Michelotto Builds a New 950-Kilogram Supercar Without Hybrid Systems
Padova-based engineering firm Michelotto has unveiled the Michelotto Gruppo 4 Tributo, a 950-kilogram supercar powered by a naturally aspirated V8 engine without hybrid assistance, piataauto.md reported on October 26, 2026. The release bucks a modern industry trend toward heavy electrified powertrains designed for instant torque and emissions compliance. The car pays direct homage to the Ferrari 308 Gruppo 4, a rally machine built by the same Italian workshop between 1978 and 1983.
Engineering the Naturally Aspirated V8 Powertrain
The mid-mounted V8 engine sits in a transverse layout to balance mass distribution, featuring a 90-degree block angle and a 3.4-liter displacement. Both the block and cylinder heads use aluminum construction, housing four camshafts with two valves per cylinder. Company founder Giuliano Michelotto selected the two-valve setup specifically because it generates more usable torque across varied driving environments than a four-valve configuration, while larger valve diameters handle breathing duties.
The motor runs on 98-octane fuel and achieves its redline at 8,250 rpm, producing 380 horsepower and 363 Newton-meters of torque. Power reaches the ground through a five-speed manual dog-leg transmission featuring face-clog engagement rather than conventional synchronizers. The setup delivers instant but forceful gear changes suited to competition environments rather than conventional street driving.
Chassis Construction and Mechanical Control
The vehicle utilizes a tubular chassis reinforced with extensive carbon fiber application, bringing the dry weight to 950 kilograms with all operating fluids except gasoline. A full 74-liter fuel tank adds 55 kilograms, placing the comparable curb weight at roughly 1,000 kilograms. Suspension duties rely on double wishbones at both the front and rear axles. Steering utilizes an unassisted rack-and-pinion system—omitting both hydraulic and electronic power steering—to maximize mechanical feedback for the driver.
Legacy of the Original Ferrari 308 Gruppo 4
The original Ferrari 308 Gruppo 4 relied on a 2.7-liter V8 generating up to 315 horsepower within a sub-1,100-kilogram frame that combined a tubular chassis with kevlar and fiberglass panels. Michelotto, founded by Giuliano Michelotto in 1969 as an advanced mechanical workshop, gained official Ferrari workshop status in 1973. The firm built just 11 examples of the 308 rally variant between 1978 and 1983, securing wins at the 1981 Targa Florio and Rallye de Monza. Michelotto later developed racing iterations of the Ferrari F40 and contributed to the Ferrari 333 SP prototype during the 1990s.
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