But aside from those e-turbos, Ferrari mastered all of this years ago. It’s the hybrid elements and software engineering that demonstrate the rapid trajectory these guys are on. Rather than relying on external suppliers, Ferrari is taking over, having recently opened the new ‘E’ building. Its first all-electric car will appear this time next year, but the hardware is already in production on this massive Space designed by Mario Cucinella.
The electric motors used in the F80 are therefore fully patented, with the aim of maximizing performance while minimizing weight. There are two on the front axle and one on the rear, to offer torque vectoring and all-wheel drive.
The electric front axle also houses an inverter and a cooling system; The entire set weighs only 61.5 kg. That’s 14kg less than the equivalent configuration in the SF90 model. The inverter is bidirectional, so that the alternating current produced by the electric axle during regenerative braking is converted to direct current to charge the battery. The rear MGU-K electric motor inverter is used to start the combustion engine, recover energy for the battery and provide torque under load. Both inverters are governed by an incredibly compact control module.
The stator and rotor of the electric motor are located in what is called a Halbach array, which targets and maximizes the density of the magnetic field. The magnet sleeve is made of carbon fiber, allowing it to spin up to 30,000 rpm. Both are solutions derived from Formula One. A dedicated DC/DC converter means that a component can handle 800 V, 48 V and 12 V simultaneously. Ferrari says it has a 98 percent conversion efficiency and reduces weight and complexity.
The high-voltage battery (in fact, 860 V) is also directly influenced by F1: 204 lithium cells are grouped in three modules in a carbon fiber box that is located in the lower part of the chassis to maintain a center of optimal gravity. It all contributes to performance: unlike the 296 GTB, this vehicle does not have an EV mode. With a dry weight of 1,525kg, it is 125kg heavier than the McLaren W1, but its British rival lacks an electrified front axle and therefore the torque vectoring and all-wheel drive of the Ferrari.
Amazing Aero
Video: Ferrari
Like the Aston Martin Valkyrie and W1, the F80 uses ground effect aerodynamics. In total, it can generate 1,000 kg of downforce at 250 km/h, a metric to take into account given that this is primarily a road car.
A triplane front spoiler inspired by the device used on the Le Mans-winning 499P, a flat underbody, an S-shaped duct, a “raised keel,” a rear diffuser and an active rear wing all work in conjunction with the F80’s active suspension to generate unprecedented stability. damaging the dynamics of the car on the road.