Ferrari patents an advanced rear-wheel steering system

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Ferrari has used rear-wheel steering on some of its recent models to improve handling, but a recent patent filing indicates a more advanced system may be in the works.

In a patent application filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) on February 11, 2021, and published on April 18, 2023, Ferrari discusses linking rear-wheel steer to stiffness. of the chassis, adjusting both “in a simultaneous and coordinated manner”. “when taking a curve.

Patent image of Ferrari’s rear wheel steering system

Existing rear-wheel steer systems, such as the Virtual Short Wheelbase system introduced on the ferrari f12 In 2015, the rear wheels are generally turned in the same direction as the front wheels during high-speed cornering. This counteracts the centrifugal force that pushes the car to the outside of the turn, prevents the rear wheels from slipping and helps the driver maintain proper line, Ferrari says in the filing.

Ferrari proposes to use a control unit and electronic actuators on all four wheels to adjust the firmness of the springs and dampers (for cars with passive or magnetic dampers), and another electronic or hydraulic actuator to adjust the angle of the rear steering, according to sensor readings in real time to keep the car on the ideal line. Ferrari describes the system for front-engined cars such as the 812 range, Portofino, Roma and the new Purosangue SUV.

The amount of adjustment for each could vary, Ferrari noted. For example, in medium-speed corners with low lateral acceleration, rear-wheel steering can do most of the work, with the dampers only adjusting as a secondary means.

Patent image of Ferrari’s rear wheel steering system

Near the limit of stability at high speeds, a greater effect can be achieved by lowering the car’s center of gravity by changing the rigidity of the connection of all four wheels to the frame. The amount of steer angle to the rear wheels can change between these two extremes.

Patents don’t guarantee production intent, but a system like this could give Ferrari engineers a way to further refine the handling of Maranello’s sports cars. It also seems a bit more plausible than the gas propulsion system Ferrari also tried to patent it recently. This would use jet-like thrusters to help accelerate, or potentially even stabilize a vehicle in uncontrollable slides or turns, but the need to store high-pressure compressed air on board to power the thrusters could be a problem.