the 408 4RM project, led by Mauro Forghieri, aimed to explore new design ideas for Ferrari's road cars.

In 1991, Ferrari deemed that the system was not suited to the company's philosophy, stating that it increased the weight of the car by 200 kg (441 lb).

When tested in a wind tunnel at its lowest suspension height, the car achieved a drag coefficient of 0.274.

70183, was painted in red and was fitted with an all-steel welded chassis, made from folded sheets of stainless steel instead of stampings, and was built in June 1987.

The engine also features double overhead camshafts with four valves per cylinder, as well as Weber-Marelli fuel injection and dry sump lubrication.