So Ferrari really
doesn’t have any new models to display in Paris, per se, but it still
dropped a huge bomb on us all. We are already anticipating the new
hybrid Ferrari in the coming years, but we’re not too certain exactly
when to expect it nor are we too sure what it’ll look like.
We do, however, now know that this new hybrid will boast one of the most advanced chassis ever to grace the public roadways. Ferrari gathered
up all of its data over the decades of racing it has done and managed
to piece together a composite chassis that this upcoming hybrid will
boast.
There
are four different types of carbon fiber that make up this chassis and
each layer is carefully hand laminated, then cured in autoclaves. The
process starts simply with T800 carbon. Ferrari then carefully applies
T800UD – carbon-fiber tape – over specific areas of the T800 to add a
little strength. Engineers then manufacture the underbody and cross
member from high-tensile carbon fibers (M46J). From there, the doors and
other critical areas are formed from T1000 carbon-fiber – the same
carbon fiber that graces the nose of F1 cars.
Finally, the undertray is done up in carbon-fiber, but with one
significant difference: a nice layer of Kevlar to prevent damage from
projectiles.
In all, this advanced chassis development will save about 20 percent off of the Ferrari
Enzo, the car this new hybrid is slated to succeed, even though the
hybrid system adds significant weight. Last, this ultra-modern chassis
will boast 27 percent more torsional rigidity and its beam stiffness
will increase by 22 percent. This not only makes the car stronger, but
it will also increase its handling capabilities.
It’s
not too often that we can say a chassis makes us excited, but one this
advanced certainly does. Plus, the video that Ferrari released regarding
it is simply bad-ass