Ferrari FF makes Malaysian debut
Naza Italia today announced the arrival of the Ferrari FF, Maranello’s new flagship replacing the 612 Scaglietti. Its looks have invited question, but this car is a technological tour-de-force, featuring Ferrari’s first ever attempt at all-wheel drive technology.
Indeed, Ferrari’s take on the technology is as unique as you would expect. Under normal circumstances, the drivetrain sends power only to the rear. A unique setup patented by Ferrari, a second two-ratio gearbox sits in front of the engine to channel power (maximum 20%) to the front wheels. It is important to note that the transmissions of the front and rear wheels operate independently, and are not connected by a centre differential.
The mechatronics involved in such a setup are likely to be mind-boggling, but its mechanical principles are simple and benefits plenty, chief amongst them being weight. The FF’s 4RM all-wheel drive system is 50% lighter than typical AWD units with centre differentials and lengthy driveshafts. In the FF, the driver only operates the rear-mounted 7-speed dual-clutcher, with the front transmission only coming into play when the vehicle’s electronics decide that it is time for it to do so.
If called to action, which of the front transmission’s two gears are selected are dependent on which ratio the main 7-speeder is in at the moment. If the main transmission is in 1st or 2nd gear, the front transmission will run on 1st, and if the main transmission is in 3rd or 4th, the front will operate its 2nd. The front transmission does not engage if the main transmission is at a gear higher than 4th. A set of electronically controlled wet clutches join the engine to the front transmission, and allow for continuous slip due to difference in ratios between the front and rear transmissions.
Sitting just aft of the front axle is a 65 degree V12 unit displacing 6,262cc. Its short stroke configuration gives it naturally high-revving tendencies as this engine will entertain your indulgence of its melodies all the way to 8,000rpm, where its 651 Italian-bred ponies are liberated. Max torque of 683Nm is twisted out at 6,000rpm. Systems that keep the engine’s outputs in check include a rear-mounted electronic differential (E-Diff), and Ferrari’s track-developed F1-Trac traction control system.
Priced at RM2.8 million before options and on the road costs, the Ferrari FF joins the 458 Italia, California and 599 GTB Fiorano in Ferrari’s Malaysia line-up. A left-hand drive display unit of the FF is currently parked at Naza Italia’s showroom in Petaling Jaya, where it will remain until the end of this week.
Pictures: Official Ferrari release.
Editor’s Note: The link below takes you to an article featured in Edmund’s Inside Line describing the FF’s 4RM AWD system in greater detail.
