RE: Video: Ferrari 4x4 System Explained
Wednesday 9th March 2011
The FF chassis exposed at GenevaFerrari has released a video showing how its unique 4x4 system works. Interestingly, instead of the more typical centre diff, the system features a power take-off device at the front of the in-line engine block, which powers a pair of propshafts driving the front wheels - click 'play' to find out more.
Video: Ferrari 4x4 System Explained
Official 'cutaway' vid shows Ferrari FF powertrain in action
The FF chassis exposed at Geneva
We can only apologise on Ferrari's behalf for the soundtrack. But really, who wants to listen to another V12 anyway...
Discussion
doogz said:
Prop shaft? The extra diff that would be required?
I can't see the vid in work, but isn't the front gearbox essentially an automatic? I.e. it uses a torque convertor as opposed to clutch plates?
I cant see the vid anyway, but surley a system like that would ened two gearboxes? or at least a CVT trans for the front? I can't see the vid in work, but isn't the front gearbox essentially an automatic? I.e. it uses a torque convertor as opposed to clutch plates?
How much actually weight loss are we talking about here? and how would this extrea weight effect performacne? After all you cant get the weight much lower than the drivetrain can you?!?!?
Very intresting though.
Chris.
doogz said:
Murcielago_Boy said:
YAWN. Does any of this make the car more desirable?
Clearly, to some people, yes.Kong said:
I (like many a pistonheader) always prefer RWD. But supercars are getting so powerful these days. If you plant your right foot in almost any 650bhp rwd car from a low speed and you're going to either spin the wheels or get held back by the TC. I like the idea with a sophisticated AWD system you put your foot down and you're away very quickly and with little fuss.
Hit the Nail on the head.This the reason why the 911 Turbo has been probably the fastest point to point car in the world. All of the power, all of the time.
doogz said:
chuntington101 said:
I cant see the vid anyway, but surley a system like that would ened two gearboxes? or at least a CVT trans for the front?
How much actually weight loss are we talking about here? and how would this extrea weight effect performacne? After all you cant get the weight much lower than the drivetrain can you?!?!?
Very intresting though.
Chris.
It has a 2 spd auto at the front end of the crank, basically. I don't know how much weight saving there is, they're saying 50% though. How much actually weight loss are we talking about here? and how would this extrea weight effect performacne? After all you cant get the weight much lower than the drivetrain can you?!?!?
Very intresting though.
Chris.
How would the extra weight affect performance? Yeah, it might have a low COG, but mass is mass, it affects acceleration, handling, braking, the usual.
As for performance, its all rotating mass as well, so will have a larger effect that if it were static. I'd hate to think how the crank driven front gearbox affects the engines ability to rev!
doogz said:
Did you read the part where it's lighter than the alternative?
It's lighter than one of the alternatives. Surely it's still heavier than just making the thing RWD, though. I'd also be interested to know what having two gearboxes does to the drive-train losses. I'm sure they know their market, though.
Edited by kambites on Wednesday 9th March 12:49
I think four wheel drive is a big bonus, having had a few (Sport Saloon and Softroader) over the past three winters it means you can have a much safer car (In everyday use) and it adds more than it loses in pleasure because the weather here is pretty s
tty for 3/4 of the year. If you can control the weigh, and thats the key then fit it to everything, except track day and sunny day toys.
tty for 3/4 of the year. If you can control the weigh, and thats the key then fit it to everything, except track day and sunny day toys.I can't work out how the application of torque at the front wheels will vary with vehicle speed, as opposed to engine speed. Normally, the driven wheels receive decreasing amounts of torque as the vehicle speed increases - each upshift is an increase in wheel/vehicle speed as wheel torque decreases.
With this, the front wheels will receive torque/drive proportional to the engine speed.
Maybe a CVT but I'd be concerned how the mechanical affects of changing engine speed (as you change gear) would affect the CVT mechanism. The front wheel speed is mechanically linked to the rears by the road, so the only "give" would have to be the CVT mech.
That video only really explains left to right proportioning of torque and doesn't explain how speed differentials are catered for.
With this, the front wheels will receive torque/drive proportional to the engine speed.
Maybe a CVT but I'd be concerned how the mechanical affects of changing engine speed (as you change gear) would affect the CVT mechanism. The front wheel speed is mechanically linked to the rears by the road, so the only "give" would have to be the CVT mech.
That video only really explains left to right proportioning of torque and doesn't explain how speed differentials are catered for.
Ferrari FF customer said:
So how much is a set of clutch plates for my nearside drive shaft on my Ferrari FF??
Can you change the Offside ones while your in there, and I will re-mortgage my yacht!
doogz said:
The (supposed) point in the car though is that you can take it up the mountain to your ski lodge, hence 4WD. Of course it'd be lighter as 2WD, but then so would pretty much every 4 wheel drive car ever built
Ah OK. I haven't really read the marketing crap about the car. I assume they'll sell it with narrow, high profile, heavily treaded tyres as standard then? Or maybe not. 
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