Ferrari has recently filed a series of patents detailing an extraordinary vision for a hybrid sports car powered by a hydrogen-fueled internal combustion engine—positioned upside down, no less.Ferrari’s bold patent applications, spearheaded by Fabrizio Favaretto, the innovative mind behind the designs, outline a hybrid sports car configuration reminiscent of the Corvette E-Ray.
While the front-mounted electric motor echoes conventional setups, the rear-mounted, upside-down hydrogen-powered inline-six engine is the standout feature. This unique setup includes four high-pressure hydrogen tanks positioned around the engine, each capable of withstanding over 10,000 psi.
Central to Ferrari’s radical design is the utilization of hydrogen gas as a fuel source, housed within a unique configuration of tanks surrounding the engine. The engine’s inverted placement allows for strategic positioning of critical components, facilitating the integration of an aggressive diffuser essential for optimal performance.
The patent delves into the complexities of forced induction systems, showcasing various methods including electrically driven compressors, energy recovery mechanisms, and even mechanical superchargers linked directly to the transmission. This intricate setup aims to enhance power delivery and efficiency, pushing the boundaries of conventional automotive design.
Another news source, Autoguide, was critical of Ferrari’s patent, calling the technology “unholy” and “sacrilege” for a prestigious brand like Ferrari to explore. Interestingly, Fabrizio Favaretto, the designer behind the patents, responded on LinkedIn after an associate shared the article, defending the innovative ideas.
“In our continuous search for innovative powertrain solutions, we have looked at every element through the lens of performance and sustainability,” explains Fabrizio Favaretto, Vehicle and Powertrain Architectures Innovation Manager at Ferrari. Favaretto, a veteran with over two decades at Ferrari, oversees the development of novel vehicle and powertrain architectures.
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Concerns regarding serviceability and oiling in an upside-down engine are meticulously addressed within the patent. Ferrari’s solution involves innovative oiling systems driven by camshafts, ensuring accessibility to critical engine components while maintaining operational efficiency.
The engine, intended to be positioned in the middle of the car, is designed to be essentially ‘upside-down’—meaning the crankshaft would be at the top and the cylinder heads at the bottom. According to Motor1, this unconventional setup would enable the transaxle gearbox to sit higher up, making space for a significantly more aggressive rear diffuser while maintaining a shorter wheelbase for the car.
Despite skepticism from some quarters of the automotive community, Favaretto remains steadfast in defending Ferrari’s trailblazing ideas. He emphasizes the transformative potential of hydrogen technology, underlining Ferrari’s capability to pioneer unconventional designs backed by decades of engineering prowess.
While the feasibility of Ferrari’s complete vision remains uncertain, industry experts speculate that certain elements—such as the innovative transmission and supercharger integration—could potentially materialize in future Ferrari models. The ambitious inverted engine concept, albeit challenging, signifies Ferrari’s unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive engineering.
