Ferrari explains how the 4WD traction system works

With the Ferrari FF, the Italian brand has broken all the moulds, especially in terms of how a supercar from the brand is seen. Until now they were all coupés, more or less attractive (beauty is in the eye of the beholder), but with a Shooting Brake…

Even so, one of the most daring vehicles in the brand’s history comes with unique technology, such as the new all-wheel drive 4WD system that Ferrari has designed exclusively for this vehicle, making it not only the first vehicle of these characteristics mass-produced by the brand, but also the first to offer drive to all four wheels, something hard to believe until now.

In favour of this traction system, according to Ferrari, we can speak of how, thanks to its 4RM configuration, we are dealing with a system that is 50% lighter than conventional traction systems, which in turn does not affect the ideal weight distribution at all: on the FF 53% of the weight is on the front axle and 47% on the rear.

Thanks to this system, apparently, whenever grip is high, the engine torque is always sent only to the rear wheels, as in any other Ferrari, while in slippery conditions the system automatically sends torque to the front wheels through the so-called “Power Transfer Unit” (PTU).

This novel system, according to Ferrari, would take energy directly from the crankshaft and not from the rear part of the gearbox as usually happens, energy that would be sent to the front wheels through two clutches designed to ensure a more or less gradual and smooth delivery.

Undoubtedly a complicated system that, unless you are a Mechanical Engineer, you will find somewhat difficult to understand. Even so, I will leave you a video made by the Italian brand explaining the real operation of this novel system.

Source | Ferrari