This model had a record, it was the first Ferrari with all-wheel drive. The number 408 shows the volume and number of cylinders of the engine, a 4.0-liter V8 equipped with four valves per cylinder controlled by a double overhead camshaft. The 4WD in the abbreviation therefore indicates 4 Wheel Drive. The power was distributed to the four wheels through a system using a hydraulic joint, in place of the more used viscous joint. A totally new solution, which would be partially resumed after more than 20 years in the design of the Ferrari FF. Two units were built. The first, painted in red, had an entirely steel frame and was built in June 1987 under the direction of engineer Mauro Forghieri. The second, painted yellow, had installed a frame made up of both steel and aluminum parts. The latter was completed in September 1988.