Ferrari presents a vettura
laboratorio (experimental vehicle) at the 80th edition of
the Geneva Motor Show based on the 599 GTB Fiorano equipped
with an advanced new hybrid transmission.
Hybrid technology is one of
the solutions examined by Ferrari in its on-going research
and development into making its production cars ever more
efficient. Experimenting with alternative technologies
represents the company's long-term strategy after the
announcement in 2007 of a five-year plan to reduce fuel
consumption and emissions across the range. With the launch
of the Ferrari California (2008) and the 458 Italia (2009),
in fact, Ferrari's average fuel consumption and CO2
emissions figures have already been reduced by around 30 per
cent compared to 2007.
The HY-KERS displayed
at the Geneva Motor Show is an example of how Ferrari is
studying the application of hybrid technology to
high-performance sports cars.
Central to Ferrari's objectives is maintaining the balance,
handling and performance characteristics typical of its cars
despite the inevitable disadvantages in terms of weight
represented by applying hybrid solutions to existing models.
To this end Ferrari has
employed its racing experience to adapt a 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 of the car inside the aerodynamic
underbody. The result is a centre of gravity that is even
lower than in the standard car. In addition, a part of the
weight gained by fitting the electric motor, generator and
the batteries is offset by being able to do away with the
traditional starter motor and battery.
Ferrari has also applied
its F1 technology to the design, engineering and
construction of a new kind of electric motor which also
helps optimise the longitudinal and lateral dynamics of the
car, enhancing traction and brake balance. The motor cuts in
during acceleration, providing instantaneous torque when
moving away from a standstill and during overtaking
manoeuvres, with torque control a function of grip, gear and
accelerator pedal angle. Depending on vehicle speed and
engine load - for example in town driving - the hybrid
system can also function as a full-electric drivetrain. The
result is a direct reduction in consumption and emissions.
The motor also features a unique cooling and lubrication
system for maximum efficiency under all operating
temperatures and loads. The castings of the motor are made
in the Ferrari foundry, complete with Prancing Horse motif.
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.
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 the 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. This enabled Ferrari to reduce
CO2 emissions by 15 per cent, with the goal of reaching a
reduction of over 40 per cent by the end of 2010. Thanks to
these ecological solutions, Ferrari is completely autonomous
for its energy requirements.
