Ferrari 641 specs & info

Nigel Mansell driving the Ferrari 641 in Germany (1990)

Ferrari's F1 car for 1990

Here's a rewritten version of the text for your website:

The Ferrari 641, also known as the F1-91, was a developed version of its predecessor, the 1989 Ferrari 640, which was designed by John Barnard. The updated 641 design was overseen by former McLaren designer Steve Nichols after Barnard left Ferrari to join the Benetton team. The car was powered by a 3.5-liter V12 engine, which was first fitted with the type 036 engine, and later updated to the 037 in San Marino. The V12 engine produced a rating of 680 bhp (507 kW; 689 PS), which was slightly less than the 690 bhp (515 kW; 700 PS) Honda V10 engines used by McLaren. However, the 641 was among the best handling cars on the grid, with Alain Prost hailing it as the best car of the year.

Despite being heavier than its rivals, the 641 incorporated a semi-automatic gearbox that had been developed during the previous season and was seen as technically advanced. The car's aerodynamics were reworked, and the chassis was slightly longer than its predecessor. Nichols designed the car with Prost's smooth driving style in mind, and Prost worked hard on improving the reliability of the gearbox and bringing the entire Ferrari team closer together.

The Ferrari 641 was also the first Formula One car to use an effective traction control system, which debuted at the 1990 Portuguese Grand Prix in Estoril. The system was relatively simple and straightforward, using just software and a wheel speed sensor. Ferrari technicians developed the rudimentary traction control system in less than two weeks, and it was a significant step forward for the team.

Throughout the season, a variable inlet trumpet system on the engine was tested, but it did not become standard equipment. Despite this, the 641 was a strong car on the track and helped Ferrari secure second place in the Constructors' Championship. The car's legacy is cemented as a technical and innovative masterpiece that helped lay the foundation for Ferrari's future success in Formula One.

The car won six race in the 1990 Formula 1 season.

Technical specifications Ferrari 412T2 F1 car

Chassis: Type 641, monocoque in carbon-fibre and Kevlar honeycomb
Front Suspension: Double elliptic section wishbones, push-rods
Rear Suspension: Double wishbones, push-rods
Brakes: Ventilated carbon-fibre discs, Brembo one-piece callipers on all 4 wheels
Steering: Rack and pinion
Wheelbase and Front/ Rear Track: 2,855/1,800/1,675 mm
Kerb Weight (with water and oil): 503 kg
Front Tyres: 25.0-10.0-13", Goodyear
Rear Tyres: 26.0-15.0-13", Goodyear
Wheels: Speedline one-piece, front 11.75x13", rear 16x13"
Fuel Tank: 220 litres, 1 centre, 2 side tanks, 102 RON fuel
Bodywork: Composite, detachable
Transmission: Rear-wheel drive, three-plate carbon clutch with mechanical or automatic control, 641 longitudinal overhanging 7-speed gearbox + reverse, semi-automatic with electronic management
Gear Ratios: Variable depending on track

Dimensions

Length: 4,460 mm
Width: 2,130 mm
Height: 1,000 mm

Engine

Designation: Ferrari Type 036
Type: rear-mounted 65° V12, cast iron cylinder block without wet liners, light alloy head, 112 mm connecting rods, water cooled
Bore & Stroke: 84 x 52.6 mm
Unitary and Total Displacement: 291.497/3,497,964 cc
Compression Ratio: 12.5:1
Max. Power Output: 680 bhp at 12,750 rpm
Timing Gear: 5 valves per cylinder (3 intake), 2 overhead camshafts per cylinder bank, gear driven off the front of the engine
Fuel Feed: Weber Marelli electronic digital indirect injection with twin injectors
Ignition: Single plug, Magneti Marelli electronic static
Lubrication System: Dry sump