Exclusivity is what sells in the car world today. With so many sports and performance cars on the market, you’d think most people would be content with your regular OEM options. Yet, for those craving prestige, there’s always that desire for something extra.
Enter Novitec and their N-Largo series.
Right now we’re witnessing a revival of bespoke craftsmanship reminiscent of the 1930s, ’40s, and ’50s. Back then, coach builders meticulously hand-formed aluminum panels to skin chassis from 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 restomodding trend to the customization of supercars, it’s clear there are enough people eager to pay a premium for the privilege of driving an exclusive or truly one-of-a-kind machine.
To explore this trend, while visiting Manila earlier this year, I met with Keith Haw of Import Hookup – the distributor of Novitec cars in the Philippines – to check out a pair of wide-body masterpieces he had brought into the country and further modified.
It’s not often I get to shoot something so rare. Take the Ferrari 488, for example; only 11 N-Largo Coupes exist (alongside 11 N-Largo Spiders).
Keith has enhanced the 488 with additional touches, infusing even more individuality into what is already a very special car. My favorite detail? The GT3 carbon mirrors – there’s nothing quite like race car parts on a street car for ultimate bragging rights!
With the added girth of the wide-body conversion, the 488 now boasts a 140mm increase in width at the rear. That required some thinking (and measuring) to be done when it came to wheels.
Ultimately, Keith opted for custom Brixton Forged KB02 3-piece wheels, measuring 21 inches in the front and 22 inches at the rear.
For visual contrast, the wheel centers feature a polished satin finish, while the lips have a mirror shine. Ferrari center caps add an OEM touch.
The widened fenders are filled out nicely, with massive 335-section Michelins at the rear.
Performance and sound are improved through a complete RYFT titanium exhaust system (with downpipes) paired with a McChip ECU tune that unlocks the full potential of Maranello’s twin-turbo V8. Thanks to these modifications, the 488 now churns out 780hp – more than 100hp over stock – delivering serious performance to match its aggressive look.
Seeing the car under the lights of Manila’s most modern city district, the cohesive design stood out. This organic approach to enhancing a car’s dimensions is executed with style and taste, which likely explains why Ferrari permits Novitec to produce these limited editions.
Like any modern Ferrari, the cabin is luxurious and sporty, finished with the finest materials to make occupants feel special. When the car was ordered, several extra carbon fiber options were ticked, enhancing the interior with carbon extended shift paddles, carbon door sills, carbon steering wheel, and a carbon F1 center bridge.
Having never had the chance to examine an N-Largo up close, I came away with a real appreciation for the quality and craftsmanship. For anyone seeking that little bit extra, Novitec’s Ferrari 488 hits hard!
Now, onto 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, giving it almost a race car feel for 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 chose Brixton Forged wheels, opting for KB01s with contrasting tints for the centers and lip sections. Novitec suspension springs ensure the Lamborghini sits just right.
What truly sets this Huracán apart is its newfound power, unofficially designating it an LP800-4. Yep, thanks to a dose of forced induction, the V10 engine now develops 800hp.
This power increase comes from a VF Engineering VF800 roots-style blower atop the 5.2L motor, delivering a steady 7.5psi boost pressure. Charge coolers maintain a chilled intake flow, ensuring consistent power under all conditions – a straightforward solution that significantly elevates the performance of the Audi/Lamborghini V10. The pièce de résistance? A Capristo carbon/glass engine cover that lets you admire the supercharger setup.
Once again, a RYFT titanium exhaust was chosen for its performance and sound-enhancing qualities. For even less back pressure, the catalytic converters were removed.
While twin-turbo Huracáns are all the rage, this setup presents a sensible and stealthy option for the street.
Aside from the carbon fiber steering wheel, the interior remains untouched, which is no bad thing, as these cars come incredibly well-equipped from the factory.
So there you have it: exclusivity and uniqueness. Having been significantly upgraded over their OEM counterparts, these two cars stand out for their looks and performance.
The question remains: which one would you choose?
Dino Dalle Carbonare
Instagram: dino_dalle_carbonare
[email protected]
Photography by Alec Pender
Instagram: noplansco