Ferrari aims to avoid scrapes and impacts with tall obstacles through its patented braking system

One of the major problems faced by supercar owners is that they offer a very small ground clearance, or none at all. This is ideal on the track, where aerodynamic performance takes priority and the car needs to be “glued” to the asphalt. On the road, however, during everyday use, this poses a problem.

Roads have many obstacles, some of them created precisely to prevent drivers from exceeding the maximum speed allowed on each stretch. Speed bumps are very common and represent a serious problem for these cars, which have little space between the ground and the underbody. And the presence of diffusers and other aerodynamic elements does not help these supercars move freely.

Ferrari wants to avoid accidents

To prevent these tall obstacles from causing damage, many supercars are fitted with a system that raises the axles, so they can clear speed bumps and other high obstacles without problems. But this is not enough, which is why Ferrari wants to implement an emergency braking system that prevents damage to the vehicle’s bodywork and aerodynamic elements.

This system has been revealed through a patent filed by the brand, which was just presented this month. The emergency brake works using existing technology, which can be found in Ferrari models, but it will be used in an innovative way.

The sensors fitted to the front of the vehicle detect tall obstacles ahead of it and, if they calculate that the obstacle is higher than the car can clear, they emit an audible warning. If the driver does not respond, before reaching the obstacle the vehicle brakes and prevents the front elements from striking it.

The patent also shows that the warning can be sent to the information and entertainment screen or to a mobile device, so the driver is always informed of the obstacle’s presence and can act if necessary. This system could be used together with axle lifting, so drivers of Ferrari supercars will be able to avoid risks and accidents automatically thanks to emergency braking.