26 Jun 07 15:29
Ferrari FXX Millechila
Ferrari has created a concept car called FXX Millechili to show off its new environmentally-friendly technology. The Millechili - styled like a chopped-down Enzo - has panels of cardboard and plastic, and is highly unlikely to preview a production car of the near future, but it does showcase a new hybrid powertrain, lightweight carbonfibre frame construction and aerodynamic enhancements, all of which are expected to make their debut in more conventional production Ferraris of the near future. It also features an adjustable steering wheel and pedal-box, to save weight in constructing the cabin, smaller and lighter ceramic composite brakes and new low rolling-resistance tyres.
The hybrid system simply adds electrical assistance to the petrol engine - theoretically a direct-injection, bioethanol-compatible V8 or even V12 - rather than propelling the car on electric power alone, and works with the sequential-shift gearbox. It is thought that such a system could be used in Ferrari's future F1 cars for saving fuel, in conjunction with brake energy regeneration, which captures energy otherwise lost under deceleration. The active aerodynamic underbody, with synthetic 'jets' to channel airflow under the car to either enhance speed (and fuel consumption) or increase drag to aid braking, is also likely to appear on an F1 racer.
The Millechili is on display this week as part of Ferrari's 60th anniversary celebrations in Maranello.
