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Project
1221’s latest news update reveals a tangible flavour to
what have been, until now, a rather abstruse set of
aspirations for the new marque. Project 1221 is a temporary
name, a cryptic clue to the intentions of the establishment
as a whole.
Undergoing final development in Modena, the débutant of the
exclusive marque is a worthy supercar, a breath of fresh air
unlike anything currently offered on the market. Aimed as a
competitor to the Bugatti Veyron, the MF1, named after
legendary engineer Mauro Forghieri, will boast an extensive
range of features.
Engineering
Technically
the berlinetta has the potential to effortlessly outperform
any sports car available today. With a four-digit power
output, the engineers working on the project will have
undoubtedly encountered challenges in successfully
transferring the power to the tarmac. Although the cryptic
name ‘1221’ has no intentional relation to the power
output, project CEO Andreas Andrianos has revealed to
Italiaspeed that “we might eventually get close to this number”. At
the current stage of development, the power output has not
yet been fixed, with many variables still undergoing
rigorous testing including “drivability in everyday
traffic conditions and reliability coming first”. Regarding the type of engine that will feature in the MF1,
one can only speculate. It has been revealed, however
that the MF1 has a "remarkably low centre of gravity",
hinting towards either a boxer or 180 degree V layout,
reminiscent of the classic Forghieri flat-twelve engines for
Ferrari.
All-wheel-drive
will assist in power delivery, complemented by an advanced
traction control system. For experienced drivers, however,
the MF1 supercar will be available with a traditional
rear-wheel-drive layout, whilst the traction control system
can also be disengaged.
Solid details regarding the chassis design of the MF1 have
not yet been publicised, although an innovative structure
has been engineered, with truly forward-thinking solutions.
Constructed out of a series of particular materials,
combined in a particular manner, the chassis will also
accept optional armour plating.
Unlike
any other supercar, the MF1 has been designed to be drivable
under a variety of conditions. A large fuel tank feeds the
powerful, yet highly efficient, petrol engine, with ample
capacity for a diesel-like range, ideal for long journeys.
Inner city slow moving traffic presents no problem either,
as the driver of the MF1 has the luxury of controlling the
power-output of the engine to more suitable levels. Both
manual and automatic gearboxes will be available on the MF1.
Design
Project 1221 is not solely a manufacturer of automobiles,
however, with an intention to target the aviation and boat
market as well.
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Forghieri
started his career with Ferrari in 1960, and became
the head of the racing division within two years,
responsible for the vast majority of racing cars
from the 60's and 70's, including all those listed
above |
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Responsible
for the technical development of the MF1 is
legendary engineer Mauro Forghieri, an important
character to the heritage of Ferrari |
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To achieve this broad aim, Project 1221 is in an ideal
position, with a vast array of experts in all conceivable
fields at their disposal.
In the case of the MF1, two development centres were
established. Interior and exterior design work is undertaken
in Turin, headed by Emanuele Nicosia and Anna Visconti,
whilst a qualified team of engineers under command of Mauro
Forghieri, in Modena, are responsible for the engineering
side of the project.
The
fundamental engineering and design concept of the MF1 is
based on the exploratory work of Andreas Andrianos, who
defined the cahier des charges and also developed a
reference clay model. A particularly well thought out design
detail is the doors of the MF1, described by Andrianos as
"elegant and highly functional", a "novel
approach to interior access".
The
novel approach continues with the interior, including a well
thought out environment, imaginative material choice and a
fresh approach to the controls. Project 1221 also appointed
specialists in the field of ergonomics and seating
biomechanics, to ensure unrivalled comfort.
An
attribute which complements the long distance abilities of
the MF1, is the large luggage capacity. With all of
these features, combined together, the MF1 is a unique no
compromise travel-capsule. Unlike contemporary
supercars, which have a tendency for spending most of their
life under covers is garages, the qualities of the MF1 can
be enjoyed everyday.
Limited
edition run
Project
1221 has already started taking orders for the MF1, and are
accepting them through the company’s website. The
production output of the MF1 will be divided in two parts
(#001 to #100 and #101 to # 200), with the precedence in
each part secured respectively by 20% and 1% deposits.
The
intention behind this strategy is to allow an equal
opportunity of ownership to all, with a reward for the
keenest. The MF1 has been listed at a price of €575 000,
before tax. Further details of allocation, and contact
details, are available on the company website.
The MF1 will
be publicly presented for the first time this summer, with delivery scheduled to
commence in early 2008.
By
Patrick Granger
Website:
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