Enzo Ferrari

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

The Enzo was developed in 2002, integrating specific Formula One technologies like carbon-fibre construction and an automated-shift manual transmission. Unlike standard F1 cars, it incorporated active aerodynamics to generate substantial downforce: 343 kg at 200 km/h, rising to 775 kg at 300 km/h before dropping to 585 kg at top speed. Its front underbody flaps, adjustable rear spoiler, and rear diffuser work in conjunction for this effect. Three development mules (M1, M2, M3) were built using the bodywork of the older Ferrari 348, a model succeeded by two generations of V8s by that time. The third mule sold at auction in June 2005 alongside the 400th production car.

In Their Own Story

Production began with invitations sent to existing customers who had previously purchased the F40 and F50. While initially limited to 399 units, a total of 498 were eventually built. The 400th unit was constructed in 2004 and donated to the Vatican for charity; it later sold at a Sotheby's auction for US$1.1 million. Before its official unveiling at the Paris Motor Show, the show car was flown from Italy to the United States to be filmed in "Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle," where actress Demi Moore drove it on a beach. Following filming, it returned to France for the motor show. The design team faced challenges with the first-generation "clutchless" transmission, which had a 150-millisecond shift time but drew complaints regarding abrupt shifting.

Reader's Guide

The car features a longitudinally mounted F140B naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12 engine producing 660 PS at 7,800 rpm and 657 N⋅m of torque at 5,500 rpm, with an 8,200 rpm redline. It uses a Graziano-built F1 gearbox controlled via paddle-shifters and LED lights on the steering wheel. Performance figures include a 0-97 km/h time of 3.14 seconds (one-way downhill with rollout) and a top speed recorded as high as 355 km/h. The car weighs in with a 44%/56% front/rear distribution. In testing, Evo achieved a Nordschleife lap time of 7:25.21 despite a broken electronic damper. At Bedford Autodrome West, it ran 1:21.3, which was 1.1 seconds slower than the Porsche Carrera GT but faster than the Litchfield Type-25.

Did You Know?

• Three development mules were built using the bodywork of the Ferrari 348.
• The 400th production car was donated to the Vatican and later sold for US$1.1 million at a Sotheby's auction.
• A show car version flew to the US to be filmed in "Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle" before its debut in Paris.
• The Enzo generates 775 kg of downforce at 300 km/h using active aerodynamics and a rear diffuser.
• Evo magazine recorded a 7:25.21 lap time on the Nordschleife with an Enzo that had a broken electronic damper.