Manufacturers of performance cars face the crux of the energy transition. From Ferrari, Lamborghini and Maserati new hi-tech models competing with Porsche and McLaren
by Giulia Paganoni
Ferrari Portofino M with 620 horsepower V8
Manufacturers of performance cars face the crux of the energy transition. From Ferrari, Lamborghini and Maserati new hi-tech models competing with Porsche and McLaren
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The world of super sports cars still speaks a lot of Italian even in this era of technological transition where even hypercars become hybrid or electric: from Ferrari to Lamborghini to pass for Maserati. But the rivals are top notch, like McLaren and Porsche.
All brands known for the dynamic qualities of their models, for the sound of the engines and, why not, also for the history that distinguishes them. Despite this roaring DNA, they are currently moving in the direction of electrification. A choice that unites all the brands and that keeps them in step with the times in terms of research and development, as well as the technologies used. It is certain that building a high-performance and sporty vehicle has great difficulties: if on the one hand the electric has great advantages (delivery of a lot of torque from zero rpm, high power) on the other, the batteries are heavy (weight / power ratio) and it is still the untying of the recharge node since by asking for performance, consumption also increases. But the important thing is that it is not these latter factors that intimidate the technicians; rather. They are ideas for being able to improve. The Prancing Horse technicians are pursuing a strategy capable of combining the typical performance of the brand with the new technological trends that are affecting the automotive sector: primarily electrification. It was from this premise that the SF90 Stradale was born at the end of 2019, the first production Phev hybrid car (Plug-in hybrid) that inaugurates a new era of the Maranello brand. It is an extreme car in all respects and offers levels of performance never before seen on a production car: an output of 1000 hp, a weight / power ratio of 1.57 kg / hp and 390 kg of downforce at 250 km / h. If the SF90 was one of the great Ferrari innovations of recent months, 2020 will be remembered for Roma, a brand new grand touring coupe with which Maranello aims to snatch customers from other brands thanks to hi-tech style and under the V8 front hood. 620 hp and eight-speed gearbox. An engine that also drives the brand new Portofino M.
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Lamborghini Hybrid 819 hp Sián Roadster
Lamborghini is racing in the direction of electrification with the 819 hp hybrid hypercar named Sián Roadster (a name that in Bolognese dialect means “lightning” or “lightning”). It combines open-air driving with reference performance thanks to the V12 engine with hybrid technology guaranteed by supercapacitors produced in only 19 units, all already sold, it is also able to move exclusively in electric thanks to the 48 volt electric motor that generates 34 horses it supports low-speed maneuvers, such as reversing and parking, using electricity.
Energy storage technology is a world first. Instead of adopting a lithium-ion battery, the Sián Roadster, like the Coupé version, innovates the application of the supercapacitor, capable of storing an amount of energy ten times higher than that of a lithium-ion battery.
Meserati also enters a new Era, which has just presented the MC20, a rear mid-engine supercar now equipped with an in-line V6 engine but will also soon be available in a 100% electric version.