The Gentleman Magazine Issue 2 | April/May 2017 | Page 23

POWERTRAIN
The LaFerrari Aperta ’ s powertrain , which is the same as the LaFerrari ’ s , uses hybrid technology . It couples an 800 cv 6262cc V12 with a 120 kW ( 163 cv ) electric motor for a total output of 963 cv . Thanks to the HY-KERS system , it is the most high-performance and efficient Ferrari ever built .
Making full use of Ferrari ’ s F1 expertise with KERS systems further evolved for use on road cars , the V12 is perfectly integrated with the electric motor , seamlessly blending the advantages of both . The high levels of torque available at low revs from the electric motor allowed the engineers to optimise the internal combustion engine ’ s performance at higher revs , thus providing exceptional , continuous power throughout the rev range and a maximum torque peak of 900 Nm .
Coupled with the F1 DCT , the electric motor was designed employing High Specific Power Density technology which enabled the engineers to drastically reduce weight and volume in relation to available torque . The result is performance figures comparable to those of the F1 car , with the same torque density and the same efficiency ( 94 %) or , in other words , very limited power dissipation .
The batteries consist of 120 cells assembled into eight modules , with a power output that ’ s the equivalent of 40 traditional batteries but weighing just 60 kg . The batteries are charged in two different ways : under braking – even hard braking when the ABS intervenes , such as when driving on a track – and every time the V12 produces more torque than required , such as in cornering . The Hybrid Power Unit is essentially the HY-KERS system brain and controls power delivery from both the V12 and the electric motor via two inverters and two DC-DC converters . Variable-frequency control makes torque delivery rapid and precise .
An auxiliary engine also replaces the traditional alternator , shaving off further weight and reducing overall package dimensions .
V12 ENGINE
The 6,262 cc V12 is the most powerful naturally-aspirated engine ever sported by a road-going Ferrari . It punches out 800 cv and spins to 9,250 rpm , to deliver absolutely extraordinary performance , driving thrills and an unmistakable Ferrari sound . These unprecedented results are the product of meticulous honing of the engine ’ s volumetric , mechanical and combustion efficiency .
To boost volumetric efficiency , the V12 employs continuously variable-length intakes – a mainstay in F1 engine technology until banned by rule changes – which optimise performance as a function of engine speed . Similarly , the torque and power curves are optimised across the rev range . The hybrid powertrain generates total torque in excess of 900 Nm : the instantaneous torque from the electric motor is employed at lower revs and V12 engine power and torque is optimised at higher revs . The V12 ’ s peak torque of 700 Nm is , in fact , developed at 6,750 rpm .
Additionally , the entire intake system – from the dynamic air intakes on the top of the rear wheelarches to the intake plenum – was designed to maximise internal fluid-dynamics . The engine also boasts a very high 13.5:1 compression ratio for maximum combustion chamber efficiency .
The engine ’ s soundtrack plays a huge role in its emotional impact : meticulous tuning has resulted in a full , harmonious sound that ’ s more intoxicating than ever . The equal-length 6-into-1 exhaust system was hydroformed using Inconel as in F1 to help keep overall weight down with the additional
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