Model Page
Ferrari F40
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Production Run: |
1,315 |
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Production Date: |
1987 – 1992 |
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Engine: |
Type F120 2,936cc V8 Twin Turbo |
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Built: |
Maranello (Italy) |
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0-60: |
3.9 secs |
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Max Speed: |
201 mph |
The Ferrari F40 is a mid engine, rear wheel drive sports car boasting a twin turbo 2.9 V8, at launch the car held the title of being the fastest production car in the world. The F40 was the last car commissioned by Enzo Ferrari and was built to celebrate 40 years of the Marque.
F40 Front shot
The eighties had not been good for Ferrari with the company suffering in the Motorsport arena with the cars no longer dominating categories that they had once ruled. Enzo Ferrari was about to turn 90 years of age and wanted his company to develop a new sports car that would be his final. It was of critical importance to Enzo that the car produced would be the best on the market and use the latest technology that had been developed on the track, showcasing exactly what Ferrari engineers were capable of producing.
The bodywork was designed by Pininfarina and was derived from the GTO, the styling was based heavily around the aerodynamics with the car being designed to provide airflow for maximum efficiency. The car was made up of only 11 separate body panels and the model featured a smooth, small frontal area nose with air intakes, recessed doors and vented Plexiglass engine cover that directed airflow to the engine and large rear wing. Bodywork panels were made of Carbon Fibre, Aluminium, Kevlar to provide a rigid structure with low weight. The weight reductions continued right throughout the car with the windows and windscreen being made of plastic. The car was fitted with Enamel Ferrari badges on the front bumper and a large rear spoiler to generate sufficient downforce at speed. The car was only available in Rosso Corsa (Red).
The car had an under-tray fitted to smooth airflow beneath the radiator, front section and passenger compartment. A second under-tray was fitted behind the engine this having integrated diffusers. These aerodynamic components helped the car to achieve a low drag co-efficient of 0.34, this being considered as being very good at the time.
The heart of the F40
The engine was developed from the Ferrari GTO and featured dual over head camshafts on each cylinder bank with four valves per cylinder and a dry sump lubrication system. Each bank of cylinders had their own electronic ignition and fuel injection system fitted all controlled by the Weber-Marelli engine management system.
The engine featured redesigned forged pistons to increase the combustion efficiency of the engine, and dual water cooled IHI Turbochargers running at 16psi of boost. Twin Behr air to air Intercoolers were fitted to the engine to improve output. Over its predecessor, an improved tubular steel exhaust system was fitted with a revised Wastegate. In this form the engine developed 471 bhp @ 7,000 rpm and 425 lb/ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm.
Three large exhaust pipes ran through to the rear of the car routed centrally between the twin rear under-tray diffusers. To comply with US regulations later version of the car were fitted with catalytic converters.
The clutch and transaxle assembly was taken directly from the GTO, the 5 speed manual box was fitted with more appropriate gear ratios to fully extract the maximum performance potential of the car. It was possible to order a gearbox without synchromesh. The transmission and differential casings were manufactured from magnesium and aluminum alloy casings to further reduce weight. To achieve the best possible weight distribution the transmission was located behind the differential.
F40 Rear Shot
The configuration of the suspension was taken in the main from the GTO but upgraded. The suspension utilised a double wishbone setup (wishbones being constructed of high tensile steel) all round with coil springs over adjustable Koni dampers and anti roll-bars fitted front and rear. The car had a very low ground clearance, as this was not entirely practical for drivers Ferrari included a system whereby the cars ground clearance could be increased when required, this system could also be used to change the stiffness of the suspension.
The braking system on the car was developed with Brembo the brake manufacturers, the system comprised of cross drilled ventilated discs brakes front and rear acted upon by aluminium four piston callipers. The callipers were fed independently front and back by a dual channel hydraulic system without servo assistance.
17” Aluminium split-rim Speedline wheels were standard fit with these being secured by means of a single nut and sprung cotter pin. These wheels were fitted with 245/40 tyres at the front and 335/35 tyres at the back giving the car an aggressive, purposeful appearance.
The model did not have many creature comforts fitted for example neither carpets or a stereo system was installed and the first batch of cars produced had fixed windows, later models had manual wind down windows, peculiarly the car did come equipped with air conditioning. The doors were opened by pulling a cable release as door handles were not fitted, the dashboard was covered in a black felt that was designed to stop light reflection and provide insulation.
Basic but Eye Catching Ferrari Inte
Comprehensive instrumentation was included with a tachometer, speedometer, turbo boost and temperature gauge. The seats were single piece racing seats made from Kevlar with harnesses to secure the occupants. A three spoke leather Momo steering wheel was fitted as standard.
The F40’s steering was taken care of by unassisted rack and pinion. The car rode on special split-rim Speedline aluminum wheels carrying 245/40-17 or 235/45-17 tires at the front and 335/35-17s at the rear. The 17" wheels were secured to the hubs by means of a single nut and sprung cotter pin.
The car provided exhilarating performance with 0-60 coming up in only 3.9 seconds with the car going on to achieve a terminal velocity of 201 mph. Although nowhere near as technologically sophisticated as its main rival the Porsche 959 the F40 had a slight advantage in acceleration, the car went on to hold the title of the worlds fastest production car from its release until 1989.
The Facts
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Engine: |
Ferrari Type F120 2,936cc V8 Twin Turbo |
|---|---|
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Capacity: |
2,936cc |
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Valves: |
32 |
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Compression Ratio: |
7.7:1 |
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Fuel System: |
Marelli-Weber Fuel Injection |
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Maximum Power: |
471 bhp @ 7,000 rpm. |
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Maximum Torque: |
426 lb/ft @ 4,000 rpm. |
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Transmission: |
Manual 5 speed. |
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Top Gear: |
- |
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Brakes: |
Cross Drilled Vented Discs Front / Rear Cross Drilled Vented Discs |
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Kerb Weight: |
1100 Kg |
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Max Speed: |
201 mph |
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0-60: |
3.9 secs |
