awd ferrari in development

[brainhulk]

yay another car I can't afford. sounds cool though

http://jalopnik.com/5721264/ferrari-gt-flagship-will-brake-like-the-wind

 

[Apex]

Interesting sounding implementation. Glad they're using it on their heaviest GT instead of their lighter, sportier models.

 

[zerocool84]

Meh, takes away a lot of the Ferrari-ness of the car.

 

[GoatMonkey]

It just reminds me of the quote from Enzo Ferrari back when they started making mid-engine cars. It was something about, "the horse pulls the cart, he doesn't push it" or something like that. It seems to have worked out for him so far though.

 

[Jumpem]

About time for them to catch up.

 

[zerocool84]

About time for them to catch up.

Catch up to what?

 

[Apex]

Catch up to what?

To the modern propensity of car companies to cater to the lowest common denominator.

 

[darkswordsman17]

Insiders say the system can only engage in short bursts at high speeds (over 90 mph)

That's weird. If they're worried about drivetrain losses, wouldn't the extra weight that basically will never get used be more worrisome?

 

[Jumpem]

Catch up to what?

Other makes that lead with AWD. AWD offers better acceleration, better grip, and all weather driveability. RWD is pointless.

 

[zerocool84]

Other makes that lead with AWD. AWD offers better acceleration, better grip, and all weather driveability. RWD is pointless.

:biggrin::biggrin::biggrin:

You're a funny guy.

 

[Throckmorton]

WTF does this mean?

Because the system will only engage on an as-needed basis—unlike Lamborghini's full-time gear—it'll mean less overall drivetrain loss. Insiders say the system can only engage in short bursts at high speeds (over 90 mph), a function of the differential's fixed ratios on both crankshaft and driving-wheels sides.

Is the front diff not driven by the the transmission but directly by the crankshaft? So it only works in the top gear?

 

[Zap]

Catch up to what?

Lamborghini?

 

[brainhulk]

Other makes that lead with AWD. AWD offers better acceleration, better grip, and all weather driveability. RWD is pointless.

awd = understeer

 

[cheesehead]

WTF does this mean?

Is the front diff not driven by the the transmission but directly by the crankshaft? So it only works in the top gear?

It means the front differential is connected via a clutch or liquid coupling unit. The front differential is disengaged most of the time, and to keep the weight down, is nowhere near as sturdy as the back.

In short, it's a lot like an old-school transfer case - pull the lever and you have AWD.

 

[Pariah]

AWD offers better acceleration, better grip, and all weather driveability. RWD is pointless.

That should be particularly useful for a Ferrari. We just got a decent bit of snow this Sunday in NC. All I wanted to do was drive up the street to get a burger, but instead I spent the whole day cussing like a sailor at my Ferrari 430 that just wouldn't go anywhere in the snow. If the piece of garbage had AWD I'd have been enjoying a Whopper with cheese instead of ramen.

 

[cheesehead]

That should be particularly useful for a Ferrari. We just got a decent bit of snow this Sunday in NC. All I wanted to do was drive up the street to get a burger, but instead I spent the whole day cussing like a sailor at my Ferrari 430 that just wouldn't go anywhere in the snow. If the piece of garbage had AWD I'd have been enjoying a Whopper with cheese instead of ramen.

This is for the GT cars, not the sports cars. Getting stuck in a long-distance cruiser like a 599 is quite a nuisance.

 

[Throckmorton]

It means the front differential is connected via a clutch or liquid coupling unit. The front differential is disengaged most of the time, and to keep the weight down, is nowhere near as sturdy as the back.

In short, it's a lot like an old-school transfer case - pull the lever and you have AWD.

Yeah but it says it only engages at high speeds.

 

[ShawnD1]

This is a good idea. It bugs me when I take my Ferrari off roading and it can't climb hills as well as my friend's dodge ram. My Ferrari also tends to get stuck when I try driving it in deep snow or on wet grass.

 

[boomhower]

Stupid idea. If you want an AWD sports car their are plenty of options. I just don't see people clamoring for an AWD Ferrari.

 

[Pariah]

This is for the GT cars, not the sports cars. Getting stuck in a long-distance cruiser like a 599 is quite a nuisance.

Used as a GT long distance cruiser, you can add A and B to the meaningless list that C was already on from the original post I reponded to, leaving you with no point at all adding AWD to this car.

 

[overst33r]

awd = understeer

Your comment is just as ignorant as his...

 

[senseamp]

It will be interesting to see what Ferrari's take on AWD works like.

 

[Kroze]

Really?? that's so freaking awesome! I'm going to buy one when it come out!

*Sarcasm*

I don't give a crap about cars i won't be able to own unless i win the lotto

 

[JCH13]

Yeah but it says it only engages at high speeds.

I think the statement means "if the car is driving above 90mph, it will only engage for short intervals, but below 90mph it will engage as needed" rather than "it only works above 90mph"