Automakers often patent singular, outlandish technologies to safeguard their ideas. But it’s rare to see a vehicle system described with as many unconventional traits as Ferrari's recent patent application. This isn't just a single far-fetched idea—it's a complex, multi-faceted vision for the future of sports cars.
The patent, officially titled "CAR PROVIDED WITH A HYDROGEN-POWERED INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE," is one of several related documents filed in the EU and US. These patents, all credited to Ferrari's long-time innovator Fabrizio Favaretto, outline an extraordinary sports car concept. Favaretto, who has been with Ferrari for 24 years and is currently the "Vehicle and Powertrain Architectures Innovation Manager," is pushing the boundaries of automotive design.
The proposed vehicle is a hybrid sports car, reminiscent of the Corvette E-Ray in its basic configuration—engine at the rear, electric motor at the front. However, the similarities end there. The electric traction system at the front axle isn't detailed extensively, but the rear-mounted engine and transaxle are the main focus. This layout allows for a short wheelbase, deemed essential by the patent, and facilitates an aggressive diffuser design.
One standout feature of the engine is its forced induction system, described through various methods in the patent. One embodiment uses two centrifugal compressors driven by an electric motor, powered by energy recovered during braking. Although the term "battery" isn't mentioned, it's implied as necessary for energy storage. Another version suggests an MGU-H system, using an exhaust gas turbine to recover energy for the compressors. A final version eschews electric power altogether, using the dual-clutch transmission's shafts to drive mechanical superchargers, with variable speed transmission options.
The engine is designed for serviceability, with oil and coolant pumps driven from the camshafts and accessible at the bottom of the engine. A removable portion of the diffuser serves as an engine cover, facilitating maintenance.
In essence, Ferrari's concept is a supercharged, hydrogen-combustion, inline-six, all-wheel-drive, hybrid sports car—subject to evolution based on Ferrari's continuous innovations.
Interestingly, this patent has sparked debate. Autoguide, a publication that covered the patent, described the technology as "unholy" and "sacrilegious" for Ferrari. Favaretto responded on LinkedIn, defending the radical ideas. He emphasized the need to rethink car design when dealing with hydrogen and noted Ferrari's historical precedent with inline-six engines.
This controversy highlights the skepticism that often accompanies groundbreaking ideas. However, Ferrari, with its advanced manufacturing capabilities and skilled engineers, is well-positioned to turn this vision into reality. The company already produces a six-cylinder hybrid car, and moving towards a hydrogen-powered model might be a way to preserve the essence of Ferrari in an increasingly electric future.
In a world where the roar of a Ferrari might one day fall silent, innovations like this are anything but sacrilegious—they're a testament to Ferrari's commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive engineering.
