F80: Ferrari’s Latest Supercar

CHASSIS AND BODYSHELL

CHASSIS

The tub and other elements of the chassis of the F80 were developed using a multi-material approach, where the best-suited material for the task is used for each zone. The cell and roof are made of carbon fibre and other composites, while the front and rear subframes are made of aluminium and are fastened to the tub with titanium screws. At the rear, there is an additional aluminium subframe attached to the central rear subframe with screws for carrying the battery.

The subframes are made up of closed-end extrusions connected by cast elements. The tub features hollow sills in carbon fibre, serving as the main load-bearing element. The roof is made of carbon fibre, fabricated and then cured in a single session in the autoclave. Both areas use dual tubular bladders, an innovative production method derived from Formula 1. The tub and roof use internal carbon fibre and Rohacell/Nomex sandwich panels as load-bearing structures.

As on the LaFerrari, the sills act as side impact absorbers. The asymmetric layout of the cabin allowed each side of the tub to be optimised separately: the driver side has an adjustable seat with a generous range of positions, ensuring driving comfort and safety in the event of a side-on impact. This necessitated a more significant number of structural panels on the floor and longer impact absorbers on the driver side than the passenger side, where a fixed seat is used to save weight while still ensuring uncompromised safety for both occupants.

The front aluminium impact-absorbing longerons also contribute to heat management, as their hollow interiors are used as cooling air ducts for the brake system. Ferrari co-developed a new casting solution that has reduced the minimum wall thickness limit previously applicable for these castings (2.0 mm) by 23%. Together, these solutions have brought a weight saving of 5% while increasing torsional and beam stiffness by 50% concerning the LaFerrari. NVH has also been significantly improved to offer the most comfortable driving experience possible.

BODYSHELL

The bodyshell of the F80 is entirely new and is fabricated from pre-preg carbon fibre and cured in the autoclave using technology derived from Formula 1 and other motorsports. The front bonnet features an S-duct with a fixed element connecting the two front wings.

As on the LaFerrari, Butterfly doors have a dual axis of rotation hinge mechanism, allowing them to open vertically to an angle of almost 90°. The substructure of the doors, a structural element also tasked with absorbing dynamic loads in the event of a lateral impact, is constructed from unique high-performance carbon fibre.

The rear engine cover, which echoes the styling cues of the door from the side view, includes six slots venting hot air from the V6 engine and a grille which also vents air.




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