Re:Why Ferrari engineers don't like turbos
by flyinglizard on Saturday January 10, 2015 @03:07AM
(#8866287)
There's one significant problem with these hybrid powertrains, and that is weight. Porsche admitted the electric addition to the 918 V8 engine weighs about 300kg, all considered. The 918 is a very heavy car for what it is, at 1700kg, compared to 1380kg for the Carrera GT (it's ancestor, in a way).
The Tesla Model S is also a very heavy car, at 2100kg. However that weight is somewhat offset by its placement, right near the road using a flat floorplan housing all drivetrain components.
While the weight can be cancelled out in a straight line because these hybrid drivetrains can provide monumental straight line performance, the weight is still there for turning and braking.
Turbos go around the weight issue - in fact, they can make for much lighter powertrains with a smaller displacement for a superior performance. The main problem with turbos, in Ferrari's perspective, mostly relates to the altered emotional connection with the car. No more 9k RPM revving motors with a godly sound, but something tamer (like the McLaren MP4-12C). If you ever got to drive a current generation Ferrari motor, you'd understand instantly why they are so adamant on preserving its character.
The Tesla Model S is also a very heavy car, at 2100kg. However that weight is somewhat offset by its placement, right near the road using a flat floorplan housing all drivetrain components.
While the weight can be cancelled out in a straight line because these hybrid drivetrains can provide monumental straight line performance, the weight is still there for turning and braking.
Turbos go around the weight issue - in fact, they can make for much lighter powertrains with a smaller displacement for a superior performance. The main problem with turbos, in Ferrari's perspective, mostly relates to the altered emotional connection with the car. No more 9k RPM revving motors with a godly sound, but something tamer (like the McLaren MP4-12C). If you ever got to drive a current generation Ferrari motor, you'd understand instantly why they are so adamant on preserving its character.