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Old 01-14-2002, 05:55 AM   #1
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Ferrari history

"Undoubtedly, Ferrari is the most famous sports car manufacturer in the world. Besides, in a recent survey, it was also found to be the most recognized brand name in the world, beating IBM and Coca Cola. Since Enzo Ferrari established this company in 1929, it began racing in various of categories, including Formula 1, Formula 2, GT racing and endurance racing. Most notably is the Formula 1, in which it won 8 constructor titles and became the most winning team of all time. In 1947, Enzo started to build road cars. During the following 50 years, non-stop strings of excellent sports cars rolled out the factory, including Testa Rossa, 250GTO, 275GTB, 365GTB/4 ( Daytona ), 246GT ( Dino ), 308GTB, 512BB, 288GTO, Testarossa, F40 and more and more to come....All these cars were among the greatests in automotive history.

Base in Maranello of Italy, near Modena, Ferrari is now a subsidiary of the giant Fiat. In terms of production capacity, it is smaller than Porsche, but bigger than Lamborghini and Lotus. Annual production is around 3,300 cars at the moment. It is probably the only car maker that never worry of competition, since its name and reputation is so unmatchable.
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History of Enzo Ferrari and his company
Enzo Ferrari was born in 1898. Forced to leave school when his father died, he started work as a tuning instructor in the Modena Fire Brigade'workshop. Having served in World War I he found work as a test driver in Turin in late 1918. In 1920, he moved to Alfa Romeo and established a relationship that lasted two decades and a career that took him from test driver to race driver to sales assistant and finally to the post of Director of the Alfa Racing Division until 1939.

In 1929 he founded the Scuderia Ferrari in Modena, with the prime purpose of organising racing for its members. This company continue to help Alfa racing, until after World War II it started to develop its own car.

The first car wearing the "Ferrari" name was the 125, a 1.5 litres V12 sports car which appeared to be a racing car. From this car we can find Enzo's philosophy was always "Racing come first". Many of his cars, at least those during the years under his guide, were designed with racing concern. Other cars, especially those aimed at US market, were made to "subsidise my racing programme", as he said. From the start to end, he was remain a racing man, rather than a sports car manufacturer.

During the years while he was in control, he spent most of his time in F1, then GT racing and endurance racing. His best and favourite road car was 250GTO, which is also developed for racing.

However, to find financial support for his F1 team, in 1969 he sold 50% shares to Fiat after talks with Henry Ford broke down. ( as a result, the F1 team depart from the factory and still under 100% of his control ) Thereafter the company concentrated more on road cars that customers really want, thus emerged many excellent road cars such as Daytona, Dino, 308GTB and so on. As a result, the market status of Ferrari was even stronger than before. After his death in 1988, the majority 90% shares came into Fiat's hand.


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Ferrari 250GTO (1962)


With little doubt, Ferrari 250GTO is the most desirable post-war collection in today. Only 39 GTO were made between 1962 and 64, and even fewer of them still remain alive after hundreds of great battles in race track. Rarity is one of the reasons for its classic status, glorious history is another. Ferrari is unquestionably a great name in automotive world. Whenever it launches its most exotic car ever built, that car is going to be admired by the whole world. ( This seems to be childish, but this is the fact. You know why F40 was far popular than Porsche 959 ? Why the ill-developed F50 still attracted 349 buyers to pay a sky-high price for that car ? Because they are FERRARI ! ) 250GTO also benefited from the Ferrari name, but it has one more card in addition, i.e., racing success.

The objective of developing GTO was clear. Base on the production car 250GT SWB, Ferrari wanted to make it to be the king of GT racer. In terms of engine, Ferrari was always the strongest. Therefore GTO adopted the Colombo-designed V12 used in 250TR, without much modifications ( except bigger valves, dry sump lubrication so it would fit the low bonnet ) it can easily reached 100hp / litre. If any engine did not develop between 296 and 302hp in the test bed, it would be rebuilt. Apart from powerful, this V12 also loved to rev and played great music.

