Once upon a time, fans of expensive fast cars in far off markets had to
wait and get the leftovers after the cars had been on the market in other
countries for years.

Now, Ferrari has demonstrated that the way to do it is to cultivate a
group of fans in each country so that they can, in effect, have a cheering squad in each location. Ferrari has been marketing their cars in Japan for 50 years, so it was in Japan (for now anyway) that they created an exclusive model for this technique. In mid-December, Ferrari introduced the J50, and they said it would be an exclusive.

The bodywork from the side view is similar to the Alfa 4C roadster in that
the body sides sweep up to become part of the roof. Ferrari explained they
wanted that for a very low-look. Adding to that design feature is the slanted top edge of the side window and a raked black swage line, which rises from the low-set nose until it vanishes in the air intake aft of the doors.

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Some in the design world call that "sunk down in the body" look the "helmet
visor" effect, which Ferrari claims in their press release "is reminiscent
of Ferrari's open competition barchettas (a word referring to their early
roadsters that were like "little boats"—Ed.) going as far back as the 1950s."

They also re-introduce a "dividing line," in this case a black inset groove—one which they say recalls the one on the iconic GTO, F40 and F50. It seems odd that the black groove only goes half way along the side and then disappears, but that is done on purpose to emphasize the new shape of the body side as it melds into the roof.

The bonnet section is lower at the center with raised wheel arches, which
they say is part of mid-engined sports cars. Two carbon-fiber air channels
in the front bonnet create an even more diminutive and sharper looking
front. They are using full LED headlights to create a specific and very
dynamic profile. From the side view, though, those headlight nacelles look
a lot like those on a Camaro of some decades past to me.

In the rear there are quad round taillights just like the good old days of
Ferrari, though now they follow the curve of the rear valance panel and are illuminated by LED lamps.

Differences from the 488 they started with are that the radiators are
positioned closer together and the front bumper has been completely
redesigned. The windscreen header rail has been lowered, allowing more
airflow over the aero foil and thus over the rear spoiler.

Are you the type who likes to see the engine even when the bonnet is
closed? Well, the engine is framed by a transparent polycarbonate cover. There
are two transverse aerofoils as a bridge between the hoops, which they say
recalls the "distinctive features of Ferrari sports prototypes of the
1960s."

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The wheels are 20" forged rims crafted specifically for this limited-edition model. Inside the cabin, specific trim adorns the sports seats, echoing the design of the rear bonnet contour to provide an unmistakable signature feature. The carbon-fiber targa top is divided into two pieces, which stow behind the seats.

The J50 shown in Tokyo was finished in a special shade of three-layer red
with a red-over-black interior, trimmed in fine leather and Alcantara.
The engine has been given another ten hp., for a 690 horsepower rating.

When the story hit the wires, Ferrari said only ten will be made. Stay
tuned for updates in case they change their mind….

About the author: Wallace Wyss is the author of 16 car books and a fine artist. For a list of available automotive renderings, write Photojournalistpro@gmail.com.