Delphi is supplying the complete climate control system and MagneRide controlled suspension technology, as well as the electrical/electronic (E/E) system including electrical centers, to Ferrari’s newest luxury vehicle, the 599 GTB Fiorano.

We have already talked about Ferrari’s affiliate companies in the production of the 599 GTB, concerning the aluminium spaceframes by Alcoa.

"A high-performance vehicle demands the latest technology," said Volker Barth, president, Delphi Europe. "Delphi is proud to be supplying Ferrari with some of our most innovative products. Our goal is to help enhance the driving experience for Ferrari drivers. They want a ride-and-handling performance without compromise, and they want to be surrounded in a comfortable environment in the cockpit. Our technologies help contribute toward these characteristics."

Delphi has been supplying climate control technology to Ferrari since 1992, and is responsible for the climate control systems on all of Ferrari’s current model programs.

To meet the challenging comfort demands of this luxury sports car, Delphi engineers worked closely with Ferrari to co-design the 599’s climate control system. Production of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) module for the 599 began in February 2006.

Delphi has made significant improvements for the new 599 dual-zone climate control system. It is managed by an electronic control unit and receives and processes data on external and internal temperature through newly enhanced software and a solar load sensor. Noteworthy system components include a carbon anti-pollution and anti-particle filter and a compact variable displacement compressor (7CVC) modified to meet the car’s high performance needs.

"Once again, Ferrari has put its confidence in Delphi and our Molinella, Italy, facility for their latest vehicle launch," said Steven Kiefer, managing director, Delphi Thermal & Interior, Europe and South America. "Ferrari represents the highest standard in the sports car segment in terms of performance, quality, sophistication and prestige. Delphi is proud of our long-standing relationship with Ferrari, and we share their passion and commitment to excellence Ferrari owners have come to expect."

Delphi’s long-running relationship with Ferrari also extends to its E/E distribution systems support, which also dates back to the early 1990s. "For many years Ferrari has collaborated with Delphi in developing and co-designing the most robust E/E systems and components, and similar to the previous programs on which we’ve worked together, the  technology for the 599 meets the customer’s very high performance and quality demands," said Stefaan Vandevelde, managing director of European operations for Delphi Packard Electric. He noted that the 599 marked the introduction of CAD CATIA design system usage between Delphi and Ferrari. "This allowed us the use of 3D virtual layout and brought advanced technical advantages and greater cost effectiveness, with the evaluation of different options best optimized for the vehicle’s architecture before the availability of the prototypes."

Delphi’s approach to the new 599 GTB’s E/E architecture resulted in several unique design characteristics. For example, the electrical centers designed and produced by Delphi have been positioned in the cockpit, due to the lack of available space under the hood, taken up completely by Ferrari’s powerful 12-cylinder, 6.0L engine. Additionally, a new system was employed in the door-to-body electric connection to manage the side airbag function.

As announced during the Ferrari press conference at Geneva Motor Show, on Tuesday, February 28, 2006, the new Ferrari 599 includes Delphi’s revolutionary MagneRide Controlled Suspension System, which captures the "gran turismo" feeling of Ferrari’s legendary vehicles.

Using patented shock absorbers filled with a proprietary controllable 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.

Tags: Ferrari, Delphi, Electronics, 599 GTB, Fiorano