Coloni S1: Outpacing the McLaren F1 with Enzo’s Legacy

The Coloni S1 might share similarities with the Alfa Romeo 156, yet it's a machine that demands attention.

It not only reminds us of the 156 but also brings to mind the Alfa Romeo 164 V10 Pro Car, a high-performance marvel. This car was the creation of Enzo Coloni, whose team participated in Formula 1 from 1987 to 1991, achieving modest success. Nonetheless, Coloni's team showed impressive results in the Italian Formula 3.

The Coloni S1, a prototype designed to compete in the FIA's Group E, incorporates a carbon fiber chassis. Its central three-liter V6 engine delivers roughly 500hp, enabling the vehicle to accelerate to 60 mph in under 2 seconds.

This acceleration surpasses that of the McLaren F1. Similarly, the Coloni S1 features the driver's seat in the middle of the cabin.

Worth noting are the car's six-speed sequential gearbox and the Brembo brakes, which utilize carbon fibre and titanium. The suspension design alone is reported to have cost at least €600,000 (about $734,000). Based on unofficial sources, the car's weight is rumoured to be under a ton.

Although the Coloni S1 appeared in sales advertisements in 2022, these listings have since disappeared from the web. However, a video from the Zwartkops track in South Africa remains, offering a glimpse of the car's impressive sound.