Header photo by Ildar Project
Ferrari may be preparing one of its busiest product offensives in recent years. On May 20, the company submitted 13 trademark applications to Italy's patent office, covering potential future developments of the F80, 12Cilindri and 296 model families.
All applications were filed under Ferrari S.p.A. and are currently under examination by the UIBM, Italy's national trademark authority. The applications carry sequential registration numbers, indicating they were submitted during a single filing session.
While trademark registrations do not guarantee future production models, Ferrari has a long history of protecting names that later become part of its product strategy. The latest filings suggest Maranello is exploring everything from track focused specials and open top variants to possible high performance derivatives.
Ferrari F80
The F80 related applications include:
- Ferrari F80 Roadster (302026000092698)
- Ferrari FXX80 (302026000092713)
- Ferrari F80XX (302026000092722)
- Ferrari FXX H (302026000092734)
- Ferrari F80 License Plate (302026000092707)
Among these names, the F80 Roadster is the most straightforward, potentially pointing toward an open top version of Ferrari's latest flagship hypercar.
More intriguing are the FXX80, F80XX and FXX H trademarks. Ferrari's Corse Clienti programme has historically been reserved for highly exclusive track only machines developed for a select group of clients. Previous examples include the FXX based on the Enzo and the FXX K derived from the LaFerrari.
Photo: Ferrari
The FXX H trademark is particularly noteworthy. The "H" designation may indicate a hybrid focused evolution built around the F80's existing hybrid powertrain. If that proves correct, it could become the latest addition to Ferrari's customer racing and development programme.
The F80 License Plate filing appears more likely to relate to official accessories or branded merchandise rather than a vehicle model.
Ferrari 12Cilindri
Ferrari also filed four trademarks connected to the 12Cilindri:
- Ferrari 12Cylinders TG (302026000092692)
- Ferrari 12Cylinders MM Open (302026000092665)
- Ferrari 12Cylinders GTO (302026000092701)
- Ferrari 12 Cylinders MM (302026000092716)
One of the most interesting names is 12Cylinders TG. Early reports suggested a possible connection to the F80, but the filing clearly places the TG designation within the 12Cilindri family. Many observers believe TG could reference a future Targa style model.
The MM designation carries significant Ferrari heritage. Historically associated with the legendary Mille Miglia endurance race, the badge has appeared on several Ferrari models dating back to the 1950s. More recently, Ferrari used the name on the one off 458 MM Speciale.
Photo: Ferrari
The GTO trademark is perhaps the most significant of all. Ferrari has only applied the GTO badge to three production models: the 250 GTO, the 288 GTO and the 599 GTO.
Should Ferrari develop a 12Cilindri GTO, it would likely become the most focused and powerful naturally aspirated V12 road car in the current Ferrari lineup.
→ For readers unfamiliar with Ferrari's naming conventions, badges such as MM and GTO carry decades of history and significance. Our Ferrari Dictionary explains the meaning behind Ferrari model names, racing terminology and some of the most important designations used throughout the brand's history.
Ferrari 296
The final group of filings centres on the Ferrari 296 platform:
- Ferrari 296 Road Challenge (302026000092653)
- Ferrari 296 Challenge Evo (302026000092662)
- Ferrari 296 CS (302026000092674)
- Ferrari 296 Challenge Approved (302026000092686)
Of these, the 296 CS name has generated the most interest. Ferrari enthusiasts will immediately recognise the CS initials as a reference to Challenge Stradale, one of the brand's most celebrated lightweight road cars.
Photo: Kroymans Ferrari
The original Challenge Stradale debuted in 2003. Since then, Ferrari has used names such as Scuderia, Speciale and Pista for its most driver focused V8 models. A return to the CS designation could signal a new direction for the 296 and potentially the most focused road legal version of the car yet.
The 296 Challenge Evo filing appears to point toward an updated version of Ferrari's customer racing machine, while 296 Road Challenge and 296 Challenge Approved may relate to road car derivatives, certification programmes or special editions.
What could these Ferrari trademark filings mean?
Trademark registrations should always be treated with caution. Manufacturers often protect names that never reach production.
However, Ferrari rarely files such a large collection of model specific trademarks without a broader strategy in mind. The fact that all 13 applications were submitted together, suggests Maranello is actively planning future developments across several key model ranges.
Whether these names evolve into production cars, track only specials or exclusive client programmes remains to be seen. What is clear is that Ferrari's product pipeline appears far more active than many expected, with the F80, 12Cilindri and 296 platforms all positioned for expansion in the years ahead.
Source: duPont REGISTRY News
What potential car are you most excited about?
Subscribe to the ROSSOautomobili newsletter.
We make every effort to credit photographers and image sources accurately. Some images may have unknown origins. If you see a photo that’s yours and would like it credited or removed, please contact us.
Leave a comment