Ferrari F40
The Ferrari F40 was built to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Ferrari and was the final automotive project personally approved by Enzo Ferrari before his death in 1988. It became the first road-legal production car to break the 200 mph barrier.
Technical Specifications
| Engine / Powertrain | 2.9-Liter Twin-Turbocharged 90° V8 (Tipo F120A) |
|---|---|
| Peak Output | 471 hp (352 kW) @ 7,000 rpm (478 PS European spec) |
| Peak Torque | 426 lb-ft (577 Nm) @ 4,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Gated Manual Gearbox |
| Drivetrain Layout | Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) with Limited-Slip Differential |
| Acceleration (0–60 MPH) | 3.8 seconds |
| Top Speed | 201 mph (324 km/h) |
| Curb Weight | 2,756 lbs (1,250 kg) |
| Exterior Dimensions | 4,358 mm L × 1,970 mm W × 1,124 mm H |
| Data Verification Status | Verified (Homologation Standard) |
Development History
Designed by Pininfarina's Leonardo Fioravanti, the F40 was an unapologetic race car with license plates. Built with Kevlar, carbon fiber, and Nomex panels over a tubular steel spaceframe, the car featured no ABS, no power steering, no brake booster, and pull-cords instead of interior door handles. Only 1,311 units were manufactured.
Aerodynamics & Engineering
Extreme lightweight minimalism: Lexan plastic windows, bare composite weave visible through green primer paint, and a monumental rear pedestal wing engineered for high-speed stability.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Ferrari F40s were built?
Ferrari originally planned to produce just 400 examples, but overwhelming collector demand pushed total production to 1,311 units between 1987 and 1992.
Was the F40 the first car to exceed 200 mph?
Yes, with a verified top speed of 201.4 mph (324 km/h), the F40 was the first road-legal series production car in history to officially exceed 200 mph.