1997 Ferrari F50

Fifty years of racing, fifty years of winning, fifty years of hard work." With these words, Luca Montezemolo, head of Ferrari S.p.A., introduced the F50 at the Auto Museum in Geneva, Switzerland, in conjunction with the 63rd annual International Automobile Show, on March 6, 1995. Using technology from Ferrari's Formula One V12, the new, normally aspirated 4.7-liter engine featured a crankcase made of nodular cast iron, Nikasil-coated liners and titanium connecting rods. Maximum power was 520 hp at 8,500 rpm. The engine itself was safe to over 10,000 rpm. The weight of the V12 was a mere 436 pounds. Top speed was given as being 202 mph and 0-60 could be covered in 3.7 seconds. The standing mile could be accomplished in 30.3 seconds. Some commentators described the F50 as a Ferrari Formula One machine with a second seat and a sports car body. The chassis was made entirely of aerospace carbon fiber and weighed a lithe 225 pounds. For the first time in a...