World's fastest Ferrari

A modified Ferrari 288 GTO has hit an astonishing 275.4mph on the Bonneville salt flats, setting a new world record.

The 288 GTO hit 276.152mph on the 'down run' and 274.650mph on the return run, with builder P4 by Norwood claiming it unofficially hit 292mph just two years ago.

This 1985 motor features an 8.8-litre twin-turbo V8 engine pushing out between 2,000bhp and 2,500bhp, thanks to 17lbs of boost pressure courtesy of two Borg Warner turbochargers.

Quite an astonishing feat, no doubt. But without the original 2.9-litre twin-turbo Ferrari V8 with 400bhp, is it really a Ferrari? And do you think it is ever acceptable to put a stonking great muscle-car engine into a mid-engined Italian supercar?

We know what we think, because we thought it. And it is 'no'. Ultimately, there is one less original 288 GTO in the world now.

If you wish to console yourself, click this link to look at pictures of the 458 Italia