Delphi Technology on The New Ferrari 458 Italia

Climate control, electrical/electronic architecture and innovative suspension onboard new vehicle

FRANKFURT, Germany — Fitting its long history of developing high-performance products for high-end luxury vehicles and sports cars, Delphi Corp. will supply key technologies to the new Ferrari 458 Italia including optimized air conditioning, advanced wiring systems and innovative suspension that contribute to the vehicle’s lighter weight and lower emissions.

“Reducing overall vehicle weight goes a long way in terms of reducing carbon dioxide emissions. For this reason, weight reduction has taken on an even greater role with automakers including such luxury brands as Ferrari,” said Ron Pirtle, president, Powertrain Systems and president, Delphi Europe, Middle East and Africa. “Both Delphi’s air conditioning and electrical/electronic architecture systems help enable weight reduction. This helps lower emissions and fuel consumption while still maintaining the luxury performance for which Ferrari is known.”

Optimized air conditioning meets high-performance needs

Delphi worked closely with Ferrari engineers to develop a complete air conditioning system for the 458 Italia that provided not only top-notch passenger comfort but was also lightweight.

The 458 Italia’s new Delphi heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) includes an innovative dual-zone heating, ventilation and air conditioning system specifically designed to optimize weight, packaging and user interface. The system also includes Delphi’s latest generation compact variable compressor, which features an energy-saving seven piston continuously variable mechanism allied to the A/C system’s control software, which allows for optimized fuel efficiency and engine power availability.

In the end, Delphi’s HVAC system for the Ferrari 458 Italia is 36 percent lighter than its predecessor but still allows for a 15 percent increase in cooling power. For drivers, this means less fuel consumed without sacrificing the basic cabin comforts.

Delphi has been supplying climate control technology to Ferrari since 1992.

Reduced CO2 emissions with advanced Halogen-Free Ultra-Thin-Wall Cable from Delphi

Delphi also continues its long-standing relationship as a premier electrical/electronic architecture supplier to Ferrari on the 458 Italia. Since the early 1990s, Delphi has worked with Ferrari co-developing and co-designing E/E systems and components to meet Ferrari’s very high performance and quality demands. The 458 Italia features wiring harnesses with Delphi’s Halogen-Free Ultra-Thin-Wall Cable, a highly durable automotive cable with significantly lighter and thinner insulation than traditional cable. A recyclable and environmentally-friendly product free of dangerous halogens, it offers pinch resistance nearly double that of traditional cable, and outstanding abrasion resistance. The use of this advanced cable also leads to cable size and weight reduction which, in turn, cuts down on the amount of CO2 emissions the vehicle produces. The insulation on Delphi’s Halogen-Free Ultra-Thin-Wall Cable is half as thick as conventional coatings—0.2 mm versus 0.4 mm — or about as thick as two sheets of paper, reducing weight by up to 27 percent and volume by up to 47 percent as compared to thin-wall cable.

Improved suspension response with MagneRide™

The new 458 Italia will be equipped with the latest version of Delphi’s MagneRide™ advanced suspension control system. The system has been updated to respond even faster to road conditions improving Ferrari’s already top-notch ride and handling performance. “Delphi’s new electronic control unit (ECU) coupled with updated software help make an already highly responsive system even better,” said Doug Carson, Delphi engineering director, suspensions. “We believe MagneRide continues to be the fastest, most powerful controlled suspension system on the market.”

MagneRide virtually eliminates the traditional need for a ride/handling compromise. Using patented shock absorbers filled with a proprietary controllable magneto-rheological fluid, the system offers increased damping tuning capability and speed of response over valve-based controlled suspension systems. This means better transient handling — both for turn-in and yaw stability — and superior road isolation that will result in increased driver comfort. Drivers will also experience a more precise steering feel and control of the vehicle even at top speeds. For the new 458 Italia, Delphi and Ferrari engineers worked together to develop a system that achieves the highest possible performance.

“This partnership raises the bar on vehicle suspension technology and resulted in creating a MagneRide vehicle unlike any other,” said Carson.