The 499P Modificata represents a brand new form of project for Ferrari: a track-only model developed directly from a racing automobile reasonably than a production model, but without the restrictions imposed by technical regulations.
Design
The design of the 499P Modificata was defined in collaboration with the Ferrari Styling Centre directed by Flavio Manzoni. The automobile flaunts its technical and aerodynamic qualities through easy, sinuous forms in an explicit expression of its Ferrari DNA.
The flat upper surface of the flanks is sculpted to harmoniously give form to the side pods and wheelarches. The latter are characterised by large openings, with the aim of reducing pressure contained in the wheel housings. The headlights lend the front end character and an expressive quality, their design closely evoking the styling cues that make the automobile immediately recognisable as a Ferrari.
A light-weight carbon-fibre skin wraps across the powertrain, leaving wheels and suspension completely exposed.
The tail is characterised by a horizontal double wing, with the upper profile fastidiously designed to provide the required downforce.
The lower wing also houses a light-weight bar that lends the design of the rear end a decisive, minimalist character. A multiple air intake for the V6 engine and for cooling the battery and gearbox dominates the automobile’s roof.
Differences with the 499P
While the 499P Modificata relies on the 499P, not having to comply with FIA WEC sporting and technical parameters has allowed Ferrari’s engineering team to introduce various significant modifications that enhance driving thrills and make the automobile’s performance more accessible.
The foremost technical modifications include the electrical axle and four-wheel drive that might be activated even at low speeds; the “Push to Pass” function, which offers drivers the choice of an additional 120 kW of power; specific tyres developed by Pirelli, and a whole recalibration of the suspension set-up, electronic controllers and engine mappings.
The 499P Modificata retains the cockpit, with its single-seater layout, and ergonomics of the 499P, providing clients with the exact same driving experience because the crews who drove the racing cars #50 and #51 that took the win, Hyperpole and fastest lap within the race on the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Its obvious derivation from the 499P makes the 499P Modificata the highest-performance closed-wheel automobile that Ferrari has ever proposed for non-competitive use on the track.
The cars can be fielded in the brand new Sport Prototipi Clienti programme that, from 2024, will run alongside the prevailing F1 Clienti programme. This permits 499P Modificata owners to take part in various events on international tracks yearly, with Ferrari caring for logistics, track-side assistance and maintenance.
Powertrain
The 499P Modificata’s hybrid powertrain combines a mid-rear mounted internal combustion V6 with an electrical motor on the front axle. The system can deliver a maximum power output of 640 kW (870 cv), unhampered because it is by FIA-ACO regulations. The ICE shares the architecture of the ability unit fitted to the 296 GT3 but has been completely revised by Ferrari engineers to develop dedicated solutions and lower the entire weight.
A very distinctive characteristic of the 499P Modificata’s V6 engine is the proven fact that it’s load-bearing, so it performs a beneficial structural function, in comparison with the GT racers where the engine is mounted on a sub-chassis.
The powertrain is provided with a 200 kW (272 cv) electric motor with a differential and an Energy Recovery System (ERS) which recharges the battery during deceleration and braking. The 800 volt battery pack was developed using the corporate’s Formula 1 experience. The ability unit is coupled to a seven-speed sequential gearbox.
Architecture
Sporting an all carbon-fibre monocoque chassis, the 499P Modificata features state-of-the-art solutions comparable to push-rod suspension, and a classy braking system incorporating brake-by-wire that enables the electrical front axle to get well energy during braking.
The mechanical set-up (centrally-mounted shock absorbers and is derived, anti-roll bars) has been specially designed to maximise driving thrills and make sure that the automobile behaves predictably in all conditions. The engine and driveability maps were fine-tuned based on the identical philosophy; specific traction control logic was developed to facilitate torque management on the grip limit, and a dedicated start-assist logic was also introduced.
With respect to the 499P, the 499P Modificata uses specific Pirelli tyres that were developed for predictable handling and to maximise feedback in non-competitive driving, making them quick to warm up and promoting consistent grip levels for multiple laps over sheer peak performance.
Vehicle Dynamics
Not having to comply with the FIA WEC regulations allowed the engineers to introduce latest solutions on the 499P Modificata. The primary regards activating the front axle at low speed (the 499P was limited to speeds above 190 km/h) enabling the driving force to profit from four-wheel drive. This solution offers benefits by way of performance and driveability, making it possible to use the extra grip offered by the front wheels, and to optimise the distribution of torque between the axles. The result’s a automobile that feels much more responsive and precise coming out of turns, making it easier for drivers to seek out the very best racing lines, and provoking confidence in driving to the limit in a automobile that’s able to extraordinary performance.
One other necessary modification made possible by the 499P Modificata’s freedom from specific regulatory constraints is the introduction of the “Push to Pass” system. This lets the driving force profit from 120 kW (163 cv) of power available for a limited time frame throughout the lap along with the nominal 520 kW (707 cv) output, thus achieving a complete maximum power of 640 kW (870 cv). The logic is conceptually just like that introduced in Formula 1 in 2009 with the KERS system.
The driving force can activate the system using a button on the back of the steering wheel; the additional power is barely available when the accelerator is pushed to full throttle and for a duration of not more than 7 seconds per activation. The utmost variety of activations per lap relies on the track type and battery energy balance: the system routinely deactivates below a certain charge threshold after which reactivates when energy recovery has recharged the battery to an appropriate level.
The 499P Modificata is provided with specific tyres – 310/710-18 front and 340/710-18 rear – developed by Pirelli starting with virtual simulations. Based on FIA regulations, the slick design incorporates a dedicated structure and tread compound derived from F1 technology. Development was geared toward emphasising the automobile’s driveability and maximising handling feedback for non-professional drivers, optimising warm up times and reducing performance degradation during long runs. The rain tyre also boasts a brand new tread pattern and compound and was developed to make sure the very best grip in semi-wet and full-wet conditions.
499P Modificata – Technical specifications
CHASSIS AND SUSPENSION
Chassis Carbon-fibre monocoque
Suspension Double wishbones, push-rod
INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE
Type V6 – 120 degree – dry sump
Total displacement 2994 cc
ELECTRIC FRONT AXLE
Maximum power 200 kW (272 cv)
Activation speed Not limited by regulations
POWERTRAIN
Maximum power, ICE and electric axle* 640 kW (870 cv)
TYRES AND WHEELS
Front 310/710-18
Rear 340/710-18
TRANSMISSION AND GEARBOX
7-speed sequential gearbox
ELECTRONIC CONTROLS
Traction control, brake-by-wire system
* With ‘Push to Pass’ system activated
(Source: Ferrari)
This Article First Appeared At www.carbodydesign.com
