By 1954, Ferrari had already used four-cylinder engines for three years, but decided to enlarge the design to 3-liters for the 750 Monza. It typcially raced alongside the smaller 2-liter 500 Mondial and the V12-powered Ferraris which ran for overall victory.
It's hard to believe Ferrari would ever replace the V12, but after the 1950 season in F1, a four cylinder was on the drawing board. Motivation came from HWMs driven by Stirling Moss that were powered by four-cylinder ALTA engines. The performance of this car and the upcoming 2-liter limit on engine capacity was influenced both Enzo Ferrari and designer Aurelio Lampredi to make their own four-banger.
For the 1951 season, Lampredi was given a the task to design a 2.0 and 2.5 four cylinder engines that used the same interchangeable parts. He was convinced that the low rpm torque curve would offer an advantage on twisty circuits. After 100 days, the first prototype engine was complete and ready. It had a DOHC, chain-driven valvetrain, 2 Weber 45 DOE carburettors, a light alloy casting and a displacement of 1985cc that could produce 170 bhp. This combination fit so well within the new Formula 2 rules that Ferrari and Alberto Ascari became world champions.
The first 750 Monzas arrived in 1954 with with Ferrari's conventional steel tube chassis, using fully independent double wishbones up front and a De Dion axle with radius rods and transverse leaf springs at the rear. Braking was provided by oversize drums. They debuted at the 'Gran Premio Supercortemaggiore' at Monza where Gonzales/Trintignant took an overall victory. Afterwards the 3.0-liter became known as the Monza.
By 1956, Ferrari had reached the potential of the 4-cylinder by enlarging it even more for the 860 Monza. This helped the car achieve a 1-2 victory at the Sebring 12-Hours.
The extensive use of bare carbon fibre has kept the weight to a minimum The KTM X-Bow Superlight is one of the variants of the KTM X-Bow model range. As the name suggests the Superlight is the lightest model in the range - but not by much, the base model KTM X-Bow is just 5 kg (11 lbs) heavier. Although the Superlight is a full 40 kg (88 lbs) lighter than the GT4 version. The weight reductions to the KTM X-Bow Superlight have been made possible through the extensive use of carbon fibre. The monocoque structure with integrated crash protection is composed entirely of carbon fibre and left unpainted to show of the carbon fibre weave. The few body panels which are fitted to the X-Bow Superlight are also formed from carbon fibre. Additional weight savings were also achieved through the use of unique light-alloy wheels finished in a dark lacquer. Powering the KTM X-Bow Superlight is the same Audi-sourced 2.0 litre turbocharged engine found in all the X-Bow models. This engine puts out 24...