Autoblog

Ferrari reportedly hard at work to combat turbo lag

Noah Joseph — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:57:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Technology, Ferrari

Try explaining turbocharging to someone who doesn't know cars, and if you do a good job, you're likely to get a reaction something along the lines of, "then why don't they put turbochargers on all cars"? Well, that's a perfectly fair question, and the answer of course is turbo lag. It's one major downside to using spools, and it's what's keeping Ferrari, for one, from implementing them immediately.

Speaking with Britain's Autocar magazine, Ferrari engine chief Jean-Jacques confirmed that the company is preparing to use turbochargers, but that it will take time to develop a new version that will mitigate the effects of turbo lag. This confirms the patent drawings that leaked out earlier this year revealing a developmental two-stage turbocharging system from Ferrari.

Of course this wouldn't be the first time Maranello would use the spools - during the turbo era in F1, the iconic F40 (and the 288 GTO before it) was powered by a twin-turbo V8. But to make it an acceptable addition to modern Ferraris, the company may go the same route as Porsche with variable-vane turbos - or it could come up with another solution entirely.

Meanwhile Ferrari has reportedly dismissed the possibility of using the Fiat Group's new MultiAir variable valve system, finding that it wouldn't work at the kinds of revs and horsepower outputs at which Ferrari engines operate. The report does confirm, however, that the dual-clutch transmission launched on the California is capable of handling the power from V12 engines, suggesting that the gearbox may be implemented across the range for future models.

[Source: Autocar]

Ferrari reportedly hard at work to combat turbo lag originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ferrari CEO outlines green plan, hybrid concept could debut at LA show

Noah Joseph — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 14:57:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Hybrid, Green, Supercars, Ferrari, Electric

Ferrari F430 Spider Bio-Fuel at NAIAS 2008 - Click above for a high-res image gallery

While the intertubes are abuzz with Lamborghini's announcement of a comprehensive carbon emissions reduction plan, arch-rival Ferrari is keen to show it's keeping pace as the company's CEO has reportedly indicated the direction Maranello is heading with regards to its greenification.

Two approaches which Ferrari chief executive Amadeo Felisa confirmed the company is looking into include turbocharging and E85 bio-ethanol. Regarding the former, Felisa assures that the weight of Ferrari's technical know-how will be thrown into ensuring that turbocharged engines retain Ferrari's trademark high-revving feel, while he revealed that the ECU on the company's latest model, the California, is already ready to burn E85. But beyond turbos and corn-fuel, Felisa also revealed that they're working on a hybrid concept, likely to incorporate the F1-derived KERS regenerative braking system, to debut at an upcoming auto show in the United States following the Frankfurt Motor Show in September where Ferrari is expected to debut the replacement for the F430 line. Sources suggest Los Angeles as a strong possibility for the hybrid Ferrari's debut.

Gallery: Detroit 2008: Ferrari F430 BioFuel

[Source: Car and Driver]

Ferrari CEO outlines green plan, hybrid concept could debut at LA show originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Jun 2009 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Patents reveal Ferrari's plan for new turbocharged engines

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 29 May 2009 18:58:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Supercars, Ferrari

Ferrari turbocharged V8 engine patent drawing - Click above to enlarge

Last week, we learned that Ferrari was taking a long, hard look at hybrid drivetrains as a way to improve the performance of its line of supercars when a less-than-ideal amount of traction is present. While Ferrari's patent documents didn't mention environmental concerns as a reason to investigate hybrids, it seems likely that the issue is at least on the minds of Italian automaker's engineers. But it isn't the only technology Ferrari is developing in an effort to build more efficient vehicles that don't sacrifice performance.

A search of Europe's patent database system shows that Ferrari has recently submitted proposals for a new twin-turbo design for V-shaped engines with six, eight, ten or twelve cylinders. Of course, twin-turbo engines have been done hundreds of times before (including by Ferrari back in 1980s and early '90s), so its the arrangement of the two turbochargers along with all the associated plumbing required to make it all work that the Italian automaker is seeking to patent.

The drawing submitted with the application shows an eight-cylinder engine with two equally-sized turbochargers nestled inside the V of the engine block and cylinder heads. The system would use one turbocharger at low engine speeds and would only use the second turbocharger for maximum power and torque when required. Click here to view the actual patent application.

[Source: European Patent Office via Autocar]

Patents reveal Ferrari's plan for new turbocharged engines originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 May 2009 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Ferrari looking at turbo'd V6 to save fuel

Dan Roth — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 08:33:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Supercars, Ferrari, Rumormill

Dino fans rejoice, the rumormill is churning out plenty of grist about a V6 power unit in the offing for some future Ferraris. The California is already getting a V8, so Prancing Horse fans wishing for a "Dino II" will remain unfulfilled, but new approaches to high performance are key to keeping Ferrari at the zenith of autodom, lest it fall down the nostalgia hole that's seen Jaguar nearly suffocate on its own pillowy upholstery. The case for a V6 would be partly the banal issues of emissions and consumption, and a six might also offer weight and packaging advantages, though the rumors of a turbocharged mill add plumbing, weight, and complexity back into the mix. Additionally, anyone who's ever given the boot to a turbocharged engine can attest that forced induction's ability to make small engines flex big muscles, it can also lead to big-league fuel swilling, poking holes in the idea that a turbo V6 might save a lot of fuel over the direct-injected V8. Like any automaker, Ferrari is certainly looking at all sorts of "what if" ideas that will never reach production to find the right solution for the myriad technical challenges facing any automaker, let alone an exotic manufacturer. One thing's certain: a turbo V6 with Ferrari emblazoned along the cam covers would shriek with a proper Italian accent, and you have to respect any company that violently spits on the ground when the terms "SUV" or "Four-Door" are whispered.

Gallery: 2009 Ferrari California

[Source: AutoTelegraaf.nl]

Rumormill: Ferrari looking at turbo'd V6 to save fuel originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 06 Jul 2008 08:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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