Ferrari continually invests significant sums in its product range and this has led to the creation of 8- and 12-cylinder engines whose specific power outputs, levels of torque and maximum rev limits are unprecedented while, at the same time, offering improved fuel efficiency. Important innovations have led to reductions in the weight of our cars, too. In fact, the Scaglietti facility, which specialises in aluminium fabrication, works with more than 25 different alloys, some of which are being used for the first time in the automotive sector.
Ferrari now continues to invest heavily in innovation and is planning to launch the first hybrid model in its history in the near future. Having already revealed the power unit’s architecture and components, Ferrari has chosen Paris to debut the new composite chassis derived directly from Formula 1 technologies.
Ferrari drew on its vast experience in working with composites for single-seaters for its new hybrid model which will be produced in a limited-edition, special series. For this model Ferrari chose not to use the industrial carbon-fibre manufacturing techniques, such as RTM (Resin Transfer Moulding), normally adopted in the automotive sector, as they did not meet the quality and functional standards Ferrari set itself.
The materials, design methodologies, construction processes, staff and instruments used are all shared with the Scuderia Ferrari, with the formation of a working group which relied on an important contribution from Rory Byrne, Ferrari’s F1 chief designer who was behind 11 of the team’s Championship titles. The main structure is made from T800 carbon with local, strategic applications of T800UD, a unidirectional carbon-fibre tape, for reinforcement.
To ensure weight was kept to an absolute minimum, the structural underbody and the cross-member are made from another type of particularly high tensile strength carbon-fibre known as M46J. In certain critical areas, such as the doors, very tough T1000 was adopted as it is particularly efficient in terms of impact absorption which is why it is used in the nose-cone of the single-seaters. Carbon-fibre is combined with Kevlar for the undertray to prevent damage from debris thrown up from the road. Superior engineering has clearly been exhibited, illustrating why Ferrari has been a motoring icon for several years.
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