It's not every day you see a Ferrari Enzo, one of the most legendary supercars in Maranello's history, literally go up in smoke. Yet that's exactly what happened a few days ago, in a video that went viral on Instagram. The video shows a red Enzo, valued at almost 5 million euros, struggling to climb the floors of a parking lot before thick white wisps of smoke escape from its engine compartment.
A fatal clutch manoeuvre?
The images show the supercar making slow progress, almost at a walking pace, before the driver is forced to make an emergency stop. No visible flames, no explosion, just a dense, ominous cloud and an engine being hastily cut off. Incredulous bystanders draw out their phones, while Internet users have a field day in the comments: "R.I.P the clutch", writes one. " The usual experience with a Ferrari "sums up another. But the likely culprit is the clutch.
The Achilles heel of the F1 system
The Ferrari Enzo, of which only 400 were produced in the early 2000s, is equipped with a six-speed robotized manual gearbox, known as the "F1", with an electro-hydraulic clutch. Cutting-edge technology for its time, but demanding.
Unlike a modern automatic gearbox, this system does not tolerate manoeuvres at very low speeds. The clutch remains partially engaged, overheating and, in extreme cases, destroying it. Several experts confirm this:
"These F1 transmissions need a minimum of 30 km/h to work properly. At 5 km/h in a parking lot, or a traffic jam, it's hell on the mechanics."
5-digit bill for a simple oversight
Fortunately, no flames appear to have damaged the precious carbon bodywork. But the damage is done: the clutch is burnt out, and the car is immobilized. On such a rare model, repair is no small matter. Replacing such a system can cost in excess of 10,000 euros, including specialized labor. A trifle, say some wealthy owners.
This scene is a reminder that hypercars like the Ferrari Enzo are not designed to be driven at a snail's pace in underground parking lots or traffic jams. Their clutches, designed for performance and track laps, hate slowness.
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