Ferrari Goes Electric

Ferrari recently unveiled the chassis of its new Elettrica sports car. Photo courtesy Ferrari
MARANELLO, Italy—For more than 75 years, Ferrari has been synonymous with red racing cars and high-performance road cars that emit a unique sound. While it will continue to produce gas-powered vehicles, the “prancing horse” is also entering the electric car era.
Ferrari recently unveiled a chassis and power train components of the first battery-powered model in its history. Every part of the Elettrica has been developed and produced in-house. In fact, the EV boasts more than 60 patented components. And, both the chassis and bodyshell feature 75 percent recycled aluminum.
The chassis features short overhangs, an advanced driving position close to the front axle and a battery pack that’s integrated completely into the floor pan. The modules are installed between the front and rear axles, with 85 percent of them concentrated in the lowest position possible to lower the center of gravity and benefit driving dynamics. As a result, the Elettrica boasts a center of gravity that is 3 inches lower than an equivalent ICE model.
The rear of the vehicle features the first separate subframe in Ferrari’s history. It has been designed to reduce noise and vibration in the cabin, while still ensuring traditional stiffness and driving dynamics.
The Elettrica is equipped with two electric axles that each feature a pair of synchronous permanent magnet engines and Halbach array rotors derived from F1 technology. A cooling system is designed to optimize heat distribution and performance.
Ferrari engineers have also developed a sound system that accentuates the unique characteristics of the electric power train. A high-precision sensor picks up the mechanical vibrations of the components, which are amplified to offer “an authentic aural experience that reflects the dynamic driving experience and provides the driver with direct aural feedback.”
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