New Ferrari Enzo – F70 / FX70 – on track

The next generation Enzo (current Enzo pictured) is on track for release in 2012.

With news the other day that the Lamborghini Urus is being lined up to take on the next generation Ferrari Enzo – the F70/FX70 – we’re now hearing that Ferrari’s plans to replace the Enzo are very much on track.

It’s been a long time since the limited production Enzo – just 400 were produced – came to an end, and seven years since it was first announced. The final car – Enzo 400 – was produced in 2005 and auctioned for charity. But with the way car technology has moved on, the ‘Standard’ fare (if there is such a thing) from the Ferrari stable now manages to achieve almost as much as the Enzo did. Its V12 engine produces 650 bhp and manages 0-60mph in 3.3 seconds. And although that headline time is better than just about anything from Maranello, its active aerodynamics and handling no longer seem as stunning as they did.

So what does the next Enzo – codenamed F70 or FX70, depending on who you talk to – promise us? The current consensus is that Ferrari are going to use a twin-turbo V8 – harking back to the F40 days – although a V12 is being developed alongside it. The V8 is expected to deliver around 700bhp, but the V12 is able to offer almost 800bhp. Our sources tell us that both options are currently being developed, although the V8 twin-turbo is now becoming the most likely option. It offers better economy and is easier to get through increasingly strict emissions regulations. But the heart of the Ferrari engineers is in the V12, even if the head says the V8 may be necessary.

The new Enzo will be smaller and lighter than the last Enzo and Ferrari have a goal of just 2,000lbs for kerb weight, which is around a third less than the Enzo. Couple that with advances in aerodynamics, chassis construction and gearbox technology – not to mention the higher outputs Marenello are managing from their engines – and a sub 3 second 0-60mph is on the cards.

It’s stacking up to be a very special car. Even in these difficult times it seems likely the next generation Enzo will sell out before it launches – just like its predecessor.

By Cars UK