraris of all time—this concept also hinted at where design was headed next. Even the rounded taillights, seemingly a small touch at the time, would go on to appear in the design of the Ferrari Enzo, a supercar that redefined performance in the early 2000s.
Today, as Ferrari explores new territories with its Icona series—think of the Monza SP1, and SP2 speedsters—it’s clear that the Rossa wasn’t just a celebration of the past. It was a preview of what was to come: a vision rooted in history but reaching boldly toward the future. Cars like the Rossa remind us that in the world of automotive design, beauty isn’t just about aerodynamics or numbers—it’s about emotion, heritage, and dreams made real through metal and motion. *** [EKA [18082019] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MOTOR1 | SUPERCAR.NET ]
