An artist's impression of the Ferrari F142
Ferrari is getting ready to unveil its new V8 supercar, codenamed F142, later in 2009. The name of the production car is not known, but some alphanumeric combination between F400 and F500 is possible badges for the F430 successor, reflecting the mid-engined V8′s displacement.
The artist’s impression is compiled from the Ferrari F142 spyshots that have been going around in recent months, suggesting a more modern look. That’s fitting for an all-new model that promises to raise the bar for the first time in a decade.
Don’t forget, today’s F430 is basically a rebodied 360 Modena, which dates back to 1999. Some people will deny it, but lift the engine cover of Ferrari’s junior supercar and you’ll find F133e stamped in the engine bay; F133 was the codename for the 360 and ‘e’ stands for evoluzione.
The F142 project will stick with a V8 slung amidship, but apart from that the engineering layout it is quite different from the F430′s. It’s an important advancement: the V8 makes up three quarters of Ferrari’s entire production.
We’re not sure of the V8′s capacity, but it will definitely use Bosch-developed direct injection operating at exceptionally high pressures for the 500 bhp application. One source suggested the new car will use a downsized, turbocharged V8 to lower emissions and consumption, but other reports suggest a capacity stretched out to 4.5 liters or beyond. Expect plenty of details to lower internal friction, including super-polished camshafts to boost efficiency.
Whatever the final size, it will be a screamer. The California’s seven twin-clutch transmission is set to provide finger flicking gearbox thrills. However, the Ferrari F142′s software will be tuned for more sporting shifts than on the California GT.
Will there be a manual gearbox? Fewer than one in 10 buyers order the do-it-yourself transmission on the 430, so it’s conceivable the twin-clutch box will be compulsory. Ferrari was reported to be dropping stickshifts altogether, but CAR has learned that it’s seemingly gave in and is about to announce a manual transmission option for the California.
Of more significance is the use of the lighter materials. The F430 already uses aluminum extensively, but Ferrari is likely to add even more exotic materials made possible by the new V8′s likely price tag. Maranello’s new Mille Chili institute is already developing hybrid aluminum/composite honeycomb materials that could be used in the bulkhead between the cabin and engine bay for instance.
Net result? The new Ferrari V8 supercar is likely to weigh less than the 2750 lb (1250 kg) of today’s F430. There is no doubt that they haven’t reached the 2200 lb (1000 kg) target yet, but a Ferrari chief insists that every step is a technological breakthrough and the F142 is likely to focus on clever weight savings and active aerodynamics.
Ferrari is on record as saying a road car application of the Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) isn’t likely before 2012, but be in no doubt that Maranello is developing an F1-style energy recapture system for its showroom models. It’s slightly at odds with the light weight mantra, adding as it does 77 lb (35kg) of batteries on today’s F1 car.
Other high tech details on the new V8 will include the latest iteration of the E-diff, controlled by the manettino, and standard carbon-ceramic brakes. It’ll be built in the new Ferrari factory that started making the California- with new, more efficient and higher quality production promised as a result.
What do you think about the artist’s impression of the Ferrari F142? Leave a comment.
Source: carmagazine.co.uk
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