🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Ferrari

Model:

F40

Year:

1992

Market:

USA

Chassis Code:

F120

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The Ferrari F40 represents the pinnacle of automotive engineering and performance from its era, a homologation special built to commemorate Ferrari's 40th anniversary. It was the fastest, most expensive, and most powerful production car of its time.

Competitors:

Direct competitors were few, but it competed against other exotic supercars of the late 1980s and early 1990s, such as the Porsche 959, Lamborghini Countach, and Bugatti EB110.

Performance Focus:

Uncompromising focus on raw performance, lightweight construction, and driver engagement. It was the first production car to feature a carbon-fiber composite chassis.

Aerodynamics:

Aggressive, functional aerodynamics designed for extreme downforce and stability at high speeds, including the iconic rear wing.

Engine Heritage:

Development lineage traces back to Ferrari's Formula 1 racing engines.

📋 Manual Details

Systems Covered Summary:

General Operation, Engine, Ignition-Injection, Clutch-Gearbox, Steering, Suspension, Wheels and Brakes, Controls, Air Conditioning, Electrical System, Coachwork, Chassis, Tool Equipment, Services and Maintenance

Total Pages:

134

Type:

Owner's Manual

Languages Included:

Digital Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine System:

Detailed coverage of the F103 2.9L twin-turbocharged V8 engine, including lubrication, cooling, and component identification.

Ignition Injection System:

Information on the Marelli electronic ignition and fuel injection system, critical for performance tuning and diagnostics.

Clutch Gearbox System:

Explanation of the single-plate dry clutch and the dog-leg manual gearbox, including operation and basic maintenance.

Steering System:

Details on the rack-and-pinion steering system, including basic adjustments and fluid checks.

Suspension System:

Overview of the independent suspension, double wishbones, Koni shock absorbers, and anti-roll bars.

Wheels Brakes System:

Information on the performance braking system, including ventilated discs, Brembo calipers, and wheel specifications.

Controls Running Instructions:

Guidance on operating the vehicle's controls, including dashboard layout, switchgear, and driving techniques.

Air Conditioning System:

Basic information regarding the operation of the F40's air conditioning system.

Electrical System:

Overview of the vehicle's electrical components, wiring diagrams (often found in companion service manuals, but basic layout covered here), and fuses.

Coachwork Body:

Details on the composite body panels (Kevlar, carbon fiber, fiberglass) and their maintenance.

Chassis Structure:

Information on the F40's tubular steel chassis and its construction.

Tool Equipment:

Listing and description of the tools provided with the vehicle for basic roadside assistance.

Services Maintenance:

Fundamental guidance on routine servicing and preventative maintenance tasks.

Basic Checks:

Includes instructions for checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid), tire pressures, and visual inspections.

Operation Instructions:

Detailed guidance on starting the engine, engaging gears, operating lights, wipers, and other essential controls.

Driving Advice:

Recommendations for optimal driving techniques and performance. Specific advice for twin-turbocharged engines.

Depth:

Owner-focused, covering essential operation, basic checks, and routine maintenance. Not a comprehensive workshop/service manual but provides vital information for the owner.

📊 Manual Specifications

Compatibility:

Compatible with Adobe Reader version 6 or newer on Windows and Mac operating systems.

Scan Quality:

Assumed to be high-quality digital scan of the original manual, allowing for clear text and image readability.

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

F103

Configuration:

90-degree V8

Displacement:

2936 cc

Bore X Stroke:

82 mm x 71 mm

Valvetrain:

DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder

Horsepower Us Spec:

471 hp @ 7000 rpm

Torque Us Spec:

426 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm

Redline:

7500 rpm

Induction:

Twin IHI turbochargers with intercoolers

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch Motronic M2.7 electronic fuel injection

Oil Capacity:

Approx. 12 liters (12.7 US quarts)

Coolant Capacity:

Approx. 18 liters (19 US quarts)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-speed manual transaxle

Layout:

Transverse, rear-wheel drive

Clutch:

Single-plate dry clutch

Gear Selection:

Dog-leg shift pattern (1st gear to the left and down)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4350 mm (171.3 in)

Width:

1976 mm (77.8 in)

Height:

1130 mm (44.5 in)

Wheelbase:

2450 mm (96.5 in)

Dry Weight:

1370 kg (3020 lbs)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1460 kg (3219 lbs)

Front Wheel Size:

17 x 8J

Rear Wheel Size:

17 x 13J

Front Tire Size:

245/40 ZR 17

Rear Tire Size:

335/35 ZR 17

Bolt Pattern:

5 x 108 mm

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Results:

No official crash test ratings from modern agencies due to its low-volume exotic nature and production era. Designed with driver safety in mind for its class but lacks contemporary safety structures.

Braking System:

Four-wheel internally ventilated disc brakes with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) on US models.

Steering Control:

Responsive steering system crucial for high-speed stability.

Seatbelts:

Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts.

Chassis Construction:

Strong tubular steel frame and composite body panels contribute to structural integrity.

Fire Suppression:

While not standard, some later models or aftermarket installations may have included fire suppression systems.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Basic factory-installed audio system, often an Alpine unit, focused on functionality rather than advanced features.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) present on US market models for enhanced braking control.

Connectivity Features:

No modern connectivity features such as Bluetooth, USB ports, or navigation systems.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Typically recommended every 5,000 km (3,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first. Given the performance nature, more frequent changes may be advised by specialists.

Major Service:

Major services, including timing belt replacement (if applicable to specific engine variants, though F40 uses chains), are usually recommended every 30,000-40,000 km (18,000-25,000 miles) by specialists. The manual would detail basic checks at shorter intervals.

Engine Oil:

High-performance synthetic oil, typically SAE 15W-50 or 20W-50, meeting API SG or higher specifications. Consult manual for specific Ferrari-approved grades.

Coolant:

A mixture of distilled water and high-quality ethylene glycol-based antifreeze. Specific ratio depends on climate. Ensure it meets Ferrari specifications.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 high-performance brake fluid with a high boiling point is recommended.

Gearbox Oil:

Specific gear oil (e.g., SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 GL-4/GL-5) recommended by Ferrari for the transaxle. Capacity around 3.5 liters.

Turbocharger Lag:

Characteristic of the era's twin-turbo technology, though the F40's setup was advanced for its time.

Composite Panel Maintenance:

Care required for original composite body panels; potential for UV degradation or damage if not properly maintained.

Electrical System Reliability:

As with many exotics of this period, the electrical system can be complex and prone to minor issues if not maintained. Manual provides basic troubleshooting.

Suspension Bushings:

Original rubber bushings can degrade over time; replacement with upgraded materials is common for improved handling.

📚 Vehicle History

Founding Context:

Founded by Enzo Ferrari, the company has a legendary racing pedigree, with road cars often reflecting Formula 1 technology.

Development Brief:

Developed to celebrate Ferrari's 40th anniversary and to homologate the car for Group B racing (though it never raced in that form). Designed by Pininfarina.

Production Years:

1987-1992

Total Units Produced:

Approximately 1,315 units

Manufacturing Location:

Maranello, Italy

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Icon:

Widely regarded as one of the greatest supercars of all time and an automotive icon.

Performance Benchmark:

Set performance benchmarks for acceleration and top speed for production cars of its era.

Design Acclaim:

Celebrated for its radical, functional design by Pininfarina.