Ferrari F50

1996 marked the 50th Anniversary of Ferrari, and with it came the revolutionary F50. The smooth contours and sleek body became an instant hit. Ferrari had begun designing cars that could be both streetwise and racetrack worthy.50 years of know-how was integrated into the design of this vehicle. 'It will be impossible to do it again,' said Luca di Montezemolo, Ferrari president.Designed with huge forward air intakes, low-slung with sleek lines leading to the rear airfoil, the F50 is a 12-cylinder, 4.75-liter engine. With the ability to achieve from 0 to 60 miles in 3.7 seconds, the F50 banks a top speed of 203 mph. Based on a Formula One engine, the F50 was built and designed in Ferrari's factory in Maranello, Italy. Only 349 models were built, though studies clearly showed a market for 350 such vehicles. Considering it a challenge that would appeal to only the most devoted die-hard Ferrari fans, the F50 had to be difficult to find, and a challenge to own.The F50 was designed solely for its purpose: there was no styling in the normal sense of the word. The surfaces enveloped the mechanicals in a single sweep from the front air intake to the rear spoiler, volumes were kept to the minimum required by the project. Pininfarina succeeded in designing shapes that recalled the great prototype racers. Aerodynamics played an important role from the beginning of the F50 project because: it was a highly advanced car in terms of performance; there was a link between the internal aerodynamic components (cross-flows) and surface layer flows; there needed to be a balance between aerodynamic loads in the dual configuration (Berlinetta and Barchetta) because of the high performance.The chassis of the F50 was made entirely of carbon fibre, weighing 225 lbs and offering a torsional rigidity of 25,677 lbs-ft/°. Like a Formula 1 car, occupants sat in the central tub formed by the chassis, and the aeronautical rubber fuel cell was located in a protected position between the passenger tub and the engine and rear suspension. The result was in advanced driving position, with a front to rear weight distribution of 42:58. A oad-bearing element, the F50’s engine acted as a support for the suspension, rear bumper and bodywork elements. To guarantee perfect suspension operation, the engine-transaxle assembly was rigidly attached to the chassis.The suspension and engine-gearbox assembly were mounted via low-fatigue light alloy inserts co-polymerized to the chassis. To optimize the1996 marked the 50th Anniversary of Ferrari, and with it came the revolutionary F50. The smooth contours and sleek body became an instant hit. Ferrari had begun designing cars that could be both streetwise and racetrack worthy.50 years of know-how was integrated into the design of this vehicle. 'It will be impossible to do it again,' said Luca di Montezemolo, Ferrari president. Designed with huge forward air intakes, low-slung with sleek lines leading to the rear airfoil, the F50 is a 12-cylinder, 4.75-liter engine. With the ability to achieve from 0 to 60 miles in 3.7 seconds, the F50 banks a top speed of 203 mph.Based on a Formula One engine, the F50 was built and designed in Ferrari's factory in Maranello, Italy. Only 349 models were built, though studies clearly showed a market for 350 such vehicles. Considering it a challenge that would appeal to only the most devoted die-hard Ferrari fans, the F50 had to be difficult to find, and a challenge to own.The F50 was designed solely for its purpose: there was no styling in the normal sense of the word. The surfaces enveloped the mechanicals in a single sweep from the front air intake to the rear spoiler, volumes were kept to the minimum required by the project. Pininfarina succeeded in designing shapes that recalled the great prototype racers. Aerodynamics played an important role from the beginning of the F50 project because: it was a highly advanced car in terms of performance; there was a link between the internal aerodynamic components (cross-flows) and surface layer flows; there needed to be a balance between aerodynamic loads in the dual configuration (Berlinetta and Barchetta) because of the high performance.The chassis of the F50 was made entirely of carbon fibre, weighing 225 lbs and offering a torsional rigidity of 25,677 lbs-ft/°. Like a Formula 1 car, occupants sat in the central tub formed by the chassis, and the aeronautical rubber fuel cell was located in a protected position between the passenger tub and the engine and rear suspension. The result was in advanced driving position, with a front to rear weight distribution of 42:58. A structure that made up the fulcrum of the entire system, even from the safety viewpoint, finite element calculation techniques were employed, using programmes that included sandwich elements and multi-ply shells, typical of laminated composite structures. Engineers and designers had to solve problems of the long-term stability of dimensional and structural elements. Tests were carried out on computerized vibration benches. The interior was designed with efficient functionality, ergonomics, and safety in mind. The multi-sized composite seats were upholstered in Connolly leather and special 'transpiring' material. The driving position was fully adjustable, including the pedals - the control pads adjusted to the driver's shoe size - with an F1-type heelrest. The gear shift was the classic Ferrari unit, with gated selector, lever, and knob all in composite. The rearview mirror was shaped to improve visibility in both roof configurations. All controls were specially designed to guarantee ergonomy, and the environmentally-friendly climate control unit was designed for maximum comfort even when the car is open. Originally owned by the Sultan of Brunai, this Pininfarina coach built automobile, with carbon fiber body construction, is one of 359 cars produced to celebrate the Ferraris 50th Anniversary. The cost per automobile was approximately $569,690.00

Specification:
Engine : 4.7 liter DOHC 60 valve V12
Transmission : 6 Speed Manual
Suspension: Front and rear
Brakes : Front and rear
Length : 176 in.
Width : 78 in.
Height : 44 in.
Top Speed : 203 mph
0-60 mph : 3.6 sec
Horsepower : 513 @ 8,500 rpm
Torque : 347 @ 6,500 rpm
Price : $560,000