Deployable support feet can raise the car off the ground, making it easier to change wheels and tires without risking damage to the bodywork.
In a new patent filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, CarBuzz has learned that Ferrari is developing a system that will allow future roadgoing supercars to lift themselves off the ground with a built-in jack system on each corner. The invention draws direct inspiration from motorsport, where numerous racecars, particularly in series using vehicles based on production cars, are equipped with a pneumatic jack system featuring an individual stand on each wheel.
In motorsport, these systems use pressurized air to lift the car and release it relatively abruptly to drop the vehicle again, trading smoothness and comfort for speed and efficiency. In addition, racecars shed hundreds of pounds to get race-ready, so adding a little extra weight to gain some time during a pitstop is worthwhile.
Such a system is obviously impractical for road cars, but Ferrari says that its existing suspension systems already have most of the necessary componentry.
Ferrari's filing specifically says the invention “is relatively simple and cost-effective to manufacture since the suspensions having a variable geometry and the corresponding actuator devices are already present […] and thus it is necessary to add only the support feet.” The innovative Multimatic suspension developed for the Ferrari Purosangue springs to mind, but the jack stands could be integrated into other height-adjustable suspension systems too.
Ferrari has also made provision for moveable wheel arches. On a racecar, the suspension is super stiff, and the arches are designed to deal with sudden rapid wheel articulation from running over curbs. On road cars, there are far more things to consider than just outright speed, and dropping the car suddenly would cause damage. Sudden drops or damage from wheel removal seem unlikely, but Ferrari appears to be erring on the side of caution. Considering how things are going in F1, we'd build a failsafe into new electronic systems too.
The patent also mentions that a sensor (with a moveable flap to prevent damage from road rash, dust, and water) would be fitted under the car to ensure the lift system deploys safely.
Interestingly, Ferrari – without mentioning what it is working on – says that this idea came from the desire to develop a more comfortable means of ingress and egress, which may result in a new style of door and hinge that make it “possible to obtain excellent accessibility to the passenger compartment.”
That being said, the manufacturer is aware of numerous other advantages. For example, it notes that changing wheels and tires is easier, particularly when its cars are being used as intended – on the track.
For wealthy collector types whose garages are too large to have every car driven regularly, the patent also mentions that this system could be used to maintain the shape of tires. Storing the vehicle off its expensive rubber and maintaining that round shape may seem frivolous for the extremely rich. Still, it would be nice to walk to any car in your collection and know it is ready for the road at any time.
Based on the wording of this patent and its numerous advantages, we'd put money on this tech reaching the market with minimal changes, if any, and soon.
Keyword: Racing-Style Airjacks Coming To Ferrari Road Cars