Ferrari 458 Italia aerodynamics & styling
- By Passione Rossa
- Published 07/6/2011
- Business
- Unrated
The 458 Italia is the result of a combination of functionality and
style aimed at guaranteeing optimal performance and driving experience.
The development of the car started from the usage of CFD (Computer
Fluid Dynamic) techniques to optimize the internal and external flows
interaction and management. Experimental testing as well as work on the
rolling belt in the wind tunnel played also a crucial part in the early
development of the vehicle. Numerous tests and configurations were
conducted before leading to the actual structure.
The engine is cooled by using large trapezoidal radiators which maximize efficiency in terms of space. The radiators inclination also reduces the impact of the Cd, whilst down force (CI) generation is guaranteed by the different amount of airflow through the vents on the wings. The radiators position cooling the dual clutch F1 gearbox was chosen for aerodynamic and packaging reasons. The hot air from the radiators generates the Base Bleed Effect, that was patented by Ferrari during the FXX development and that allows venting into the vehicle’s low pressure trail below the molder. The process works on the principle of transferring energy from a high to a lower pressure area and cuts drag. Air flows from the vents on the front wings have been designed to avoid a negative aerodynamic effect on the air flow to the engine air intake. The air intakes for engine b
ay cooling have been positioned on the
aerodynamic underbody to respond to three main aerodynamics
requirements. First, this position allows to keep the side of the car
smooth, with benefits to the overall 458 Italia efficiency as well as
improving the rear diffuser functioning. Second, it allows to exploit
NACA, a system developed with the F430 GT2 and consisting of ducts
specifically positioned on the underbody to enhance the rear diffuser
functioning. Lastly, having the air intakes for engine bay cooling on
the aerodynamic underbody optimizes the usage of the natural high field
in front of the rear wheels for maximum air flow, with a consequential
drag reduction.
Separate air flows must be managed in order to generate the front down force needed. The front dam causes a localized and controlled separation of the flow which consequently increases down force over the front axle without compromising the functionality of the remaining underbody. The aero-elastic winglets on the front bumper are outlined to ensure uniform air channeling to the radiators, whilst simultaneously generating down force.
As every Ferrari, the 458 Italia has a unique design approach and technology innovations to achieve indisputable performance and driving experience. Inquiry about the Ferrari 458 Italia and current inventory at Ferrari Beverly Hills.
The engine is cooled by using large trapezoidal radiators which maximize efficiency in terms of space. The radiators inclination also reduces the impact of the Cd, whilst down force (CI) generation is guaranteed by the different amount of airflow through the vents on the wings. The radiators position cooling the dual clutch F1 gearbox was chosen for aerodynamic and packaging reasons. The hot air from the radiators generates the Base Bleed Effect, that was patented by Ferrari during the FXX development and that allows venting into the vehicle’s low pressure trail below the molder. The process works on the principle of transferring energy from a high to a lower pressure area and cuts drag. Air flows from the vents on the front wings have been designed to avoid a negative aerodynamic effect on the air flow to the engine air intake. The air intakes for engine b
Separate air flows must be managed in order to generate the front down force needed. The front dam causes a localized and controlled separation of the flow which consequently increases down force over the front axle without compromising the functionality of the remaining underbody. The aero-elastic winglets on the front bumper are outlined to ensure uniform air channeling to the radiators, whilst simultaneously generating down force.
As every Ferrari, the 458 Italia has a unique design approach and technology innovations to achieve indisputable performance and driving experience. Inquiry about the Ferrari 458 Italia and current inventory at Ferrari Beverly Hills.