Ferrari kept the 250GT's wheelbase but changed much of the tubular steel frames bracing and suspension mounting joint to create extra stiffness. Suspension was also stiffened. As a result, it provided exceptional poise and balance on race track, but sacrifice riding comfort on public roads. Anyway, it was a race-purpose GT.

Nevertheless, the most revolutionary aspect was aerodynamics. At that time, wind tunnel was not available in automotive industry. However, Ferrari's engineer had spent a lot of time examining penetration, drag, lift and adhesion. Step by step, the GTO's body evolved into a slippery body with body-integrated rear spoiler ( first ever used in a production car ). It was never really styled, but many regard it as the most beautiful car ever built. ( On the contrary, I think it's quite ugly. Despite slippery, it's too muscular and fat. Lamps and vents looks odd and do not coincided with the rest of the car. Square side windows virtually does not match the slippery shape. )

However, 250GTO found great success in GT racing. It dominated nearly all events ( except Lemans 24 hours, possibly due to poor reliability ) and 3 consecutive world GT champions. With these kind of racing glory, no wonder the most recent change hands fetched a record-breaking 8 million pounds, making it to be the most expensive classic car in today.

Specifications

Model 250GTO
Year of production 1962-64
No. of production 39
Layout, gearbox Front-engine, Rwd, 5M
Chassis Tubular space frame
Engine V12, sohc, 2v/cyl
Capacity 2953c.c.
Power 296-302hp
Torque 253lbft
Weight 1078kg
Top speed 147mph*
0-60mph 5.9sec*

. * Tested by Motor in 1982. .


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Ferrari Dino 206GT / 246GT (1967)


( Thanks for Paul Schiemer supplying this beautiful photo )

There is a story behind the name "Dino" and the V6 engine. Alfredino Ferrari, the only son of Enzo Ferrari, suggested his father to develop a V6 racing engine for F2 in the early 60's. Although always in favour of V12, Enzo approved his beloved son's project and employed a man called Jano to design this engine. The result was a very compact, 1600c.c., quad-cam V6 which won several F2 championship titles and proved the vision of Alfredino was correct. However, before this happened, this ill-fated young man had already died in kidney disease. Enzo was so upset, it took him several years to fully recover from heart-break. However, for the memory of his son, he put the V6 into a mid-engine lightweight sports car and called it "Dino", which is the short-write of his son's name.

Of course, the orignal racing V6 would never suit road use. Therefore, Lampredi ( another famous engineer who also designed a series of V12 for Ferrari ) modified the engine to 2.0 litres, with an amazing 180hp power ! Logically, this car called "206GT", in which 20 means 2.0 litres and 6 means six cylinders. This engine was actually built by Fiat and shared with Fiat Dino ( why also called Dino? ) , not because it would be cheaper, but because Ferrari needed the additional volume to qualify FIA's production requirement for racing engine.

206GT had a magnificent chassis, with engaging feel, adjustability and beautiful balance, it was usually regarded as the best Ferrari chassis until the arrival of F355. Why so good ? Firstly, its nimble size and relatively light weight help improving handling, just like other small cars. Secondly, its mid-engine layout accompanied with the compact and transversely mounted engine perfectised the weight distribution. Thirdly, it adopted independent double-wishbones suspensions in all wheels, which was first appeared in a Ferrari.

206GT was replaced by 246GT after 2 years of service. As suggested by its name, the newer car had a larger 2.4 litres engine. Power rose to 195hp while torque increased even more. Having a stronger engine, Ferrari abandoned the aluminium body panel and in favour of the conventional steel body, thus lowered the production cost and provided better quality. Though weight increment was inevitable, the increased power cope it with ease.

246GT broke the production record in Maranello. Nearly 2500 cars were made between 1969 and 74, which was by far more than any previous models. Since then, Ferrari started its main-stream model line-up, followers including 308, 328, 348 and F355. These cars helped stabilized the finance a lot.

