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From a new Testarossa that’s attracting an army of haters to a first-ever EV that could attract even more, Ferrari has been making some controversial decisions lately. But if you don’t like what Maranello is doing, you can always order off-menu.

Ferrari’s One-Off programs gives customers with enough cash the ability to commission their own unique Ferrari. And one customer chose to give the mid-engine, non-hybrid V8 an encore. The HC25 is based on the F8 Spider, reclothing that car’s chassis and powertrain in new bodywork created by the same Ferrari Design Studio team responsible for the automaker’s current range. The design draws inspiration from that lineup—specifically, the F80 and 12Cilindri.

You can still get a twin-turbo V8 in the Ferrari Amalfi, but that option went away for the automaker’s entry-level mid-engine model when the F8 was replaced by the 296 GTB. The HC25 has the same 3.9-liter engine as the F8 Spider, producing the same 710 horsepower and 567 pound-feet of torque. The manufacturer-estimated zero to 62 mph time is also unchanged, at 2.9 seconds.

What has changed is every inch of bodywork. The press release calls the HC25 an “ideal bridge” between the F8 underpinnings and the styling direction Ferrari has chosen for its latest pride-and-joys. The proportions of the F8 are still there, but the relentless focus on aerodynamics that dominated Ferrari design at the time has been softened. As with the F80 and 12Cilindri, the aerodynamic elements are less obvious, and some features even seem to be there simply because they look nice.

Engine air intakes and vents are hidden in a black ribbon that wraps around the middle of the car, complemented by a large black graphic on the hood and the typical Ferrari mesh surfaces around the rear fascia. The two-tone bodywork is further highlighted by the use of matte Moonlight Grey paint and a gloss finish for the blacked-out surfaces. The headlights were made specifically for this car and sport extra-slim lenses. Vertical daytime running lights—a first for Ferrari—blend with the leading edges of the front fenders.

The interior, however, is mostly unchanged from the F8 Spider donor car—right down to the round air vents that protrude from the dashboard like jet exhaust nozzles. A gray-and-black color scheme (with splashes of yellow) gives it some specialness while mirroring the exterior. Anyway, if this was my car, I’d be paying less attention to the dashboard fixtures than to the sound of the V8 just a few inches from my ears.

Reliability isn’t a fancy word — it’s a lifeline. You can wake up in the freezing cold, turn your key and hear your car start. For St. Paul drivers, reliability isn’t a perk — it’s a necessity. For St. Paul drivers, reliability isn’t a perk — it’s a necessity.

Let’s unpack what that really means, and why keeping your car dependable should be at the top of your list.

Driving in St. Paul: A Test of Grit and Good Tires

St. St. Paul’s streets have a personality, and it is not always a pleasant one. Locals are used to the routine. One week, you might be cruising along Grand Avenue in the golden glow of autumn leaves. The next, you may find yourself slushy and muddied by February. You prepare for the snow, you stock up on salt and you pray that the plows can keep up. When your car begins to act up, even slightly you are aware. In St. Paul “I’ll check it later” can quickly become “I wish that I had taken care earlier.” No one wants to find themselves stranded in the middle of a snowstorm with their hazard lights on. The car is what takes us to work and helps us do our errands. It also lets us go on a weekend getaway without having to think twice. It’s not just transportation — it’s independence.

A reliable car means fewer worries and fewer “what ifs.” You don’t have to think about whether your brakes will squeak at the wrong time, or if your engine will make that unsettling noise again. You can just drive — confidently, safely, and stress-free.

But reliability isn’t just about convenience. It’s all about safety. You can have peace of mind knowing that your vehicle is in good condition, especially if you live in a place such as St. Paul where unpredictable weather and icy conditions can put any car to the test. You protect yourself, your passengers and other road users. You can avoid large repair costs by taking care of minor maintenance now. Anyone who’s had to replace an engine or transmission knows — it’s always better (and cheaper) to stay ahead of problems than to catch up to them.

The St. Paul Way: Dependability and Community

There’s something unique about how St. Paul residents approach life. St. Paul residents take pride in being on time for work, family and community. When you maintain your vehicle, you’re not just keeping it running; you’re also keeping your commitments running. Maintaining your car is not only about keeping it going, but also keeping your commitments. All of it is connected. It’s important to have a local auto repair shop that you can trust. They know what St. Paul drivers face every season. The right mechanic will not only fix your car, but also help you to avoid stressful breakdowns. Your Car’s Language of “Help Me”

Cars speak their own language. If you can listen, they may not be able to speak but do communicate. It could be a tiny vibration in the road. A faint smell you can’t quite place. Your car will whisper to you if something is wrong. What if you ignore those whispers? In St. Paul, even small problems can quickly become serious. You could be stranded by a weak battery in temperatures below zero. When you hit an icy intersection, a brake pad that has been neglected can fail. Potholes are another problem. The good news is that catching suspension problems early can be done with a proactive attitude. Regular inspections, even quick checkups, can spot potential issues before they snowball into major repairs.

How to Keep Your Car Reliable Year-Round

You don’t need to be a gearhead to keep your car running like new. A few simple habits can go a long way — especially in a city with St. Paul’s unique driving challenges.

1. Get Seasonal Checkups

Before winter hits, schedule a thorough inspection. Cold weather can be hard on fluids, batteries and tires. Check your vehicle again in the spring to ensure it made it safely. Watch the Tires

Potholes and icy roads aren’t kind to tires. Rotate them frequently, keep them properly inflated, and replace the tires when their tread is worn out. This is one of the easiest ways to keep yourself safe.

3. Fluids are vital to your vehicle. Regularly check them and add fluids as necessary. Fluids that are dirty or have low levels can cause long-term problems.

4. Listen and observeTrust your gut if something seems off, even a little. Strange noises and jerky movements are usually signs that something needs to be addressed.

5. Build a Relationship with a Local Mechanic

Consistency matters. It’s like finding a family doctor to take care of your car. They’ll know your vehicle’s history, your driving habits, and the common St. Paul challenges you face every day.

It’s About Mindset, Not Just Maintenance

Reliability doesn’t happen by accident. Attention, care and planning are the keys to building reliability. It is there for late night grocery runs, roadtrips with friends, or quiet morning drives to the office. You’re taking care of your own health when you do. It’s not necessary to do everything at once. You can start with small things — an oil-change, a tire inspection, or a quick tune up before winter. It’s not just about avoiding car breakdowns. Taking pride in your reliable vehicle is more than that. It’s all about the confidence that comes with knowing your car is ready for whatever St. Paul may throw at you. It could be that the car was still running fine or money was tight. Small problems are rarely small. A wiring problem could be the cause of a dim headlight. What about that burning smell, which you said was “nothing?” It could be the start of something expensive.

The truth is, reliability isn’t just a matter of convenience — it’s a matter of cost, safety, and sanity. A reliable car doesn’t just save you money; it saves you stress, time, and frustration.

When you think of it that way, maintenance stops feeling like a chore and starts feeling like self-care — for you and your car.

The Freedom of a Reliable Ride

At the end of the day, a reliable car gives you something priceless: freedom.

Freedom to explore without hesitation. Freedom to move. You can live in St. Paul with no worries about car problems. Winters can be very long. With a reliable vehicle and a mechanic on your side, you can make the most out of every trip. Have you checked your tires recently? Have you scheduled a quick check? Start small, stay consistent and treat your car with the same reliability and care that it shows you. Treat your car with the same reliability and care that you would want for yourself.

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