20.04.2002 FIRST PHOTO
OF FERRARI FX PROTOTYPE
The design prototype of the Ferrari FX – this being the
production code of this limited series model which carries on the tradition
of the F40 and F50 – will debut at the “Artedinamica: Ferrari and Maserati
at the Contemporary Art Museum of Tokyo” international Exhibition. The
official inauguration will be on April 26th; from April 27th to July 14th
the Exhibition will be open to the public.
The Ferrari FX, which will officially be presented at the Paris Auto Show on September 26th, will bring to the road Ferrari’s most advanced technology, directly derived from the Formula 1 World Championship team's experience. The FX represents the maximised technological transfer from F1 to road-going GT's, and seeks to steal a lead on the forthcoming Mercedes CLK which is being built by McLaren, drawing heavily on their F1 experience as well as Porsche's forthcoming 580bhp Carrera, both of which are due out next year.
The FX, almost certainly to become badged as the F60, will become the fastest and most powerfull road going Ferrari ever. It hits 0-60mph in 3.2 seconds, half a second faster than its predecessor, the F50, while its 6.0 litre V12 engine produces a massive 650bhp. A Formula 1-derived seven speed gearbox operated by steering wheel mounted levers hooks up to the mid mounted engine which is cooled by large air intakes housing radiators forward of the rear wheels.
The engine, almost a third lighter than the F50's unit, producing an extremely high brake horsepower for a normally aspirated engine is helped to its target by the use of F1 developed variable valve timing, while a top speed in excess of 208 mph is expected. The engine weight saving, coupled with a carbon fibre bodyshell, allows the FX to weight in at 1200 kg.
Aerodynamically the car has been designed from optimised wind tunnel testing results, while the raised front nose centre is a styling cue taken from the Formula 1 Ferrari's, helping to establish the FX's close links with the F1 cars. A curved front screen, single wiper arm and scissor opening doors give it a sportscar feel.
Double wishbone suspension all round and electronically controlled dampers, coupled with adjustable sections of the cars undertray allow downforce to be increased as power builds. The Brembo designed braking system utilises carbon fibre brake pads and steel brake discs.
The FX is expected to cost around GBP £350,000 with a production run much shorter than the F50's 349 units.
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see the disguised Ferrari FX prototype caught testing around Maranello at the end of last year, and see early artists impressions |
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