Specifications

Model 206GT 246GT
Year of production 1967-69 1969-74
No. of production ? 2,487
Layout, gearbox Mid-engine, Rwd, 5M Mid-engine, Rwd, 5M
Chassis Tubular space frame Tubular space frame
Engine 65deg V6, dohc, 2v/cyl 65deg V6, dohc, 2v/cyl
Capacity 1987c.c. 2418c.c.
Power 180hp 195hp
Torque 137lbft 165lbft
Weight ? 1186kg
Top speed 140mph* 148mph*
0-60mph 7.5sec* 7.1sec*

. * Tested by Motor .


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Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona (1968)


365GTB/4, nickname Daytona, was generally regarded as the greatest front engine GT of all time. Its slippery body was styled by Leonardo Fioravanti of Pininfarina studio, who also styled many beautiful Ferraris including Dino, 308GTB and 512BB but himself loves Daytona most.

It is always a difficult task to design a front-mounted big engine Grand Tourer, because the huge size of the engine prevent the front end from looking sleek. Nevertheless, Fioravanti had his own way. He lengthened the bonnet and installed the engine as back as possible. As a result, the front end has sufficient length to incorporate a sharp nose. As a whole, the car looked as slim as a shark. Until today, many people, including me, still think Daytona is the most beautiful front engine GT.

To offset the increment of length in the front, Fioravanti restricted the rear overhang to a minimum. In order to balance the front and rear, rear axle-mounted gearbox ( Transaxle ) was adopted, though knowing the sleekness of gearchange would be harmed.

Daytona was a big car, weighed in excess of 1600kg. But it was even more powerful. The 4.4 litres dohc V12 was not an all new design. In fact, it was derived from the familiar Colombo unit which started life in the first Ferrari. However, Maranello squeezed out it's last potential, enlarging it from the 3.3 litres version used in the 275GTB/4. As the biggest engine Maranello had ever developed, it can output a record 352hp and 318lbft. More important, it was also extremely smooth and flexible.

In addition to the wind-cheating shape, 365GTB/4 could achieve a real 174mph top speed and took only 5.4sec to finish 0-60mph, which made it actually faster than Lamborghini Miura. Unquestionably, Daytona was the fastest car in the world until the mid-80's, when Lamborghini Countach 5000QV appeared.

Handling was sharp, consistent and very enjoyable, with plenty of feel. Ride was pretty firm, but the faster it go, the better it ride. Of course, it is irreasonable to expect the same level of handling and ride as the smaller and mid-engine Dino, but at least Daytona beat its British rivals like Aston and Jaguar by several streets.

Daytona was very well-developed. During its 6 years life no significant modification had to be made. No wonder it is still hardly forgotten by many car enthusiasts in today.

Specifications

Model 365GTB/4 ( Daytona )
Year of production 1968-74
No. of production 1426
Layout, gearbox Front-engine, Rwd, 5M rear mounted gearbox
Chassis Tubular space frame
Engine V12, dohc, 2v/cyl
Capacity 4390c.c.
Power 352hp
Torque 318lbft
Weight 1604kg
Top speed 174mph*
0-60mph 5.4sec*

. * Tested by Autocar .


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Ferrari 512BB (1973)


Ferrari's first generation mid-engine sports car was Dino 206GT / 246GT. It's an excellent small car, but too slow to be called as exotic car. Apparently, the increasing popularity of mid-engine exotic sports car in then put Ferrari into an embarrassing position. Else where in Italy, there was a Lamborghini Miura which had taken the crown of "King of sports car" since 1967. From 1971, a luxurious-bias Maserati called "Bora" enter the market, which also featured mid-engine layout. Furthermore, as the stunning Lamborghini Countach prototype was shown in 1971, the world suddenly fell into overwhelming love of mid-engine exotic super cars. This made Ferrari's front-engine Daytona seemed to be old-fashion. Ferrari finally realised that it should launch the same type of car to take back its lost crown.

Although it may be a little bit late, that car, called 365GT4BB, eventually went into production in 1973. The name designation followed the tradition of other previous Ferrari bar the Dino. 365 means 365c.c. per cylinder. BB stands for Berlinetta Boxer, in which Boxer indicates the horizontally-opposed engine. GT means Grand Tourer although it looked more like a pure sports car. 4 means 4 camshafts totally. With 12 cylinders, total displacement was 4390c.c., which is identical to Daytona ( Because the pistons and con rods had to be share with Daytona ). Compare with Daytona's V12, the flat 12 used here engaged more width but less length because it was placed above the transmission. This unique layout help making the rear end less heavy, but also raised the center of gravity by several inches.

