Pininfarina designed and built the Mythos with the support of Ferrari, who contributed to the project by providing a chassis and engine just like the Testarossa equipped, plus all the necessary equipment to present the fully functional prototype.
The exterior design was inspired by the Ferrari Testarossa, although exaggerating its main features, the main idea was to explore the aerodynamic results in a sporty roadster with new proportions: a long front overhang and a very short, elevated tail.
The body was made of high strength and low weight materials such as carbon fiber and various resins. In size, this body was 135 mm wider than that of the Testarossa, although 180 mm shorter, hence its “square” appearance when seen on the floor. The difference in length is due to the redesign of the rear overhang, reduced to its minimum expression.
Basically, the look of the Ferrari Mythos is defined by three main elements: the long front overhang with an innovative design in its lights, the long and remarkably low windshield, plus a large spoiler that complements the trimming of the rear overhang very well.
Efforts to improve aerodynamics encompassed more than just surface design. The Ferrari Mythos was equipped with active systems to improve stability at high speeds. Over 100 km/h, the spoilers (front and rear) automatically changed their inclination angle activated by an electronic system.
The developments applied in the Mythos gave good results, highlighting the low aerodynamic coefficient of 0.27. These developments were a source of inspiration for some design solutions finally applied to the Ferrari 512 M and FXX models.
A key factor for the proper functioning of the Ferrari Mythos is the combination of low weight (1,250 kg) and the 390 hp boxer 12-cylinder engine. Thus, the prototype built by Pininfarina accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 5 seconds and reached 290 km/h of maximum speed.
The first prototype manufactured was sold to Japan. Then another prototype was manufactured and left in Turin. And finally, the famous Sultan of Brunei was so shocked by the car that he ordered three for his private collection. Pininfarina manufactured them in compliance with the request to have each one in a different color, one red, one blue and the last black. These specimens were built with the flywheel over the right Lao.
© Adrián Blanco 2007 - No full or partial reproduction of text and/or images without explicit written consent of the author. —
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