A couple F40 questions.... | FerrariChat

A couple F40 questions....

Discussion in '288GTO/F40/F50/Enzo/LaFerrari/F80' started by SSNISTR, Apr 23, 2006.

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  1. SSNISTR

    SSNISTR F1 Veteran

    Feb 13, 2004
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    Is the chassis (platform) a upgraded version of the 288 GTO's, or is it different?
    If you can explain further, that would be great.

    Also, what was the body made from, was there any carbon fiber involved in the car? Thanks!
     
  2. SSNISTR

    SSNISTR F1 Veteran

    Feb 13, 2004
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    Okay, I found out the body and floor panels are composite....carbon fiber and kevlar.

    I still can't find out to much information on the chassis other then that it is tubular steel and aluminum....

    Is it a upgraded 288 GTO one, or a different design? Thanks agian for any help.
     
  3. SSNISTR

    SSNISTR F1 Veteran

    Feb 13, 2004
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    Anyone?
     
  4. GTE

    GTE F1 World Champ

    Jun 24, 2004
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    Marnix
    Well. I am by no means an expert on the subject, but since the F40 is just a small step away from the 288 GTO Evoluzione, I suppose there are some similarities.
     
  5. Maranello Guy

    Maranello Guy F1 Rookie

    Jun 5, 2005
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    MG
    I think F 40 wasn't based on 288 platform , cause 288 was shareing a lot of platform pieces from 308 so it might be to old for "new super Ferrari" like F40 was at time! Correct me if I am wrong . . .
     
  6. Simon^2

    Simon^2 F1 World Champ

    Oct 17, 2005
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    Basically the 288 GTO evolved to the GTO Evoluzione which evolved to the F40.

    So the Chasis is an evolution.

    for about $10 (do in internet search) you can get a book called Supercars: F40 by mark hughes. it gives a pretty good and accurate description of the design progress from 288 GTO to the F40.

    worth the price IMO.

    Amazon has some listed. here's the link:

    http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0792451732/102-6127136-1846550?v=glance&n=283155

    Simon
     
  7. SSNISTR

    SSNISTR F1 Veteran

    Feb 13, 2004
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    Oh, cool....thanks. I ordered it.

    I understand the F40 is an "evolution" of the 288 GTO in some ways....but on another board I was told the 288 GTO (not the Evo) and the F40 have a DIFFERENT chassis....I'm still not 100% sure who is correct.

    So I'm tring to find some accurate printed info or links.
     
  8. Simon^2

    Simon^2 F1 World Champ

    Oct 17, 2005
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    I'd call it "different". They are not the same....

    Basically one would need to study the blue-prints to know how different.
     
  9. SSNISTR

    SSNISTR F1 Veteran

    Feb 13, 2004
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    I see your point....when you say different do you mean like 612 to 599 different (VERY much the same) or like 355 to 360 different (Very different)?

    The reason I asked is a friend told me the 288 GTO (not the Evo) shared a common platform with a few changes with the F40. As far as I knew the F40 was a different design from the 288 GTO's platform.

    Is this what your telling me? Sorry for all the questions, and thanks.
     
  10. Simon^2

    Simon^2 F1 World Champ

    Oct 17, 2005
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    Unfortunately I don't have the knowledge you desire... I haven't studied the blueprints. I can tell you there are what I consider major differences to the untrained eye. To get in an F40, you climb over a high sill which covers a frame rail. that isn't there in the GTO.... As for specifics of suspension attach points and frame geometry... way beyond my knowledge base.
     
  11. SSNISTR

    SSNISTR F1 Veteran

    Feb 13, 2004
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    Well that sure helps....those things tell me they are very different.

    Agian, thanks.

    Anyone else have any input?
     
  12. allanb888

    allanb888 Karting
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    Jan 29, 2004
    106
    Melbourne, Australia
    Although I can't quote references, as an F40 owner I have read as much as I can find on the cars.
    The 288 GTO and 288 Evolutione were developements of the Ferrari 308, particularily in regard to the chassis. Even so, the 288 had many differences. There is a tubular steel chassis, but the body panels, bulkheads and floor were mostly composite materials. The 288 GTO was the first Ferrari V8 to have a longitudinal mounted engine and gearbox.

    It is well known that the 288 Evolutione was the test bed for the F40, but I would say that is more in regard to the engine and transmission. The concept of the F40 chassis differed little to the 288 GTO, but the F40 used much more structurally glued composite structures such as front bulkhead, sills and floor that were essential for rigidity. None of the 11 major body panels added strength to the chassis.
     
  13. RP

    RP F1 World Champ

    Feb 9, 2005
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    Tone Def

    There is a high sil lin the 288 Evoluzione also.
     
  14. RP

    RP F1 World Champ

    Feb 9, 2005
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    The 288 Evoluzione was built as a race car by Michelotto at Ferrari's request, but it never competed because the rules changed, same longitudinal engine placement as the 288 GTO, but that is about where the similarities end. It is not based on the 308, although the doors, windshield, and roof panels are very similar. Also the F40 came about after the 288 Evo because of the change in FIA rules, so the Evo was not meant as an intentional test bed for the F40, just happened that way when the FIA pulled the rug out from under Ferrari.

    I have a complete set of body molds made from measurements of a real Evo in Marenello that are to duplicate the Evo using a 308/328. The only part of the original car that remains is the windshield, and the door frames. Virtually an entirely new body.
     
  15. SSNISTR

    SSNISTR F1 Veteran

    Feb 13, 2004
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    Thanks so much for all the info guys....
    It seems to me the F40 chassis is based on the 288 GTO's....
    Yet it also seems to have quite a few changes....
     

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