The 4.4 engine originally output 360hp, just sufficient to push the car to level Daytona's top speed record. However, less torque led to a less-urgent acceleration. Perhaps having confidence on the beautiful and exotic shape, Ferrari wildly claimed it could top 181mph, i.e., once again the fastest car in the world ! Yes, I know Lamborghini was even more unhonest with the 200mph-claimed Countach, but that kind of lies cannot attracted much sales. In fact , 365GT4BB and Countach LP400 sold much less than their honest successors, Testarossa and Countach 5000QV !

As I have mentioned in before, the boxer engine sat high, thus made it tail-happy in cornering. That's why Ferrari did not put the gearbox under the engine in its F1 car 312T. Compare with Dino, 365GT4BB was definitely a less engaging car to drive. Mediocre handling and ride, poor brakes, relatively bulky....Its look may attracted first sight, but not durable to look at. Build quality was also less than satisfactory.... All this contributed to its less-successful career. Moreover, no matter styling, chassis, acceleration, finish and sense of special, it was overshadowed by the contemporary Lamborghini Countach LP400. As a result, 365GT4BB had to face a hard life that Ferrari had never expected.

In the following years, the 4.4 engine was losing horsepowers because of emission control. Therefore Ferrari enlarged it to a full 5 litres, though still lost some 20hp, torque was increased by 29lbft, and the maximum rev dropped from 7750rpm to 6500rpm. The result was a more responsive acceleration but lower top speed. Ferrari called this car 512BB, where 512 means 5 litres, 12 cylinders.

512BB survived until the early 80's. Although trying hard to be, it and 365GT4BB were by no means the greatest Ferrari. However, its boxer engine continued to be developed and eventually gave birth to a great Ferrari, Testarossa.

Specifications

Model 365GT4/BB 512BB
Year of production started 1973 1977
No. produced 387 ?
Layout, gearbox Mid-engine, Rwd, 5M Mid-engine, Rwd, 5M
Chassis Tubular space frame Tubular space frame
Engine Flat 12, dohc, 2v/cyl Flat 12, dohc, 2v/cyl
Capacity 4390c.c. 4942c.c.
Power 360hp 340hp
Torque 302lbft 331lbft
Weight approx.1500kg 1555kg
Top speed 174mph* 162mph***
0-60mph 6.5sec** 6.2sec***

. * Tested by Auto, motor und sport ** Tested by Motor *** Tested by Autocar .


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Ferrari 308GTB (1975)


In our classic car section, Daytona, Testarossa, Miura, Countach, XK120, E-type, Bora, Alpine GTA, 205GTi and many many other cars are described as one of the most beautiful cars. However, among them I think Ferrari 308GTB is the most beautiful one, so does Giorgetto Giugiaro. Once talked in the public, the great designer described 308GTB as "the most perfect car I've ever seen".

In fact, it was designed by his rival, Leonardo Fioravanti of Pininfarina Studio. Fioravanti, also had Dino, Daytona and 512BB under his name, squeezed out all his efforts to draw his last Ferrari base on the Dino. In many ways, 308GTB looks alike Dino. Not only because of similar size and market position, their philosophy of design were also similar. Both cars have extremely low waist lines, slim nose, sleek overall shape, plane engine bonnet which emphasis mid-engine layout, large and tilt windscreen.... However, 308 is far more brilliant. Its pop-up lamp help further increase the sleekness feel of the front. Its rich features like the bonnet grilles and side NACA ducts matched the overall design very well. The slope of windscreen was just supreme, which is as tilt as what a supercar should be, but not overtilt. Its side window was large compare with the body, not only provided good visibility but also delivered a spiritual feeling.

