(from Sotherby's Auction Description) Before unveiling the Enzo at the 2002 Paris Motor Show, Ferrari had been working for three years to transfer their F1 expertise to a road car. During the development, three prototypes had been made: the M1, the M2 and the M3, #90865, that is present here.
Construction of this test mule, started on 25th September 2000 and finished on 25th November. Its role was mainly as a rolling test bed for development of the engine.
The body is derived from the model 348 (type F119AB), with modifications to the rear sub frame deriving from the F131 prototype, lengthened by approximately 250 millimeters in order to fit the F140 A-Type V12 engine. In production, the F140 B was used, with integral block and other small differences. In the engine bay, one notices in particular the large welded aluminum air box, replaced in production by a carbon fiber one. The oil radiator is from the 550 and its position in the production model had not yet been determined.
Important parts of the car are unique and hand-made. The doors and a part of the interior are from the 348 model, and the drive train, brakes, and suspension are mainly from the 355 Challenge. The fenders are made of composite material and the rear ones are removable for quick access to the engine. The bonnet, which hinged on the posterior part of the roof, is removable and has a Lexan screen. The rear windows have been redesigned in order to strengthen the rear structure, and the rear has been modified for the light assembly from the 360 model. The front is derived from the 348 model, has been modified with an asymmetrical air vent direct to the radiator, and the rear bumper has an air outlet let into it. The four exhaust pipes, positioned at the extremities, reinforce the aggressive appeal. Inside the car, the dashboard is modified to allow the fitting of the instrument panel from the 360 Modena.
In practice prototypes such as the M3 are often destroyed, or retained by the factory. The factory has never before offered for auction one of its prototypes. Being a prototype, the car is not guaranteed by Ferrari; no warranty of roadworthiness is implied or given. Ferrari says it should not be registered for road use.
Engine: F140 A Type V12
Position: Mid Longitudinal
Fuel feed: Electronic Bosch Injection
Displacement: 5998 cc / 366.0 cu in
Bore: 92 mm / 3.62 in
Stroke: 75.2 mm / 2.96 in
Power: 484.7 kw / 650 bhp @ 7800 rpm
HP per litre: 108.37 bhp per litre
Body / frame: Modified 348 Steel Monocoque
Front wheels: F 45.7 x 22.9 cm / 18 x 9 in
Rear wheels: R 45.7 x 33.0 cm / 18 x 13 in
Font tire size: 245/40ZR18
Rear tire size: 365/30ZR18
F suspension: Independant
R suspension: Independant from 348
Transmission: Semi-Automatic 6-Speed
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Originally Posted by Cotterik
