FERRARI,

hybird

Geneva, 2 March - The HY-KERS vettura laboratorio (experimental vehicle) is an example of how Ferrari is approaching the development of hybrid technology without losing sight of the performance traits and driving involvement that have always exemplified its cars.

This hybrid project is also aimed at ensuring that Ferrari will be in a position to comply with future CO2 emissions standards, particularly in terms of the urban cycle. City driving is traditionally where sports cars are most penalised as their engines are designed for maximum efficiency and performance at high revs, whereas the urban cycle involves low revs and low engine loads.

Ferrari has employed its racing experience to adapt an advanced, lightweight hybrid drivetrain to the 599 GTB Fiorano with the aim of ensuring that vehicle dynamics are unaffected. This was achieved by the careful integration of all system components, positioning them below the centre of gravity and ensuring that interior and luggage space are entirely unaffected. Similarly the flat lithium-ion batteries are positioned below the floorpan. The result is a centre of gravity that is even lower than in the standard car.

Ferrari has also applied its F1 technology to the design, engineering and construction of a new kind of electric motor which helps optimise the longitudinal and lateral dynamics of the car, enhancing traction and brake balance. The motor also features a unique cooling and lubrication system for maximum efficiency under all operating temperatures and loads.

Weighing about 40 kg, the compact, tri-phase, high-voltage electric motor of the HY-KERS is coupled to the rear of the dual-clutch 7-speed F1 transmission. It operates through one of the transmission’s two clutches and engages one of the two gearbox primary shafts. Thus power is coupled seamlessly and instantaneously between the electric motor and the V12. The electric motor produces more than 100 hp as Ferrari’s goal was to offset every kilogram increase in weight by a gain of at least one hp.

Under braking the electric drive unit acts as a generator, using the kinetic energy from the negative torque generated to recharge the batteries. This phase is controlled by a dedicated electronics module which was developed applying experience gained in F1 and, as well as managing the power supply and recharging the batteries, the module also powers the engine’s ancillaries (power steering, power-assisted brakes, air conditioning, on-board systems) via a generator mounted on the V12 engine when running 100 per cent under electric drive. It also incorporates the hybrid system’s cooling pump.

This experimental vehicle thus maintains the high-performance characteristics typical of all Ferraris while, at the same time, reducing CO2 emissions on the ECE + EUDC combined cycle by 35 per cent.

Ferrari California Stop&Start

The other important novelty at the Geneva Show is again aimed at reducing emissions. From March 2010 in fact the Stop & Start system will be available on the Ferrari California, reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by 6 per cent in the ECE + EUDC combined cycle. This means a figure of 280 g/km, one of the most competitive of any high-performance cars. The Stop & Start cuts in virtually instantaneously - just 230 milliseconds, a time so fast that the driver barely notices the engine restarting.

This solution is a further step in Ferrari’s on-going strategy to reduce fuel consumption and emissions, even when increasing performance. One of the principal areas of research has been dedicated to reducing friction within the engine. The Ferrari California’s direct-injection V8, for example, has eliminated the ‘pumping’ losses created by the changes in pressure below the pistons. Inserting purge valves in the crankcase below the crank throws allows blow-by gas and oil compressed during the combustion phase to leave the crankcase without being drawn back in during the compression phase. This ensures a direct increase in engine efficiency.

In addition DLC (Diamond Like Carbon) coatings on the valve followers and superfinishing of the cam lobes reduces friction in the valve train and contributes to the overall improvement in engine friction.

Self-sufficient with green power in Maranello

In keeping with Ferrari’s 360-degree approach to efficiency and its commitment to environmental sustainability, new technologies for its road cars are matched by the considerable investments already made to reduce the environmental impact of the company’s production activities in Maranello.

After the inauguration of the photovoltaic installation on the roof of the Mechanical Machining facility in January 2009, which reduced the factory’s power requirements by over 210,000 kWh annually, 2009 also saw the opening of Italy’s biggest trigeneration plant (the simultaneous production of power, heat and cooling from a single source) – the first of its kind to be implemented by a sports car manufacturer. Combined, the two systems reduce CO2 emissions by 30,000 tons a year (40 per cent). Thanks to these ecological solutions, Ferrari is completely autonomous for its energy requirements. This reduction also means that Ferrari will meet the Kyoto protocol objectives a full 10 years ahead of schedule and with double the figure imposed on Europe.

