The Ferrari F40 is a mid-engined sports car produced by Ferrari from 1987 to 1992. It was designed as a homologation special to compete in racing series like Group B and International GT, but ultimately became a limited-production road car.
Design and Features
The F40 has a distinctive wedge-shaped design with a steeply raked windshield, pop-up headlights, and a rear spoiler. The body is made of carbon fiber and Kevlar-reinforced plastic, weighing only 1,054 kg (2,325 lbs) dry. Its dimensions are 4,295 mm (169 in) long, 1,830 mm (72 in) wide, and 1,067 mm (42 in) tall.
Engine and Performance
The F40 is powered by a mid-mounted, twin-turbocharged V8 engine, known as the Tipo F120. It displaces 2.9 liters (2,936 cc) and produces 478 horsepower at 7,000 rpm, with 390 N·m (288 lb-ft) of torque available between 4,500 and 6,500 rpm. The engine is mated to a five-speed manual transmission.
Performance Figures
- Top speed: 325 km/h (202 mph)
- 0-100 km/h (62 mph): 3.8 seconds
- 0-160 km/h (99 mph): 7.1 seconds
Production and Sales
The F40 was produced in limited numbers, with a total of 1,315 units manufactured between 1987 and 1992. The car was sold to select customers worldwide at a price of around $1 million per unit.
Racing Heritage
Although intended for racing series like Group B and International GT, the F40 ultimately never competed in these events due to its street-legal status. However, some examples were used for track days and privateer competitions.
Legacy
The Ferrari F40 has become an iconic symbol of 1980s excess and a testament to the engineering prowess of Ferrari's designers and engineers during that era. Its reputation as one of the fastest production cars of its time continues to captivate enthusiasts and collectors alike.
