Although Ferrari is fully committed to keeping combustion alive for as long as possible and experimenting with novel ideas to achieve that goal, it also recognizes that there is demand for a practical electric Prancing Horse – so long as it feels like a true Ferrari. To that end, the Italian automaker recently filed a pair of patents with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, detailing various means of achieving an engaging shifting feel in future EVs.
Cynics will argue that nothing can ever match the snap shift of a naturally aspirated V12 like the one in the 12Cilindri, but Maranello isn’t shying away from the challenge of replicating such an experience in an electric.
Ferrari
Ferrari is an Italian manufacturer of sports cars, supercars, and luxury grand tourers founded by and named after Enzo Ferrari in 1939 – originally as Auto Avio Costruzioni due to legal complications with Alfa Romeo. Ferrari famously only produced roadgoing sports cars as a means of funding its racing exploits, which include multiple F1 World Championships and wins at Le Mans and various other prestigious races. Today, Ferrari is one of the most valuable brand names in the world, limiting production of its highly-sought-after models to maintain desirability, which is in no short supply when they’re powered by some of the world’s most advanced V6, V8, and V12 engines.
- Founded
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1939 (as Auto Avio Costruzioni)
- Founder
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Enzo Ferrari
- Headquarters
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Maranello, Italy
- Owned By
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Publically Traded
- Current CEO
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Benedetto Vigna
Varied Torque Delivery And Acoustics To Create A Connection
Like the system in the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, the idea of a virtual transmission is that one can mimic the limitations of a combustion engine. These fundamental limitations are what give the powertrain character, and one patent discusses a system that detects the position of an accelerator pedal and the chosen “gear” selected by the driver and then determines how much torque should be applied to the wheels. As the driver selects another virtual gear, Ferrari’s system redefines the torque profile, creating “impulsive and temporary” changes to the delivery.
Basically, Ferrari wants each gear to feel truly unique, just as it would in any traditional Fezza, and we imagine there will be multiple profiles for various drive modes and settings, thus making the experience as rich as possible.
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Another patent discusses a specially designed acoustic system that alters and adjusts the audio feedback given to the occupants depending on a sound emanating directly from a mechanically connected resonance device, thereby aiming to provide the driver with a sound that instantly correlates to what the drivetrain is doing. In combination with a simulated shift, this could provide more acute control when engaged in spirited driving.
If You’re Still Not Convinced, Ferrari Has Other Ideas
Ferrari’s first EV has been spied with what appear to be hub motors, and it patented a version of the in-wheel motor technology a couple of years ago, as well as a clever ESP system that aims to provide tactile feedback. Other ideas include creating genuine sounds through resonance tubes, not speakers, and even a system that turns airflow into sounds that those outside the car can enjoy.
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The Ferrari 296 May Get A Lighter, More Aggressive Variant This Year
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Ferrari’s first EV is expected to be revealed late this year, with a market launch rumored for 2026. We don’t know which technologies Ferrari will choose to incorporate, but if even one of them does what it claims to, Ferrari’s EV will stand out among other electrics – just as the Purosangue stands head and shoulders above all other SUVs. That said, Bentley says its EV will be capable of things nobody else is doing right now, and McLaren’s first SUV could be electric too, so Maranello’s dominance in the EV space cannot be a foregone conclusion.
Patent filings do not guarantee the use of such technology in future vehicles and are often used exclusively as a means of protecting intellectual property. Such a filing cannot be construed as confirmation of production intent.
