Ferrari has just announced the launch of its F80 limited-edition supercar which, once again, sets new standards in performance, technology, and engineering. Among its many groundbreaking features, the F80 is the first Ferrari road supercar to integrate metal 3D printed parts into its final production – a significant moment for the AM automotive industry. The F80 joins the ranks of legendary Ferrari supercars like the GTO, F40, and LaFerrari – embodying the pinnacle of internal combustion engine engineering combined with next-generation hybrid technology.
3D printed suspension components
One of the most notable applications of 3D printing in the F80 is found in its active suspension system. The car features completely independent suspension on all four wheels – actuated by four 48V electric motors and a double wishbone layout. The upper wishbones are produced using metal 3D printing – a first for a Ferrari road car. Recently, McLaren also 3D printed suspension components, and we can expect to see many other supercar brands follow suit.
This approach offers several advantages, including an optimized layout, precise wheel control, reduced unsprung mass, elimination of anti-roll bar, and dedicated camber angle correction.
Benefits of AM
The use of metal 3D printing in the F80 signifies a broader shift toward AM in the automotive industry, especially among high-performance vehicles. Key benefits of the technology include weight reduction – 3D printed components can be lighter than their traditionally manufactured counterparts due to optimized designs that remove unnecessary material without compromising strength; design freedom – engineers can create intricate shapes and internal structures that enhance performance and efficiency; rapid prototyping and production – accelerating the development process, allowing for quicker iterations and time-to-market; and material efficiency – less waste is produced since the material is not machined from a larger block.
A glimpse into the future
The F80’s powertrain and engineering draw heavily from Ferrari’s motorsport endeavors, including Formula 1 and the World Endurance Championship (WEC). The use of technologies like the e-turbo system and the MGU-K motor highlight the synergy between Ferrari’s racing and road car divisions. The inclusion of 3D printed components further bridges this gap, as AM is already prevalent in the development of race cars where performance gains are critical. For more on this, see our article on ‘How Hexagon gives Red Bull Formula One its cutting-edge‘.
As the automotive industry continues to evolve, the adoption of AM by a marque as prestigious as Ferrari signals a significant milestone. The F80 is undoubtedly a harbinger of the technological advancements that will shape the next generation of high-performance vehicles.
