The Enzo Ferrari is a 12
cylinder mid-engine berlinetta named after the company's founder, Enzo
Ferrari. It was built in 2002 using Formula One technology, such as a
carbon-fibre body, F1-style electrohydraulic shift transmission, and
carbon fibre-reinforced silicon carbide ceramic composite disc
brakes. Also used are technologies not allowed in F1 such as active
aerodynamics and traction control. After a downforce of 7600 N is
reached at 300 km/h (186 mph) the rear wing is actuated by computer to
maintain that downforce.
The Enzo's V12 engine is the first of a new generation for Ferrari. It
is based on the architecture of the V8 found in sister-company
Maserati's Quattroporte, using the same basic architecture and 104 mm
(4.1 in) bore spacing. This design will replace the former architectures
seen in V12 and V8 engines used in most other contemporary Ferraris. The
2005 F430 is the second Ferrari to get a version of this new powerplant.
The Enzo was designed
by Ken Okuyama, the Japanese former Pininfarina head designer, and
initially announced at the 2002 Paris Motor Show with a limited
production run of 349 and at US $659,330. The company sent invitations
to existing customers, specifically, those who had previously bought the
F40 and F50. All 349 cars were sold in this way before production began.
Later, after numerous requests, Ferrari decided to build 50 more Enzos,
bringing the total to 399. Before being unveiled at the Paris Motor
show, the Enzo (that was used in the show) was flown from Italy to
California to be filmed in Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle. It was
driven on a beach by actress Demi Moore. After filming was complete, the
Enzo was flown to France to be in the Motor Show. Enzos are listed as
being built in 2003. In 2004 a 400th Enzo was built and donated to the
Vatican for charity, which was later sold at a Sotheby's auction for
$1.1 million. The Enzo typically trades above $1,000,000 at
auction. I believe right now the Enzo is a good long term
investment at under $1.2 million. In the next several years these
could skyrocket in value and out perform the F40 and F50 in investment
potential.
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