This represents another significant step forward in the ‘Formula Uomo’ strategy implemented by Ferrari’s Chairman, Luca di Montezemolo, at the end of the 1990s and which has transformed the Maranello production facility into one of the most advanced in the world. It has also helped create a unique working environment which, in addition to other initiatives for the well-being of employees, ensures that Ferrari has become a model, as demonstrated by the fact that the factory has, in the past, received the ‘Best Place to Work in Europe’ award.

Ferrari 612 Scaglietti

2010 Ferrari 612 Scaglietti news, pictures, and information
The 612 Scaglietti is the result of an avant-garde design that continues the great Ferrari 2+2 tradition. Styled by Pininfarina, the 612 Scaglietti is named in honour of Sergio Scaglietti, the Modenese stylist and coachbuilder responsible for bodying some of the most beautiful Ferraris of the 1950s and 60s. The 612 Scaglietti epitomises Ferrari’s talent for innovation and design. This exhilaratingly nimble, beautifully balanced sporty front-engined rear-wheel drive berlinetta offers a cockpit capable of accommodating four occupants in unprecedented comfort. The 612 Scaglietti isn’t just a 2+2 but a spacious two-door four-seater that’s a pleasure to be aboard in any driving conditions.
Styling
While the 612 Scaglietti has the heart of a sporty coupé, its luxurious dimensions and design are that of a surprisingly roomy Granturismo. Its deft Pininfarina styling is as innovative as its design, underscoring its dynamism and power. The result is an imposingly sculptural car with a long sleek bonnet, strong lines and signature scooped flanks borrowed from the famous Rossellini-Bergman 375 MM. The cockpit can be completely personalised at the client’s request, and features aluminium elements and handcrafted full-grain leather trim. A sporty yet sophisticated ambience that mirrors the model’s cutting-edge technologies, which include a wide range of features designed to deliver maximum driving pleasure and in-car comfort.
Chassis
The 612 Scaglietti was the very first all-aluminium Ferrari 12-cylinder. It’s no surprise therefore, that it is named in honour of Sergio Scaglietti, the Modenese coachbuilder who worked with Enzo Ferrari in the early years of his great adventure, masterfully sculpting some of the most famous track and road-going Ferraris ever from that very metal (which is just a third of the specific weight of steel). Both the 612 Scaglietti’s chassis and bodywork are aluminium.
Roof
The 612 Scaglietti’s innovative panoramic stratified glass roof extends right across the top of the cockpit from windscreen to rear window, giving all four occupants a drop-top driving sensation of spaciousness and airiness. There are three tint level settings to allow occupants adjust the amount of sunlight allowed into the car.
Braking system and wheels
The 612 Scaglietti’s braking system features CCM (carbon ceramic material) discs, making it highly responsive and efficient even in the most intense driving conditions. The 612 Scaglietti’s brakes are also exceptionally resistant to fading and thus guarantee effective braking in high-stress driving situations. The use of CCM technology guarantees enhanced ride quality too. The 612 Scaglietti’s wheels have been selected for optimal performance and weight reduction.
The 19′ x 8 J front wheels and 19′ x 10 J rear wheels are cast in aluminium and a roller-coater is used on the channel for optimal distribution of the material (a sophisticated process that optimises the metallurgical qualities of the wheel). This led to a weight-saving of 10% compared to standard wheels of similar dimensions and design. The 612 Scaglietti’s big tyres (19′ 245 / 40 ZR and 19′ 285 /4 0 ZR) are the result of lengthy development work on the Fiorano circuit and out on the road to guarantee just the right level of comfort even in very high performance driving situations.
Interior
