A couple F40 questions....

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.

 

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 . . .

 

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

 

I'd call it "different". They are not the same....

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

 

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.

 

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.

 

There is a high sil lin the 288 Evoluzione also.

 

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.

 

http://videos.streetfire.net/Player.aspx?fileid=C9572853-0410-4A91-8319-B7F6BC8FD743&kw=214&p=0