VEHICLE DYNAMICS
The Ferrari 296 GTB’s dynamic development focused around boosting the car’s pure performance, delivering class-leading levels of driver engagement making full use of the new architectural solutions (V6, hybrid powertrain, shorter wheelbase) as well as improving the usability and accessibility not just of the car’s performance, but also the functionalities afforded by the hybrid layout.
The targets were achieved by honing the architecture and keeping all the main vehicle components as compact as possible, as well as managing energy flows and their integration with the car’s vehicle dynamic controls. New components were developed specifically for the Ferrari 296 GTB, not least the Transition Manager Actuator (TMA) and the 6-way Chassis Dynamic Sensor (6w-CDS) – a world first for the automotive sector. There are also new functions, such as the ABS evo controller, which uses the data gathered by the 6w-CDS, and the grip estimation integrated with the EPS.
In Ferrari, the way the car handles and provides feedback to the driver (what internally is referred to as the fun to drive factor) is measured by five different indicators:
1. Lateral: response to steering wheel inputs, the prompt reaction of the rear axle to steering inputs, effortless handling
2. Longitudinal: rapidity and smoothness of the accelerator pedal’s response
3. Gear shifting: shifting times, sensation of coherent progression through the gears with every gear change
4. Braking: brake pedal feel in terms of travel and response (efficiency and modular travel)
5. Sound: level and quality in cabin and progression of engine sound as revs rise.