Ferrari’s team of highly-experienced, passionate artisan cockpit trim experts ensure that every 612 Scaglietti leaves Maranello with an elegantly sophisticated and sporty cockpit honed to meet the tastes of its owner. This bespoke quality and exclusivity means that owners can choose from a range of dash panel inserts, seat trims and side panels. Exceptional attention is lavished on even smaller details, such as the door frames which are burnished if the dash is burnished or leather-trimmed, or aluminium if it is light aluminium. The dash sports a cluster of analogue and digital instruments which are laid out directly in front of the driver. Alongside the rev counter, which takes pride of place, there’s also a 5′ multifunctional display with innovative graphics offering a choice of three modes: base, trip computer and tyre pressure. The three-spoke steering wheel sports two Ferrari signatures, the manettino and the Engine Start button. The easy-to-reach main controls for the onboard infotainment system are also steering wheel-mounted. The dual zone climate control automatically adjusts cockpit temperature, humidity levels and ventilation. An 8-channel Surround Sound audio system was developed specifically for the cockpit so that the acoustics are on a par with the best Home Theatre system, in all driving conditions. Posted on conceptcarz.com
Engine
The 612 Scaglietti is powered by an imposing 5,748 cm³ 65° V12 that delivers 540 CV at 7,250 rpm, 98 CV more than the 456M’s 5,474 cm³ unit. The engine has been worked upon on various levels to optimise performance and improve fluid dynamics. Specifically, it boasts more direct air intake tracts with two ducts from the radiator grille opening on the front bumper, new exhaust system geometries and volumes to reduce back-pressure, a boosted compression ratio (11.2:1), and inlet tracts and exhaust porting with improved fluid dynamic characteristics. It is controlled by a Bosch Motronic ME7 ECU. Meticulous honing of the 612 Scaglietti’s dynamic handling has resulted in prompt yet smooth responsiveness, making it easier to control in all kinds of conditions.
Gearbox and transmission
The F1-type gearbox has become a signature on all Ferraris but the 612 Scaglietti also features the F1-SuperFast gearshifting strategy, already in use on the high performance 599 GTB Fiorano and 430 Scuderia berlinettas. This cuts gear-changing times (calculated on the basis of the so-called ‘acceleration gap’) to 100 ms in high performance situations. Drivers can also select a SPORT setting either using the manettino or the F1-S button on the F1 command console. The F1-S button only selects the gear shifting strategies of the F1 gearbox only in the SPORT/NORMAL positions. This will allow the car to be used in two other dynamic combinations: gear-changing in SPORT with manettino at the COMFORT setting or gear-changing in NORMAL with the manettino set at SPORT. The six-speed mechanical gearbox features the electro-hydraulic set-up, known as the F1A, which also has a new generation automatic mode to deliver improved driving comfort. The 612 Scaglietti’s gearbox now includes a new smaller diameter flywheel and twin-plate clutch, in unit with the engine too.
Suspension and stability control
The 612 Scaglietti’s suspension features active damping and variable calibration for a high performance yet adaptive set-up. By tuning into the independent active aluminium dampers with coil springs, the system ‘reads’ the road surface characteristics (smooth, bumpy) and instantly evaluates the movements of both the car and suspension. The forged aluminium double wishbones front and rear are mounted on aluminium and rubber rose joints. They have anti-dive and anti-squat geometry to prevent the front diving under braking and the rear squatting under acceleration. The optimal handling-comfort compromise for the current driving style and road surface can be selected by choosing between Normal (softer calibration) or Sport (sporty driving) using the steering wheel-mounted GranTurismo manettino. In addition to its efficient suspension system, the car also sports electronic CST (Stability and Traction Control), ASR (Traction in Acceleration) and ABS.
Personalisation programme
The 612 Scaglietti personalisation programme allows clients to enhance their Ferrari to suit their own personal tastes and requirements, turning it into a truly unique car. In addition to choosing from the Personalisation
programme catalogue, which covers four areas (Racing and Track, Exteriors and Colours, Interiors and Materials, Equipment and Travel), clients may make non-catalogue requests too. Ferrari also offers 612 Scaglietti owners the opportunity to avail of the exclusive One-to-One Programme, to create their own bespoke version of the Ferrari flagship model. To do so, they visit the dedicated Atelier at the Maranello complex where they choose every detail of their car with the assistance of a dedicated Ferrari One-to-One consultant.