Transmission: E-Diff and F1-Trac
The integrated E-Diff in the gearchange is undoubtedly the most signifi cant feature in making the 430 Scuderia drive like a racing car. This device has been used for many years in Formula 1, where it is also integrated into the vehicle's stability control systems. After the F430, the 430 Scuderia is the fi rst on-the-road car with outstanding performances to have an electronically-controlled differential unit. The torque is intelligently distributed to the wheels via the hydraulic implementation of a stack of clutch discs and their relative reaction discs. This occurs in direct relation to the driving conditions (accelerator pedal, steering angle, change of direction speed, difference in wheel speed), by transferring the power across the axle according to driving conditions to maintain performance, directional stability, active safety and driving pleasure. Fully integrated with the car’s other systems (Engine, F1 Gear Change, CST, ABS, electronic suspension system and F1- Trac), the E-Diff allows the set-up to be varied according to the driver's demands and road conditions and is regulated by the manettino on the steering wheel.
Like the E-Diff, F1-Trac traction control system is directly derived from experience gained with F1 cars. The system also allows a less expert driver to take the vehicle "to its limits" in terms of cornering, safety and stability. Introduced for the fi rst time on road vehicles with the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano, it is faster and more precise than a traditional control system and allows constant modulation of the engine torque to ensure that the desired trajectory is maintained. The system is capable of estimating the maximum levels of traction availabile by continually monitoring the relative speed of the wheels and through a self-adapting system function logic. By making a comparison with a model of the vehicle's dynamics, stored in the control system, F1-Trac optimizes the delivery of engine torque to ensure to maximum effectiveness of how the power is transmitted to the wheels.
This system guarantees:
- maximum propulsion when coming out of curves;
- stability and ease in driving even in extreme driving conditions; - consistency in performance;
- driving comfort.
The result of this E-Diff and F1-Trac combination, compared to a traditional traction and stability control system, is shown by a 40% increase in acceleration when exiting corners. The greater potential provided by the F1- Trac can be best exploited when driving in racetrack conditions with excellent road-holding (RACE), achieving:
- near - professional driving performances even from less expert drivers (40% increased acceleration, coming out of bends);
- intervention comfort (reductions of vibrations or oscillations).
The F1- Trac potential can also be exploited on high and average roadholding surfaces, achieving:
- increased performance compared to traditional control systems (acceleration coming out of bends- up 20%);
- greater comfort and intervention safety (15% reduction in system's vibrations).