Ferrari F70 carbonfibre chassis previews hybrid Enzo successor

The all-new model, dubbed the Ferrari F70 in its development phase, will feature a chassis that shares its materials, design methodologies, construction processes, instruments and staff with the manufacturer’s F1 team, Scuderia Ferrari.

With input from former Ferrari F1 chief designer Rory Byrne – whose cars won more than 70 grands prix, seven constructors’ titles and six drivers’ titles – Ferrari says the tub of the limited-production hybrid hypercar will use racing technology rather than the conventional industrial carbonfibre manufacturing techniques that are normally used by the automotive industry.

The Enzo successor’s chassis features four different types of carbonfibre. It is hand-laminated before being cured in autoclaves.

The main structure is made from T800 carbon, while T800UD unidirectional carbonfibre tape is used for reinforcement. The structural underbody and cross-member are made from a high-tensile carbon known as M46J, while areas like the doors feature the very strong T1000 – the same composite used for the nose cones of F1 cars – for enhanced impact absorption.

Carbonfibre is combined with Kevlar for the undertray to prevent damage from debris flicked up from the road.

The carbonfibre chassis is the second piece of the F70 puzzle revealed by Ferrari, which uncovered an equally F1-inspired hybrid powertrain at the 2012 Beijing motor show in April. The HY-KERS system comprises a V12 engine, a dual-clutch transmission and two electric motors.

Ferrari says HY-KERS will allow it to reduce emissions by up to 40 per cent compared with a non-hybrid powertrain of equal output.

The Ferrari F70 is set to launch in 2013, around the same time as its hybrid hypercar rivals, the McLaren P1 and Porsche 918.