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 McLaren P2 is a concept created by Rakesh Bag , a Student of The Aditya Birla Public School , Veraval , Gujarat from INDIA The styling of the McLaren P2 is more attractive and less clinical than the McLaren P1 , but you can bet your entire worldly possessions on the fact every last millimetre of the bodywork has been extensivley analysed in the windtunnel. The front is unique and original, the way lower part of the bumper flows back into the ‘C’ shaped headlights is inspired. And the P2’s rear end has got to be one of the best in the business. Stunning. “the McLaren P1 and P2 will be the result of 50 years of racing and road car heritage. Twenty years ago we raised the supercar performance bar with the McLaren F1 and our goal with the McLaren P1 and P2 is to redefine it once again.” “Our aim is not necessarily to be the fastest in absolute top speed but to be the quickest and most rewarding series production road car on a circuit,” adds McLaren Automotive Managing Director Anton...