From the Ferrari factory in Maranello some of the most beautiful cars in history have come out. Jewelry like him Ferrari 250 Gto, Rome, Laferrari or the Ferrari Daytona SP3 are some examples of the good taste and exquisiteness that cars bend with the shield of “Il Cavallino Rampante“
However, there are others that, let’s say, that you have to get used to looking at them. This is the case of Ferrari F150 Muletto M4, a prototype that, directly, we can consider as the ugliest car of the brand. One so ugly, which does not even allow you to circulate on public roads or roll in circuits.
Ferrari engineers went their hand
Such and as they tell in Luxury launches The F150 did not come out of the pencils of no official designer of the brand (at least not one that had the design title), but is a mule: a prototype of tests in which engineers prove and develop the Future brands of the brand.
The F150 Muletto M4 was born with a purely functional purpose that was based on the chassis of a Ferrari 458 Italia, adapted to test the New hybrid V12 engines that Ferrari developed at the beginning of the 2010 to boost the future Laferrari. Internal level, Laferrari’s project was known as F150, and hence, being the mule of its engine, this Begindro Prototype received the name of F150 Muletto, in its fourth development.
Computer simulations help for much of the development, but when it comes to refining mechanics, it is necessary to touch asphalt.
That forced Ferrari’s engineers to put that engine on wheels and take it out in these mules to shoot through the private circuit of Fioran, away from the curious looks. This is how this car, although in appearance, was the protagonist of hundreds of kilometers of trials in secret.
The Ferrari engineers approach to this prototype was absolutely practical and, as it is obvious, Aesthetics It was in the background.
Rivets throughout the body, a nose that fights against the laws of physics (and good taste) exhaust pipes that stand out from the body and removable panels covering the engine so that engineers could more comfortably access the new propeller to apply changes are the explanation of its disastrous design.
Ferrari finished the first phase of Laferrari motor tests between May 2011 and December 2012, so, with the main completed developments, the prototype ceased to be useful. Ferrari thought that instead of discarding it Without further ado it would be a good idea to offer it as rarity to the most faithful fans of the brand. He did it with a single condition: they could never be homologated, so this car could never step on the street Not a public circuit. It is, therefore, a whim for engineering and history enthusiasts.
A AUCTION FOR INSOLITO PRICE
The F150 Muletto M4 still maintains the original version of that V12 hybrid engine capable of delivering 789 hp, compared to the 963 hp of the final version that ended up promoting the Laferrari de Production. This peculiarity is precisely what gives its historical and experimental value to the prototype, being a key piece in the development of the Ferrari hybrid range.
Now, the RM Sotheby’s auction portal will present it On a bid on August 15, testing the fervor of Ferrari collectors for the unique pieces, regardless of their real functionality or appearance … controversial.
At least on this occasion, we can say that real beauty is inside.
Image | RM Sotherby’s
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