The Ferrari F40 was a very bold development in the late 1980s. This car had technology derived from Formula 1 and developments applied in endurance races such as LeMans. To maintain the exclusivity of the car, Ferrari considered building 1,200 units, although customer demand forced to double production.
The F40 model was manufactured between 1987 and 1992. During this period he also participated in GT competitions around the world. As a successor to the Ferrari 288 GTO , it was a success that only came out with its appearance. The fact that it had a central engine visible from the rear window and that huge rear wing resembled a racing car. And this drove users crazy.
During its manufacturing period, the F40 was one of the most exotic cars in the world, being one of the fastest, most powerful and expensive cars. At that time, his only rival was the sensational Porsche 959. In fact, it can be said that the F40 was born as a racing car, as it sought to create a racing car but that met all the legal requirements for driving on the streets.
Enzo Ferrari turned 90 when his company reached 40. It was not the best time for the brand in the competitions, as it did not win a Formula 1 championship since 1979 (with the 312Tmodel). This project then managed to continue its tradition of super cars like GTO and ratify the potential of the Italian brand.
Apart from the 478 hp V8 Biturbo engine and the top speed of 324 km/h, the Ferrari F40 had other remarkable technological advances.
The body, designed by Pininfarina, had panels of different compounds such as Kevlar and carbon fiber. The sections required by the use of metal were aluminum to reduce weight while maintaining structural rigidity.
To really reduce the weight to the “maximum” limit, the car had windscreens and plastic windows. Moreover, the doors didn't even have handles. The passenger compartment excluded everything expendable, such as stereo, passenger equipment, carpets, etc. This is how they achieved a reduced weight of 1100 kg, something that very few current super sports cars achieve.
Suspension: independent on all 4 wheels
Power: 478 hp at 7.000 rpm
Maximum torque: 423 lbs ft at 4,000 rpm
Acceleration 0 to 100 km/h: 3,5 s
Tyres: 245/40 ZR17 front and 335/35 ZR17 rear
Weight: 1100 kg
© Adrián Blanco 2006 — Prohibited the total or partial reproduction of text and/or images without explicit written consent of the author. —
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