Ferrari’s classic 308 GTB is one of the most recognizable Italian sports cars ever built. Its wedge-shaped styling and naturally aspirated V8 have aged exceptionally well, but don’t expect the Italian company to revive the model anytime soon.
Fortunately, Italian specialist AC Motorsport has a different idea. Working with legendary racing engineering firm Michelotto, it has developed a modern interpretation of the 308 that prioritizes lightweight construction and old-school driving engagement.
Called the Michelotto Gruppo 4 Tributo, the car was officially unveiled in Padua, Italy, on October 10, 2026. According to Michelotto Group, the project celebrates Giuliano Michelotto and the company’s long history of developing competition machinery.
Despite its unmistakably familiar appearance, this isn’t a restored or modified Ferrari. The Gruppo 4 Tributo is an entirely new sports car, engineered around a bespoke chassis and powered by a high-revving V8.
A Naturally Aspirated V8 And A Proper Manual
The Gruppo 4 Tributo features a naturally aspirated 3.4-liter V8 producing 380 horsepower at 8,250 rpm and approximately 268 lb-ft of torque. Mounted transversely behind the cabin, the engine sends power through a five-speed dogleg manual gearbox with an exposed gated shifter.
Those figures might seem modest by modern supercar standards, but the car weighs just 950 kilograms (2,094 pounds). That’s thanks to its tubular chassis, lightweight components, and full carbon-fiber bodywork.
Adjustable suspension, four-piston brake calipers, and 18-inch wheels wearing Pirelli P Zero Trofeo RS tires complete the performance-focused package.
Classic Ferrari Styling Without The Ferrari Badge
Visually, the Tributo closely follows the proportions of the original 308 GTB, complete with pop-up headlights, prominent side intakes, and four circular taillights. Wider fenders, aggressive aerodynamic details, and an exposed rear diffuser give the familiar silhouette a racing-inspired appearance.
Inside, the focus is firmly on driving, with lightweight bucket seats, four-point harnesses, physical switches, and a compact digital instrument display. You can’t build a Ferrari tribute car without a gated shifter, which takes pride of place in the otherwise minimalist cockpit.
Inspired By Ferrari’s Rallying Past
The car’s name pays tribute to the Michelotto-developed Ferrari 308 Group 4 rally cars of the late 1970s and early 1980s. One of those machines finished second at the 1982 Tour de Corse, securing a memorable World Rally Championship result.
AC Motorsport’s Francesco Calzavara previously worked with Michelotto, giving the project a genuine connection to the company’s racing heritage. The new Tributo was developed and built by Michelotto Group rather than Ferrari itself.
Official pricing and production numbers haven’t been confirmed, although its bespoke construction suggests exclusivity won’t come cheaply. With a naturally aspirated V8, a gated manual, and barely a tonne to move around, the Gruppo 4 Tributo makes a convincing case for keeping Italian sports cars simple.