Exclusivity is what is sold in the car world these days. With so many sports and performance cars on the market, you’d think most people would be satisfied with your regular OEM options. But for those who crave prestige, there is always the desire for something extra.
Meet Novitec and their N-Largo series.
We are currently witnessing a revival of custom craftsmanship, reminiscent of the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s. At the time, coachbuilders meticulously hand-formed aluminum panels to clad chassis for Ferrari, Maserati, Aston Martin and many other high-end manufacturers. Today we opt for wide body conversions and composite materials that enhance mass-produced vehicles.
From the booming trend of restoration to the customization of supercars, it’s clear that there are plenty of people willing to pay a premium for the privilege of driving an exclusive or truly unique machine.
To explore this trend, during a visit to Manila earlier this year, I met up with Keith Haw of Import Hookup – the distributor of Novitec cars in the Philippines – to check out some of the wide-body masterpieces he brought to the country brought and further adapted.
It doesn’t happen often that I get to photograph something so rare. Take the Ferrari 488 for example; Only 11 N-Largo Coupés exist (in addition to 11 N-Largo Spiders).
Keith has improved the 488 with additional touches, adding even more individuality to what is already a very special car. My favorite detail? The GT3 carbon mirrors – there’s nothing like racing car parts on a road car for ultimate bragging rights!
With the added girth of the wide-body conversion, the 488 now features a 140mm increase in width at the rear. That took some thinking (and measuring) when it came to wheels.
In the end, Keith opted for custom Brixton Forged KB02 three-piece wheels, measuring 21 inches at the front and 22 inches at the rear.
For visual contrast, the wheel center covers have a polished satin finish, while the lips have a mirror finish. Ferrari center caps add an OEM touch.
The widened fenders are nicely padded, with massive 335-section Michelins at the rear.
Performance and sound are enhanced by a complete RYFT titanium exhaust system (with downpipes), combined with a McChip ECU tune that unlocks the full potential of Maranello’s twin-turbo V8. Thanks to these changes, the 488 now produces 780 hp – more than 100 hp more than standard – and delivers serious performance to match its aggressive appearance.
When I saw the car under the lights of Manila’s most modern urban district, I was struck by its cohesive design. This organic approach to increasing a car’s dimensions is done with style and taste, which probably explains why Ferrari allows Novitec to produce these limited editions.
Like any modern Ferrari, the cabin is luxurious and sporty, finished with the finest materials to give its occupants a special feeling. When the car was ordered, several additional carbon fiber options were ticked off, enhancing the interior with extended carbon paddle shifters, carbon side sills, a carbon steering wheel and a carbon F1 center bridge.
Having never had the chance to look at an N-Largo up close, I gained a real appreciation for the quality and craftsmanship. For anyone looking for that little bit extra, the Ferrari 488 from Novitec is coming fast!
Now on to its Italian (but slightly more German) counterpart, the Lamborghini Huracán LP 610-4 N-Largo.
While the design philosophy mirrors the 488 N-Largo, the Huracán exudes a bit more aggression, almost giving it the feel of a race car on the road.
And there’s nothing wrong with that! Here at Speedhunters we love it, especially when it’s executed with class.
Once again Keith opted for Brixton Forged wheels and opted for KB01s with contrasting shades for the center and lip sections. Novitec springs ensure that the Lamborghini sits just right.
What really sets this Huracán apart is its new power, which it unofficially designates An LP800-4. Yes, thanks to a dose of forced induction, the V10 engine now develops 800 hp.
This power increase is thanks to a VF Engineering VF800 roots blower on top of the 5.2 liter engine, which delivers a constant boost pressure of 7.5 psi. Charge coolers provide a cooled intake flow and ensure consistent power in all conditions – a simple solution that significantly improves the performance of the Audi/Lamborghini V10. The piece de resistance? A Capristo carbon/glass hood with which you can admire the supercharger setup.
Once again, a RYFT titanium exhaust was chosen for its performance and sound-improving properties. For even less back pressure, the catalysts were removed.
While twin-turbo Huracáns are all the rage, this setup offers a sensible and unobtrusive option for the street.
Apart from the carbon fiber steering wheel, the interior remains untouched, which isn’t a bad thing as these cars come incredibly well equipped from the factory.
So there you have it: exclusivity and uniqueness. These two cars have been significantly upgraded from their OEM counterparts and stand out for their looks and performance.
The question remains: which one would you choose?
Dino Dalle Carbonare
Instagram: dino_dalle_carbonare
dino@speedhunters.com
Photography by Alec Pender
Instagram: no plans co