Not matter how brilliant its details are, the most beautiful is still its overall shape. Possibly inspiring by women's body, its waves-like body lines can probably attracted more sights than beautiful young women. No wonder it was named as the sexiest car in the world.

Besides beauty, 308GTB was a good car to own and drive. Its transverse V8 had sufficient power and torque, accompanied with a smooth gear change. Maximum power of 255hp can push the car to 154mph, and 0-60mph in a remarkable 6.5sec - All these came from a normally-aspirated displacing 3 litres only, though lightweight also played an important role.

Handling was adequate, not as remarkable as the styling and engine but still up to everyone's expectation for a Ferrari. Ride was firm, because the low body didn't permit much suspension travel. At low speed on less than smooth surfaces it was very bumpy. However, once into mid-range speed the ride improved greatly. At high speed it gave great confidence, with no tendency to pitch or float.

Its cabin was very habitable : comfortable seats, good vision, easy access and well-equiped. In addition to the boot locating behind the engine, practicality should be exceptional compare with other super cars.

Variations

Early 308s, mostly produced in the first year (1975), had glass-fiber body panels built by Scarlietti. It made the car as light as 1300kg, and it was very well finished. From the second year, conventional steel panels were used instead ( because it's cheaper, also possibly because some conservative customers thought glass-fiber is cheap, ridiculously ! ).

Due to the stricter and stricter emission regulations, power dropped from the original 255hp to merely 214hp. As a result, fuel injection was added in 1980, though Ferrari adopted it simply for reducing emission rather than increase power.

In 1982, Quattrovalvole version launched. With 4 valves per cylinder, power rose to 240hp.

In 1985, the V8 engine received its first enlargement to 3.2 litres. Accompanied with slightly tuned chassis, different body panels and cabin, it was renamed to "328GTB". It was much more powerful, with 270hp and capable of finishing 0-60mph in only 5.5sec, a full second quicker than 308 !

328 remained in production until 1990 when 348 replaced it. Although 348 was a complete different car, its engine still belong to the 308 breeds, so does F355.

Specifications

Model 308GTB 328GTB
Year of production 1975-85 1986-90
No. produced 6,116 including GTS N/A
Layout, gearbox Mid-engine, Rwd, 5M Mid-engine, Rwd, 5M
Chassis Central monocoque with tubular frame Central monocoque with tubular frame
Engine 90deg V8, dohc, 2v/cyl 90deg V8, dohc, 4v/cyl
Capacity 2926c.c. 3185c.c.
Power 255hp 270hp
Torque 210lbft 223lbft
Weight 1300kg 1348kg
Top speed 154mph* 153mph*
0-60mph 6.5sec* 5.5sec*

. * Tested by Autocar .


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Ferrari 288GTO (1984)


In 1984, Ferrari returned to its root by launching a racing road car, 288GTO. As indicated by its name, 288GTO was an exotic sports car designed for competition but also suit road use, just like the legendary 250GTO of the early '60s. It was born under the group B category announced by FIA in 1982, in which all participants should have a total production of at least 200 cars and should be street legal. However, loose regulations allowed virtually any advanced technology to be adopted. Ferrari saw this as the best opportunity to re-enter GT racing, since development cost would be far lower than other racing categories. ( for more than 10 years Ferrari concentrated on only F1 racing, leaving group C racing to other rivals because of limited budget. )

From the external look, 288GTO was no more than an evolution of the entry-level 308GTB. However, under the skin they are very different. Though the chassis was still tubular space frame, it was cover by racing material like carbon fiber, Kevlar, aluminum honeycomb and Nomex composites, which helped keeping the overall weight to 1160kg. Besides, their dimensions were very different. Wheelbase grew by 110mm so that the engine can be placed longitudinally. Wider tracks allowed bigger tyres and enhance cornering stability. Engine, though sourced from 308, was fed by 2 small IHI turbos and reduced capacity to 2855c.c. so that it would pass the FIA regulation concerning engine capacity for turbo-charged engine. ( where capacity x 1.4 shall not exceed 4000c.c. ) Also needed were 2 intercoolers, made by Behr of Germany, and advanced engine management system came from Weber and Magneti-Marelli, which were responsible for that used in Ferrari F1 racing car. As a result, 400hp and 366lbft were available.

