Ferrari’s Secret Move Teases The Next Generation Of Italian Supercars

• Ferrari has trademarked “SC40” and “CZ26”, sparking speculation about two new upcoming models.
• SC40 could be a modern tribute to the legendary F40, aligning with its 40th anniversary in 2027.
• CZ26 might refer to a 2026 release date or a bespoke commission — typical of Ferrari’s ultra-exclusive client work.

Ferrari has just filed two new trademarks, the SC40 and CZ26, sending the Italian supercar enthusiasts peeking out from the Maranello bushes into an expected frenzy. And whilst these new codenames might sound like the name of a Formula 1 strategy or even a new watch from Grand Seiko, it’s undoubtedly more exciting: two entirely new Ferrari models set to be released.

Whilst we may only have a series of letters and numbers with which to speculate, if you know Ferrari fans will know that the Prancing Horse don’t trademark names unless something fast, loud, and deeply desirable is coming down the pipeline. And in an era where 40% of Ferrari’s new buyers are under 40, the most youthful shift in the brand’s modern history, the timing feels too perfect to ignore.

Let’s start with the stranger of the two: CZ26. The “CZ” is mysterious. Some have speculated it could refer to the Czech Republic, but Ferrari’s 25th anniversary in that market passed in 2023, and they didn’t mark it then, so I’m not entirely convinced by the logic.

Alternatively, Ferrari could be alluding to the the initials of a mystery client. Ferrari has a habit of building ultra-limited models for ultra-private collectors. Think of the J50, a 10-unit special celebrating 50 years of Ferrari in Japan, or the SP38 Deborah. These names often mean something to just one person and a very small production team in Maranello.

As for the “26”? It could mean anything from a birth year to a race number. The 250 LM that wore #26 at the 1966 Paris 1000km springs to mind; a nod to Ferrari’s rich Le Mans history. But again, with Ferrari, certainty is a luxury even billionaires can’t always buy.

More likely, it refers to the year of release, especially given Ferrari’s tradition of naming its Formula 1 cars after the year (please see the F2001 or F2004). That said, Ferrari road cars almost never follow this format, so while it’s a reasonable theory, it’s far from confirmed

Now for the real tease: SC40. This one immediately grabs the attention because we have more references. “SC” likely refers to Scuderia or Speciale Clienti, Ferrari’s top-tier bespoke division. And “40”? That’s a loaded number in Maranello. It’s the number tied forever to the F40, Enzo Ferrari’s final signed-off creation and arguably the most raw, iconic Ferrari ever made.

The timing lines up: 2027 marks the 40th anniversary of the F40. Could SC40 be a spiritual successor? Imagine if Ferrari reveal the next generation of its most revered collection; a modern tribute to the twin turbo F40 that’s more track-focused, reimagined for Ferrari’s new generation of power-hungry collectors.

Even Lewis Hamilton has been rumoured to have pushed for a modern reinterpretation of the F40 during his talks with the Scuderia. Some reports point to an F44 nameplate, but SC40 could just as easily be the ridiculously rare version built for insiders before the public debut.

What’s clear is Ferrari is evolving in 2025. The brand is preparing to launch its first all-electric model in October of this year as part of a wider plan to move towards an electric future. But with the next generation of cars set to be unveiled, it’s clear Ferrari isn’t yet prepared to abandon its traditonal combustion roots.

The auto brand is also intentionally capping production to drive exclusivity. And it’s tailoring experiences, from its personalisation program to its special projects, for a new class of buyer: younger, wealthier, more global, and more interested in individuality than lineage.

So whether SC40 is a carbon-clad F40 for the future, or CZ26 is a one-off for a collector you’ve never heard of, one thing’s certain: The next chapter of Italian automotive excellence is already in motion.