The Ferrari F40 LM (Competizione) represents the pinnacle of Ferrari’s engineering prowess and racing heritage. This extraordinary evolution of the iconic F40 was introduced two years after the original, transforming the road-going supercar into a formidable race machine designed to conquer the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans.
A Legend is Born
Commissioned by the French Ferrari importer to compete at Le Mans, the first two examples of this race-bred Ferrari were aptly named the F40 LM. These initial models featured a significantly more powerful engine, a modified suspension system, and specially designed aerodynamics to meet the rigorous demands of endurance racing. Due to growing interest from other customers, Ferrari eventually built around ten examples in total, renaming the car F40 Competizione to reflect its broader racing capabilities beyond Le Mans.
Engine and Performance
At the heart of the F40 LM is a potent 2.9-liter, rear-mounted, longitudinal 90° V8 engine. This powerplant was engineered to deliver an astounding 515 kW (700 hp) at 8100 rpm, with a power output of 238 hp per liter. Key engine specifications include:
- Bore/Stroke: 82 x 69.5mm
- Compression Ratio: 7.7:1
- Fuel Feed: Weber-Marelli electronic injection with twin turbos
- Ignition: Weber-Marelli electronic, single spark plug per cylinder
- Lubrication: Dry sump
- Clutch: Multi-plate
These enhancements allowed the F40 LM to achieve a breathtaking top speed of 367 km/h, solidifying its status as one of the fastest race cars of its time.
Chassis and Suspension
The F40 LM’s chassis is constructed from tubular steel with composite elements, ensuring both strength and lightweight performance. The suspension system was meticulously designed to handle the extreme stresses of racing, featuring:
- Front Suspension: Independent, unequal-length wishbones, coil springs over telescopic shock absorbers, anti-roll bar
- Rear Suspension: Independent, unequal-length wishbones, coil springs over telescopic shock absorbers, anti-roll bar
This setup provided the F40 LM with exceptional handling and stability on the track.
Brakes and Transmission
Stopping power is delivered through disc brakes, providing reliable and consistent performance under intense racing conditions. The F40 LM is equipped with a 5-speed transmission plus reverse, ensuring smooth and precise gear shifts during high-speed maneuvers.
Dimensions and Bodywork
The F40 LM maintains the sleek, aggressive lines of the original F40, with dimensions tailored for aerodynamic efficiency and stability:
- Length: 4535mm
- Width: 1980mm
- Height: 1150mm
- Wheelbase: 2450mm
- Front Track: 1580mm
- Rear Track: 1545mm
- Weight: 1040kg (with liquids)
The car’s bodywork is a two-seater, berlinetta style, emphasizing both form and function.
Tires and Fuel Capacity
The F40 LM is fitted with high-performance tires designed for racing conditions:
- Front Tires: 24.5-12.5-17
- Rear Tires: 27.5-14.5-17
The car also features a 120-liter fuel tank, ensuring it can endure long races without frequent refueling stops.
The Ferrari F40 LM (Competizione) stands as a testament to Ferrari’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of performance and innovation. With its race-bred engineering, breathtaking speed, and iconic design, the F40 LM continues to be celebrated as one of the most remarkable race cars ever built. This legendary machine not only dominated the tracks but also secured its place in automotive history as an enduring symbol of Ferrari’s racing excellence.
Source: Ferrari (Photos: Wheelz.me @ Ferrari Museum)
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