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The midmounted engine will channel its power to the rear wheels via a 6-speed semi-automatic transmission controlled by paddles mounted behind the steering wheel. Top speed will be a well-rounded 350 km/h, not quite enough to topple the penultimate McLaren F1, but certainly close. Blasting from 0 to100 kph will take just several eye-blinks: 3.6 seconds, while 0-160 will be in the region of 6 seconds, about a second quicker than an F50. Cornering capabilities will be just as dramatic, with double uneven-length wishbones at all four corners. The dampers are electronically-controlled to actively control the car's attitude. The price will be as stratospheric as the performance, with showroom tag in the region of USD 600,000. Only 349 will be built. The first 60 off the production line have already been snatched up by ‘loyal’ Ferrari owners. According to reports from Europe, the Ferrari's development has not been without difficulties. In the most serious incident, a prototype was destroyed by fire as it was being tested at the Fiorano test track. Even with the car's on-board extinguishers, and the presence of a fire engine, flames reduced the carbon bodywork to ashes in minutes.
Still, the development
continues and customer cars are expected to be delivered a few months
after its official debut. Ferrari president Luca di Montezomolo said
that four-time F1 World Champion Michael Schumacher was deeply involved
in the car's road development. The last time we remember that kind of
involvement taking place, the result was the NSX, which is still a
brilliant car 11 years from its introduction. A certain Mr. Senna tuned
that chassis, and in that light the Enzo Ferrari may just be Herr
Schumacher's legacy to the world of road cars.
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