Ferrari, renowned for its cutting-edge technology, continues to push the boundaries of aerodynamics with its latest patent filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, as discovered by the media.
This patent introduces a novel rear spoiler design that merges the high-downforce capabilities of a wing with the low-drag efficiency of a sleek body, essentially combining the functionalities of spoilers and wings into a single integrated system.
In contrast to previous designs, such as the removable wing seen on the Ferrari KC23 one-off supercar, this new concept eliminates the need for a separate wing altogether. The design principle operates akin to the S-duct system found in the 488 Pista, albeit in reverse.
Airflow travels over the roof, down the engine cover, and exits the bodywork through the top of the rear fascia. A crucial component of this design is a cross member positioned above the recessed airflow path, which stabilizes the airflow.
At the heart of the system are two stacked blades situated just ahead of the cross member. In the high-downforce configuration, these blades are positioned perpendicular to the wing’s cross member, effectively closing the airflow path and disrupting its flow, thus generating high-pressure downforce.
Conversely, when the blades align parallel to the cross member, airflow is smoothed, reducing drag and enhancing overall efficiency.
The mechanism operates via a pulley system that synchronizes the movement of both blades. This ensures minimal energy consumption during actuation, with wind resistance facilitating further blade movement once initiated.
While the patent images feature a Ferrari SF90, the design is adaptable to various Ferrari models, offering potential applications for both front and rear aerodynamic elements.
With Ferrari poised to reveal three new models in 2024, speculation arises regarding the incorporation of this innovative technology. Notably, this development heralds a potential return to a cleaner, more streamlined design ethos, departing from the ostentatious styling cues seen in previous iterations, such as the SF90 XX twins.
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