In real road, 288GTO was found to be nimble, well-balanced, grippy and had powerful brakes. The power came progressively and predictably, rather than the kind of sudden boost that many may predicted. Nevertheless, it was not fast enough to out-class the road-purpose Lamborghini Countach QV and Ferrari's own Testarossa, nor as stunning as later Porsche 959 and its successor, F40. It seems that 288GTO achieved no more than some praises from those journalist who haven't driven anything so close to race car in before. Moreover, the planned group B GT races were aborted due to serious accidents in rally races, leaving GTO cold without any success.

Specifications

Model 288GTO
Year of production 1984
No. of production 272
Layout, gearbox Mid-engine, Rwd, 5M
Chassis Tubular space frame, carbon fibre body panel
Engine V8, dohc, 4v/cyl, twin-turbo
Capacity 2855c.c.
Power 400hp
Torque 366lbft
Weight 1160kg
Top speed 180mph*
0-60mph 5.0sec*

. * Tested by Road & Track .



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Ferrari Testarossa


512TR - the best variant of the Testarossa family

I have seen Testarossa dozens times. I have seen 512TR several times. I have seen F512M a couple of times. However, ever time I saw them, I was thrilled and stunned with their dramatic and sexy lines. I can't help staring at it, without blinking my eyes, watching every inch of its body and every features, until it flashed away from my sight. Unquestionably, this is one of my favourite automotive designs.

Testarossa was launched in 1986. Although reusing this name, it has no relationship with the Testa Rossa ( or called 250TR ) of the late 50's. Instead, it was a logical successor to 512BB boxer. From the beginning, Ferrari intended to make it to be a good manner supercar, contrary to the wild Lamborghini Countach. This could attract more sales, especially in America, and less direct competition from the black bull. This turned out to be right, proved by the total production of exceeding 10,000 units in 11 years.

Its flat 12 engine came from 512BB. With the same bore / stroke dimensions and capacity, power and torque had to be boosted by the use of 48 valves cylinder heads, Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection and Marelli Multiplex ignition. Maximum power was 390hp ( 370hp in US version ) and max torque was 362lbft. This engine was a gem. It was strong, free-reving and played excellent music, and perhaps less harshness and vibration than the Countach. Dealing with the huge weight of more than 1600 kg, acceleration was inevitably less impressive as Countach 5000QV, but at least top speed was marginally better at 181mph, thanks to a lower drag coefficient ( Although 0.36 was by no means remarkable, Countach's 0.42 was even worse ).

As a whole, Testarossa was very well built, with exceptional build quality, reasonable cabin space and comfort, useful front boot, easier and lighter controls made daily drive and long journey far more satisfying than other supercars bar the Porsche 959.

In terms of beauty, no other supercar can match it. Not Countach, nor GTO, nor F40, nor XJ220... Its "cheese-slicer" air intakes at both sides and the exaggerative wide tail will be classic features in automotive history.

Testarossa was a big car. Although the chassis provide quite neutral steering and good ride, it's still relatively bulky to drive hard, especially from the early 90's on the supercar fashion tended towards nimbleness. As a result, it was modified into 512TR in 1992, with tuned suspensions promising sharper handling and better ride, while the engine also received a 38hp boost. Other changes including a reposition of engine to ensure a lower center of gravity, strengthened gearbox, bigger ventilating discs and restyled cabin. All this made a better driver's car and simultaneously a more accessible car.

In 1995, Testarossa generation received its second and final revision. This time the main purpose was to reduce weight, through the use of composite material in some body panels, replacing pop-up lamps with fixed lamps, magnessium wheels and so on. Engine and chassis also received modification which made the car sharper, though also being criticised for more difficult to drive. This car, now called F512M, was the ugliest and least satisfying among the three.

