Ferrari at the 2008 Detroit North American International Auto Show
Ferrari has chosen Detroit as the venue for the presentation at a biofuel-powered F430 Spider in recognition of growing interest in North America in alternative sources of energy. The development of an engine powered by the biofuel E85 comes as part of a research and development program announced during the Technological Innovation Conference held at Maranello last June as part of our 60th Anniversary Celebrations. On that particular occasion, Ferrari also unveiled projects focused on improving the energy of the whole car which would in turn lower fuel consumption and emissions levels. The ultimate aim being, of course, to cut the latter by 40% by 2012.
By developing this technological demonstration prototype, Ferrari has proved category that it can offer the technological solutions demanded by the market demands without impinging on the distinctly sporty, high performance character and supreme driving pleasure of the unique cars it builds at Maranello.
In the case of the F430 Spider Biofuel, certain modifications were made to the fuel feed system and most importantly to the engine CPU to allow the engine use E85. Developing the CPU, two fuels (Flex Fuel) can be used by the engine with the same compression ratio. All of the other technical characteristics have remained unchanged with respect to a standard production engine, however. The use of this type of biofuel and the modifications made have resulted in a significant increase in maximum power output (+ 10 hp at the same rpm) and torque (+ 4%) yet overall weight was unchanged. The advantages to the environment translate too into a 5% drop in CO2 emissions.
FXX Program extended The innovative FXX Program based on the eponymous prototype launched by Ferrari in June 2005 has been extended to 2008/2009. The FXX was the showcase for the most advanced technologies ever developed at Maranello and has been updated with an Evolution package that further improves its handling and performance. The package itself was developed as a result of Ferrari's collaboration with the FXX owners, the Client Test Drivers, plus some invaluable input from none other than Michael Schumacher. The updated FXXs all boast a new livery and modified rear wing profiles. The FXX Evolution package includes participation in a series of track events which Ferrari is organizing on several international class circuits around the world in 2008/2009. There will be six events each year (two in North America, two in Europe and two in Asia) in addition to appearances at the now-traditional Ferrari World Finals which mark the close of each competitive season. The North American track events scheduled for this year take place at Mont Tremblant (Canada) and Laguna Seca (California), on the weekends of July 20th and August 10th respectively.
