Cardboard Ferrari aims to cut out emissions

The Ferrari FXX Millechili in front of an Enzo and the Ferrari F1 car

(Credit: Channel4.com)

In the race to make cars lighter, faster, and more economical, Ferrari is thinking outside the box. Well, it's thinking about the box, to be more accurate, as this week it unveiled a concept car made partially from cardboard. Looking very much like a squished Enzo, the full-size FXX Millechili also features a power-assist hybrid drive train (one in which electricity assists rather than replaces the gasoline engine), a carbon fiber frame, and plastic-and-cardboard panels.

Channel 4 speculates that the hybrid power train might be used in Ferrari's F1 cars in conjunction with regenerative braking systems in order to save fuel. The Millechili's active aerodynamic underbody, which relies on jets to channel air under the car and thereby reduce drag, is also a possible design element for F1 models, it speculates. Other lightweight, energy-saving features of the Millechili include smaller, ceramic brake discs and drag-resistant tires. The Millechili is being shown off at Ferrari's 60th anniversary celebrations at the company's base in Marinello this week, but don't expect it to be coming to a showroom (or craft store) any time soon.

Via Channel4

[make_or_break]

Yes, but does it meet with the Pope's approval?

After all, he DID say that extroverted displays of wealth is a bad, evil thang akin to a sin...and what is it that's said about Ferrari owners and their Type-A personalities?

At least the cardboard would be a match...

[hsumthin]

About the Pope...

has he ever been to a church? especially one in the Vatican? Because those are symbols of wealth and excess, you're there to worship not go gaga over the paintings, gold, huge ceilings etc. And I know they do a lot of charity work but why do they still have SO MUCH money? It disgusts me to think how much is in their coffers.

[chesterchestnut]

does it come with packing peanuts?

correction: that is an FXX in the picture, not an enzo

and this is great. now that means that some homeless guy is gonna want to sleep in my car.

[logos]

formula 1 hybrid?

I'm assuming all the teams on the formula 1 circuit would get that hybrid technology ( assuming it's ever used ) or that would put Ferrari at an unfair advantage with fuel mileage benefits.