Specifications

Model Testarossa 512TR F512M
Year of production started 1986 1992 1995
Layout, gearbox Mid-engine, Rwd, 5M Mid-engine, Rwd, 5M Mid-engine, Rwd, 5M
Engine Flat 12, dohc, 4v/cyl Flat 12, dohc, 4v/cyl Flat 12, dohc, 4v/cyl
Capacity 4942c.c. 4942c.c. 4942c.c.
Power 390hp 428hp 434hp
Torque 362lbft 362lbft 369lbft
Weight 1666kg 1603kg claimed 1455kg
Top speed 181mph* estimate 186mph estimate 187mph
0-60mph 5.2sec** 5.0sec** 4.8sec**

. * Tested by Road & Track ** Tested by Autocar .


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Ferrari F40


In 1986, Porsche launched its most serious supercar, 959. This car had 4-wheel drive, twin-turbo 24 valves flat six engine which was capable of 450hp. With a top speed of 197mph and 0-60 in 3.6sec, it immediately became the no. 1 supercar in the world, out-classed Ferrari's most exotic GTO, Testarossa and Lamborghini Countach QV by a convincing margin. While Lamborghini had no money to respond, Ferrari became the only manufacturer could and should strike back.

Ferrari had two advantages for the development of this car. Firstly, it had bags of technology came from the Formula 1 section. Secondly, 288GTO still had the potential to be developed thus could provide the starting point. The result was a stunning supercar launched in 1987, which was 40 years after the first Ferrari road car 125 so that this car was named F40.

Basically, F40 was based on 288GTO. Nevertheless, it's chassis was much more advanced with molded carbon-fiber and Kevlar panels bonded to the steel tubular spaceframe. This structure produced 3 times rigidity yet 20% lighter than conventional construction. External finish was also better than GTO. As you can see, the huge and highly located rear wing could generate much more downforce than GTO's tiny body integrated spoiler, thus high speed stability was greatly improved. In addition to the flat bottom panel and carefully studied shape, F40 had a good drag coefficient of 0.34, in spite of the big wing.

The engine was evoluted from GTO, that is, a dohc 32 valves V8 with twin-turbo and 2 intercoolers, driving a 5 speed gearbox mounted behind the rear axle. Now with a slightly more capacity ( 2936c.c. vs 2855c.c.) and bigger turbo boost ( 1.1 bar vs 0.8 bar ), the V8 could output 478hp and 425lbft, that's 20% up from GTO ! As a result, 0-60mph needed about 3.9sec and top speed is around 196mph. ( Ferrari claimed 201mph, but my estimation is 196. Considering Porsche 959 has a cd 0.31, with 450hp and 197mph, I think F40 must be slightly slower in straight line )

F40 was definitely fast. Besides, it had superior handling, grip and stability. In the latter case, the near perfect ( 50 : 50 ) weight distribution, wide tyres ( front 245, rear 335 ) and low centre of gravity contributed a lot. It may be a little bit slower than 959 in top speed and 0-60mph, mostly because of the higher drag and lack of Porsche's sequential turbos and 4WD. However, in real road contest F40 was far faster, no matter 0-100mph, mid-range acceleration and cornering speed. That explains why the Ferrari can dominant GT racing in the following years while 959 just satisfied with a win in Paris-Dakar rally.

F40 was the peak of Ferrari's fame. It's the fastest car Ferrari ever built, even faster than its successor F50 ( though Ferrari would not admit ). It really worked, winning many races. It sold well, a total of 1100 millionaires queued to pay 180,000 pounds for each F40, earning Ferrari a huge profit. It is the last Ferrari unveiled by Enzo Ferrari himself before his death in 1988. Considering its success, including those in motor racing, no other car could be more suitable to conclude the achievement of this legendary old man.

Specifications

Model F40
Year of production 1987
No. of production approx. 1100
Layout, gearbox Mid-engine, Rwd, 5M
Chassis Tubular space frame, carbon fibre body panel
Engine V8, dohc, 4v/cyl, twin-turbo
Capacity 2936c.c.
Power 478hp
Torque 425lbft
Weight 1100kg
Top speed 196mph (estimate)
0-60mph 3.9sec*
0-100mph
7.8sec*


.. * Tested by Fast Lane .


