Ferrari’s new F80 supercar features structural Additive Manufacturing for first time
Ferrari has unveiled its latest supercar, the F80, featuring additively manufactured structural components for the first time on a Ferrari road car. The F80’s independent suspension includes a double wishbone layout, active inboard dampers and suspension arms created by Additive Manufacturing.
Seen as one of the showpieces of Ferrari’s advanced technological solutions for managing vehicle dynamics in all road or track conditions, the F80’s active suspension system has been completely redesigned.
The innovative solution offers several advantages, including an optimised layout, more precise wheel control, reduced unsprung mass, elimination of the anti-roll bar, and the introduction of a dedicated camber angle correction function.
The active suspension system addresses two apparently irreconcilable requirements – the need for a very flat ride on the track, where variations in ride height must be minimised, and the need to effectively soak up bumps in road surfaces during normal driving.
At low speeds, the system prioritises mechanical balance and centre of gravity control. As speed increases, the ride height control system works in tune with the active aero system to optimise aerodynamic balance. When under hard braking, such as when entering a bend, ride height control minimises variations to prevent instability caused by the weight transfer towards the front. While cornering the system contributes to increasing downforce to maintain the optimal balance. As the car exits the bend, the system contrasts the tendency for the balance to shift towards the rear, maintaining the best possible conditions for traction for all four wheels and stability.
The F80 is powered by a three-litre V6 internal combustion engine and hybrid electric motor system. Together, they produce a total of 1200 hp, making it the most powerful road-going Ferrari ever created. It has a claimed 0-62 mph of just 2.15 seconds and can reach a top speed of 217 mph.
The F80 will be produced in a limited run of just 799 and costs around €3.6 million ($3.9 million). However, it is reported that all have now been allocated to new owners.
This news follows the announcement of the McLaren W1 supercar, which also uses Additive Manufacturing in its suspension system.
