Ferrari FF: Dynamic Vehicle Control

Designed by Pininfarina, the Ferrari FF is the Prancing Horse's most powerful and versatile four-seat ever and it is the company's first four-wheel drive car.

The Ferrari FF dynamic vehicle control is managed by the evolved GT Manettino located on the F1-derived steering wheel and has five settings: ESC OFF, SPORT, COMFORT, WE, ICE-SNOW. ESC OFF disables all traction and stability control system, SPORT advances driving pleasure in high grip situations, COMFORT guarantees maximum stability and ease of use in high grip situations, WET and ICE-SNOW have specifically calibrated electronic controls for maximum stability and ease of use in low and very low grip situations. The evolved GT Manettino also controls the SCM3, the third generation Ferrari Magnetorheological Suspension System, which makes damping five times faster than with conventional shock absorbers.

The ABS / EBD featured in the Ferrari FF is the anti-lock braking system which intervenes individually on all four wheels. Similarly, the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) facilitates braking on all four-wheel independently. On the other hand, the E-Diff distributions torque to both rear wheels while the race-derived F1-Trac traction control system manages the torque on the rear axle. Lastly, the 4RM Control integrates the F1 Trac + E-Diff + PTU control functions and processes the transaction and stability by distributing the right amount of torque to each of the four wheels.

The Ferrari patented 4RM works on grip estimation, a concept first used in motor racing and now developed for road cars. In the FF, the $ RM allows to instantly and accurately estimate the maximum amount of torque that each wheel can transmit to the road without wheel spin occurring. Therefore, 4RM Control always guarantees maximum Traction regardless of road conditions, thanks to the principle that torque is sent to the front axle only when necessary, for instance when the driver needs more torque than the rear axle can deliver in a given grip situation. When the driver requires less torque than the maximum amount transferable by the rear wheels in a specific grip condition, then the Traction is controlled by the F1-Trac but on the rear wheels only. The E-Diff then works to ensure the optimal distribution of the torque to the rear wheels in situations such as a partial locking slip of the differential coming out of bends. When the driver needs more torque than the rear axle can deliver, the extra torque is transferred by the 4RM Control to the front axle via the PTU.