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Other Ferrari

Testa Rossa ( 250TR ) (1958)



A good example of early racing Ferrari which also suit road use. Ladder chassis and drum brakes may not be as advanced as Jaguar D-type, but the 3.0 litres V12 was undoubtedly a gem, which output 300hp at sky-high 7,000 rpm accompanied with exciting noise.



Specifications

Model 250TR
Year of production 1958-61
Layout, gearbox Front-engine, Rwd, 4M
Chassis Ladder chassis
Engine V12, sohc, 2v/cyl.
Capacity 2953c.c.
Power 300hp
Torque 220lbft
Weight N/A
Top speed N/A
0-60mph N/A

..



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Dino 308GT4 (1973)



One of the rare Bertone-designed Ferrari was Dino 308GT4. Equally rare was its 2+2 mid-engine layout. Basically it share the platform with 308GTB sports car, such strategy, which was repeated in Mondial / 328 / 348 combinations, help saving cost. Although performing strong, few people loved its plane look and "Dino" badge.



Specifications

Model 308GT4
Year of production started 1973
Layout, gearbox Mid-engine, Rwd, 5M
Chassis Central monocoque with tubular frame
Engine 90deg V8, dohc, 2v/cyl.
Capacity 2926c.c.
Power 255hp
Torque 210lbft
Weight 1327kg
Top speed 154mph*
0-60mph 6.9sec*

.. * Tested by Autocar .


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Mondial (1980)

A Pininfarina-stylied body replaced 308GT4 in the 80's, though based on the same 308 platform. It looked better and offer more generous rear seats. Since it shared the drive train with Ferrari's main stream V8 sports car, engine and transmission received frequent up-grade. First with the 3.2 litres V8 from 328GTB in 1985, then in 1989 with 348tb's 3.4 litres longitudinally mounted motor accompanied with a transverse gearbox, thus called "Mondial T". Since the gearbox was no longer placed underneath the engine, the engine of Mondial T could be lowered by a massive 6 inches so that handling was improved a lot.

Specifications

Model Mondial 3.2 Mondial T
Year of production 1986 1990
Layout, gearbox Mid-engine, Rwd, 5M Mid-engine, Rwd, 5M
Engine 90deg V8, dohc, 4v/cyl 90deg V8, dohc, 4v/cyl
Capacity 3185c.c. 3405c.c.
Power 270hp 300hp
Torque 224lbft 234lbft
Weight 1480kg 1548kg
Top speed 143mph* 149mph*
0-60mph 6.8sec* 5.6sec*

. * Tested by Autocar . "


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Old 01-14-2002, 06:12 PM   #2
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Good info. But I already knew it. All of it.
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Old 01-14-2002, 10:23 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally posted by MBTN
Good info. But I already knew it. All of it.
Ok, só quiz acrecentar algo que ainda não tinha visto aqui,já que foi perda de tempo eu não ponho mais. Tank's
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Old 01-15-2002, 12:11 PM   #4
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Thanks for posting that history of Ferrari. I always thought the Ferrari F50 went faster than the F40? Maybe I was wrong.
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Old 11-19-2003, 09:27 PM   #5
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Wink Re: Ferrari history

Quote:
Originally Posted by JE123
Thanks for posting that history of Ferrari. I always thought the Ferrari F50 went faster than the F40? Maybe I was wrong.
Like most numbers posted, these can be wrong. I was one of a few people who owned a 512BBi, it was truly a RocketShip on wheels! I drove mine everyday for more than 2 years I owned it. I have seen stats that say it's top speed was 188 or so. I drove it many times in the 200 to 225 range (near Death Valley, CA) - so I know it's real top speed.

I hold the land speed record Covina CA to Ceasars Palace in Las Vegas in 2 hours & zero minutes - early one Saturday morning. You do the math.
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Old 11-19-2003, 10:40 PM   #6
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really good information and Ferrari is truly the best.
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Old 11-20-2003, 02:26 AM   #7
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Re: Ferrari history

yes thank you for informations !
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http://www.lenny-kravitz.net/kravitz...XqG8nQqiCSzQYr
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