Despite hitting the road officially back in 2013, seeing a Ferrari LaFerrari in person is still quite a rare sight. However, this model’s age hasn’t stopped Ferrari from utilizing its frame and exterior design to test new upcoming models secretly. This is where this latest prototype comes in to play caught driving around in a new spy video.

The video was posted to YouTube by Varryx, a known supercar spotter that has caught vital footage of several test mules in the past. However, what makes this particular prototype strange isn’t some outlandish aero package or a weird-sounding powertrain. Instead, this car features a few unusual yet subtle details.

What makes this Ferrari LaFerrari prototype so unusual?

If it isn’t extremely noticeable, the unusual component lives in the Ferrari LaFerrari’s front bumper. Notice the vertical design elements that connect the bumper across the main lower air intake. While the main central element is usually finished in the same color as the rest of the car, the pair that flank it usually shows exposed carbon fiber. While it may be difficult to see from the photos or videos, that lower valance is a separate piece.

However, in this Ferrari LaFerrari prototype, everything is finished in the same color as the rest of the car. Additionally, the lower elements in the front bumper stick out considerably more than in the normal production model. As a result, the Italian carmaker might be testing out some subtle aero elements for a new model.

On top of that, you’ll notice that this car’s side mirrors stick out perfectly horizontally. However, the normal production model’s mirrors sloped upward considerably.

This isn’t the first time we’ve seen an unusual prototype

According to Varryx, this Ferrari LaFerrari prototype is not new by any means. As Varryx describes it, “this car has been on the road for ages now.” However, the video also claims this prototype has laid dormant for quite some time. However, this video caught the hypercar leaving the carmaker’s factory in Italy without its roof installed.

For the most part, most of the test mules running around have their roofs in place. As a result, this recent sighting is strange for several reasons. A quick scan of the YouTube comments reveals that people believe it’s a prototype of an upcoming model. However, there’s another running theory.

What model could this Ferrari LaFerrari prototype be developing?

Motor1 brings up a great point, stating that this Ferrari LaFerrari prototype could be a part of the brand’s long-term testing of the hypercar’s hybrid components. The original batch of coupes came out eight years ago at this point. As a result, it is precious for the Italian carmaker to know how these high-tech components can fail over time.

The second and more likely theory is that this LaFerrari is a test mule for an upcoming model. While the electrified SF90 only just began hitting the road, the carmaker could be looking toward its next special edition model. From the video, the car’s exhaust still sounds like a V12, ruling out any possible testing of a V6 hybrid powertrain. Regardless of what it ends up being, we’ll likely see this car again if it’s anything serious.