What Is It?
2003 Ferrari Enzo Ferrari
What's Special About It?
Here are the three main facts you need to know about this car. 1) It is named after the company's founder, Enzo Ferrari. 2) It's fast to the point of absurdity. 3) Ferrari will make 399 of them for a price of at least $670,000 each.
Oh, there is one more thing. Even if you had $670,000, you couldn't buy one. They are already sold out.
The Enzo Ferrari is Ferrari's flagship and top-line car. In that sense, it is much like the F40 and F50 when they debuted. It features the most advanced technologies available, much of it coming directly from Ferrari's racing effort in Formula One. In fact, Michael Schumacher was tapped to help develop the car.
Schumacher didn't make an appearance at the 2002 Paris Mondial de l'Automobile (he was in the United States preparing for the U.S. Grand Prix), but two Enzos were in Ferrari's display area. Though we certainly wouldn't say it's pretty, in person it does have a very imposing stance and aura about it.
Much of the distinct look is a result of efforts for highly developed airflow. Active aerodynamic systems (adjustable front flaps and a rear spoiler that extends and retracts) are used to maintain stability and promote higher top speeds. The flat underbody is also configured for optimum handling.
For power, the Enzo has a midmounted 6.0-liter V12. It makes 660 horsepower at 7,800 rpm and 485 pound-feet of torque at 5,500 rpm. Yes, Mom, that's a lot. Advanced technologies are in full effect, including variable valve timing and variable intake manifold geometry. The only transmission is a F1-style six-speed. Like the transmissions on the 360 Modena and 575M Maranello, this one uses an electrohydraulic system to activate the gearbox and clutch. Ferrari says a priority was to cut gear-change times (now as short as 150 milliseconds) in the interest of extremely sporty use.
More Formula One technology can be found behind the 19-inch wheels. The brakes, manufactured by Brembo, are made of a carbo-ceramic material. This material is used to maximize braking performance and reduce unsprung weight. The Enzo's total curb weight is 3,009 pounds.
Why Should You Care?
Not since the McLaren F1 has there been a road car with this much sporting potential. It's unlikely you'll ever see one, as most will sit in garages of super-wealthy and connected tycoons and car collectors. If you do see one, let's hope it's on a racetrack, as this is where Enzo Ferrari would have certainly wanted this car to be. — Brent Romans
2003 Ferrari Enzo Ferrari
What's Special About It?
Here are the three main facts you need to know about this car. 1) It is named after the company's founder, Enzo Ferrari. 2) It's fast to the point of absurdity. 3) Ferrari will make 399 of them for a price of at least $670,000 each.
Oh, there is one more thing. Even if you had $670,000, you couldn't buy one. They are already sold out.
The Enzo Ferrari is Ferrari's flagship and top-line car. In that sense, it is much like the F40 and F50 when they debuted. It features the most advanced technologies available, much of it coming directly from Ferrari's racing effort in Formula One. In fact, Michael Schumacher was tapped to help develop the car.
Schumacher didn't make an appearance at the 2002 Paris Mondial de l'Automobile (he was in the United States preparing for the U.S. Grand Prix), but two Enzos were in Ferrari's display area. Though we certainly wouldn't say it's pretty, in person it does have a very imposing stance and aura about it.
Much of the distinct look is a result of efforts for highly developed airflow. Active aerodynamic systems (adjustable front flaps and a rear spoiler that extends and retracts) are used to maintain stability and promote higher top speeds. The flat underbody is also configured for optimum handling.
For power, the Enzo has a midmounted 6.0-liter V12. It makes 660 horsepower at 7,800 rpm and 485 pound-feet of torque at 5,500 rpm. Yes, Mom, that's a lot. Advanced technologies are in full effect, including variable valve timing and variable intake manifold geometry. The only transmission is a F1-style six-speed. Like the transmissions on the 360 Modena and 575M Maranello, this one uses an electrohydraulic system to activate the gearbox and clutch. Ferrari says a priority was to cut gear-change times (now as short as 150 milliseconds) in the interest of extremely sporty use.
More Formula One technology can be found behind the 19-inch wheels. The brakes, manufactured by Brembo, are made of a carbo-ceramic material. This material is used to maximize braking performance and reduce unsprung weight. The Enzo's total curb weight is 3,009 pounds.
Why Should You Care?
Not since the McLaren F1 has there been a road car with this much sporting potential. It's unlikely you'll ever see one, as most will sit in garages of super-wealthy and connected tycoons and car collectors. If you do see one, let's hope it's on a racetrack, as this is where Enzo Ferrari would have certainly wanted this car to be. — Brent Romans
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