Leaked Patents Reveal Ferrari's 4x4 Hybrid Plans

[Plex]

Ferrari has applied for a patent to cover their own version of a hybrid platform, reports Autocar. In their application, they have introduced six different layout options. Each of these has one common thread: an electric motor powers two wheels, with the combustion engine powering the other two.

Actually, that is not entirely accurate. In some situations, Ferrari plans to use two electric motors placed inside the wheels, with the engine powering the other two. According to the magazine, Ferrari's hybrid is not meant to improve fuel economy, but rather to further refine handling.

The magazine quoted the application as saying, "The aim of the present invention is to provide a four-wheel-drive vehicle with hybrid propulsion�and being at the same time easy and inexpensive to produce."

"The four-wheel drive that can be engaged enables the driver of the automobile to decide whether to use the rear drive or the four-wheel drive; in this way, the driver can use the rear drive in optimal conditions of adherence and can use the four- wheel drive in poor conditions of adherence," according to the application. This system is supposed to be lighter weight, without degrading all-out performance full-time.

Autocar speculates that Ferrari would use the system in tandem with a start/stop, almost guaranteeing an improvement in fuel economy. However, installing this system could have the unintended consequence of eliminating a Ferrari hallmark: the roaring sound of the engine heard when a driver takes off from a standstill. One way around this might be to install a start/stop that the driver can switch on when there is nobody around to impress.

Click here to view the designs: http://www.worldcarfans.com/9090522.017/mini1/leaked-patents-reveal-ferraris-4x4-hybrid-plans

Worldcarfans

[Plex]

Ferrari CEO hints at Los Angeles debut for 4x4 hybrid concept

Ferrari has been working on a proprietary part-time 4WD system designed for both its mid and front-engined models for the past several years, which the carmaker has christened �Insertable 4x4�. Not much has been seen or heard about the system for some time but last month a search of the European Patent Office revealed that the Italian carmaker applied for a new patent back in February for a 4WD system with hybrid propulsion. This week Ferrari CEO Amedeo Felisa has revealed that a concept based on the system is in the works, and is likely headed to Los Angeles this December.

The patent filing, which you can view here, describes the system as being primarily intended to "improve the drivability of a sports car in conditions of poor grip," not necessarily to improve the vehicle's green status.

Ferrari�s design eliminates the associated heavy weight of 4WD vehicles by using two powerplants in the car � each to drive a separate pair of wheels � which in turn eliminates the need for heavy and bulky transfer cases and driveshafts. In all the designs, however, the engine is matched to an axle via a locking differential.

The design is similar to PSA Peugeot-Citroen�s hybrid system in that it separates the roles of the engine and electric motor. Furthermore, Ferrari has submitted six different layouts for the patent, with some of them calling for the electric motors to sit within the wheels instead of on a conventional axle.

When applied to one of Ferrari�s cars, the system will likely feature an on-off switch that will allow the driver to decide whether or not they want standard RWD or the added safety of 4WD. The system will also allow for electric only propulsion at slow speeds, which will vastly improve Ferrari�s carbon footprint and position in the eyes of environmentalists.

What wasn�t revealed was any possibly launch date for the system but given its advanced nature we don�t expect to see any production 4WD hybrids for some time to come. Speaking with Car and Driver, however, CEO Felisa said the concept would be coming soon. "Not at Frankfurt," he said, "but shortly thereafter, probably at an American show." That times it right for a Los Angeles Auto Show debut, which is the last major auto show of the year in the U.S.

Motorauthority