VH_Supra26
05-23-2009, 06:32 PM
by Alex Kaufmann
http://www.motorauthority.com/content/thumbs/f/e/ferrari_4wd_hybrid_patent_main630-0523-630x360.jpg
The diagram shows a front-engined layout with two electric motors driving the front wheels
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 now but a quick search of the European Patent Office reveals that the Italian carmaker applied for a new patent back in February for a 4WD system with hybrid propulsion.
The actual 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 4WD hybrids for some time to come.
All Content Copyright 2006-2008 Motor Authority
http://www.motorauthority.com/ferrari-applies-for-4wd-hybrid-patent.html
http://www.motorauthority.com/content/thumbs/f/e/ferrari_4wd_hybrid_patent_main630-0523-630x360.jpg
The diagram shows a front-engined layout with two electric motors driving the front wheels
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 now but a quick search of the European Patent Office reveals that the Italian carmaker applied for a new patent back in February for a 4WD system with hybrid propulsion.
The actual 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 4WD hybrids for some time to come.
All Content Copyright 2006-2008 Motor Authority
http://www.motorauthority.com/ferrari-applies-for-4wd-hybrid-patent.html