F1 technology in new 'Enzo Ferrari' supercar

The Enzo's ultra-lightweight engine, which develops 110bhp/litre and more than 383lb.ft of torque at only 3000rpm, is equipped with variable inlet and exhaust valves, electronic management for each row of cylinders, and a 'drive-by-wire' throttle.

Like an F1 car, the gearbox is coupled directly to the rear of the engine by a casting that doubles as the engine oil tank. The six-speed sequential-shift gearbox adopts triple-cone synchronisers on all ratios to ensure smooth changes, which are entrusted entirely to an electrohydraulic system activated by the driver using paddles behind the steering wheel.

The immensely rigid chassis is made entirely from carbonfibre and aluminium honeycomb sandwich panels, and weighs only 202lb (92kg). The body panels are in advanced composites.

Never before has the styling of a Ferrari by Pininfarina been so directly derived from its function. The nose section is heavily influenced by F1 and the entire body is shaped to ensure optimum airflow for cooling the engine and brakes, while generating unprecedented levels of downforce with minimal drag. The under-car ground-effects are so efficient that the large rear wing required by many supercars is not needed. The aerodynamic balance of the car is maintained at speed by automatic adjustments to the position of twin front flaps and a single rear spoiler.

The electronic integration of the control systems encompasses the engine, gearbox, suspension, anti-lock brakes, traction control and aerodynamics. With the car in motion, the six subsystems (developed in collaboration with Ferrari Gestione Sportiva), continuously share data and react differently depending on the mode selected and the activity being undertaken. During gearshifting, for example, the gearbox subsystem takes priority over others, managing the clutch, engine and suspension settings to give a smooth gearchange while preventing the car from pitching.

The F1-style, fully independent suspension uses double wishbones front and rear, with antidive/antisquat geometries to limit pitching during braking and acceleration. The four coilspring/damper units are mounted horizontally on the chassis and operated by pushrod links. A specially developed system monitors vehicle speed, attitude and load via seven accelerometers and continuously adjusts each damper's setting.

The innovative braking system, purpose-developed by Brembo, uses carbon-ceramic brake discs of 380mm diameter, 34mm thick.



Ferrari will show the new car for the first time in the UK on October 24 at the British International Motor Show.