A recent patent filing has revealed that Ferrari is contemplating the introduction of superchargers in its future vehicles. Traditionally, Ferrari has leaned towards turbocharging for forced induction, with only a few early race cars employing superchargers. However, a patent application disclosed by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) on February 29 (initially filed on August 24, 2023), suggests a shift in interest towards supercharging.
The patent outlines Ferrari’s interest in supercharging primarily due to the advantages it offers in terms of packaging. The document points out that turbocharged engines, which are prevalent in Ferrari’s current road car lineup, necessitate the adjacent placement of intake and exhaust ducts. This configuration can lead to less efficient airflow due to the complex plumbing required. Additionally, Ferrari acknowledges that although turbos can be electrically driven to mitigate some issues, this solution introduces extra weight.
In contrast, the patent application highlights the benefits of supercharging, noting it does not suffer from these complications. Ferrari proposes a novel approach by suggesting the supercharger be driven by a planetary gearset connected to the driveshaft, rather than the conventional belt and pulley system. This method would offer engineers more flexibility in design and integration.
The document further speculates the possibility of integrating the supercharged engine into a hybrid powertrain. It describes a potential all-wheel-drive system where the supercharged engine powers the rear wheels, while an electric motor drives the front wheels.
As Ferrari continues to update its vehicle lineup, it remains to be seen whether the supercharged engines will make their debut in any of the forthcoming models. Speculation surrounds the next iterations of the Ferrari SF90 plug-in hybrid and the successor to the 812 Superfast, both spotted during testing phases. It is yet to be confirmed if these models will incorporate the supercharged technology or any form of electrification as suggested by the patent filing.
