San Francisco Motorsports San Rafael - Ferrari Enzo Replacement Design Finalized

The powers that be at Ferrari have finalized designs for the successor to the Enzo, which will make its debut by the end of the year. Although there have been a number of mules—we’ve managed to get our hands on spy photos of one—undergoing testing for some time now, the hypercar’s final design was still in question.

As to the styling itself, we understand that traditional Ferrari collaborator Pininfarina had nothing to do with it. The result comes entirely from within the confines of Ferrari own studio in Maranello, led by renowned designer Flavio Manzoni. Could this be the beginning of the end of a long relationship with Pininfarina? We hope not, but we don’t run Maranello.

Think of the Millechili concept from 2010 and collector Jim Glickenhaus’s Enzo–based P4/5 and  subsequent P4/5 Competizione and you get an idea of what to expect from the F70 (the car’s internal code). The new design of the mega-exotic, the body and chassis of which are all carbon fiber, is based on what is being called a “three arc” philosophy. That is, as seen in profile, the front arc is the tightest in diameter; the middle arc, with its greenhouse, is the largest; and the rear arc is somewhat larger than that in the front and extends rearward until it ends abruptly—a bit like the Pagani Zonda tail, if you will. This will place its two occupants within a forward-mounted, glass-intensive cabin resting on carbon-fiber pillars, providing a nearly 360-degree view. We do know for sure that, like the Zonda, that abrupt rear fascia will be left open or covered by merely a screen.

Pininfarina Ferrari P4/5

Aerodynamics are, of course, a rather large deal for the F70; the car will benefit from both active and passive body features. The centerpiece in active aero for the F70 is a large, integrated rear wing. As to the abundant passive aero, designers have emphasized the three arcs as decisive forms, featuring precisely cut recessed-intakes and airflow passages. The manner in which air is guided over and through the large and forward-mounted greenhouse is getting rave reviews inside Maranello; “revolutionary” is the word we’re hearing. Another clever aerodynamic detail involves the headlight surrounds, which are shaped in such a manner that they guide air past and through the normally obstructing front fascia.

The most important information on the new car—besides the all-carbon-fiber construction—is the estimated 920 hp from an all-new V-12 engine with “significant” cylinder capacity, and that the car will feature hybrid componentry. Our informants tell us Ferrari very nearly decided on a turbocharged V-12, but then reverted to the original plan of a mild-hybrid layout. The hybrid part of the powertrain involves an aspect very similar to the KERS system used in Formula 1 to aid acceleration when needed. The commitment to such a system was ordered by technical guru Amedeo Felisa, principally because such an approach will deliver a surprisingly green Ferrari supercar.

source: Car and Drive
by Marco Marelli