13 August 2002: Ferrari has revealed full details of its fastest-ever road car. The new 220 mph two-seater incorporates much of the technology developed by Ferrari for its Formula 1 cars.

In celebration of its continuing domination of Formula 1 and in memory of the company founder, the new model is called the Enzo Ferrari.

The nose section of the Enzo is heavily influenced by Formula 1 and the entire body is shaped to ensure optimum airflow for cooling the engine and brakes, while generating unprecedented levels of grip-enhancing downforce with minimal aerodynamic 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 chassis is made entirely from carbon fibre and aluminium honeycomb sandwich panels and body panels are also made using advanced composite materials. The Enzo passes all current and many future crash safety standards.

The Enzo is powered by a new, ultra-light, 6.0-litre V12 engine, generating more than 383 lb ft of torque

The Enzo is the world’s first car with complete electronic integration of the control systems for engine, gearbox, suspension, anti-lock brakes, traction control and aerodynamics. The six subsystems all interact with each other comparing relevant information to enhance the overall performance of the car.

The four coil spring-damper units are mounted horizontally on the chassis and operated by push-rod links to the wishbones – like an F1 car. A specially developed system monitors vehicle speed, attitude and load via seven accelerometers and continuously adjusts each damper’s setting to give the Enzo the best possible ride and handling characteristics.

The innovative braking system on the Enzo is a world ‘first’. Never before has a road car employed carbon-ceramic brake discs, although they are widely used in Formula 1. They offer enormous stopping power and significant weight reductions – 12.5 kg less than conventional steel units. Designed and manufactured by Brembo to a Ferrari specification, the 380 mm diameter,
34 mm thick discs have been engineered to last for the lifetime of the car.

The Enzo rides on specifically developed ultra-low profile Bridgestone tyres that are unique to this model.

The new three-spoke, 350 mm diameter steering wheel has a flat-top complete with a row of LEDs indicating engine revs and three controls each side of the air-bag linked to the main car control functions.

Just 349 examples of the Enzo will be produced, all of them left-hand drive. The guide price is 675,000 euros.