Ferraris have had aerodynamic instability issues for a while now, which make these great cars rather dangerous or at least uncomfortable to drive at very high speeds. Aerodynamics is how something moves through the air and how air flows around it as it moves. That may be a car, plane, rocket, bicycle, kite, rock, or even you as you walk around. A body that moves through air is subject to aerodynamics. In simple terms, that means objects moving through air create friction and experience drag or resistance.

What does it mean to have an aerodynamic shape or be aerodynamic?

To be aerodynamic means the object is shaped so that when it moves through air, drag and resistance are reduced. In other words, the object will move more freely and faster through air.  Therefore, when something has an aerodynamic shape, it has the ability to pass through air easily. Objects that are sleek, streamlined, and smooth will be more aerodynamic than objects that are blunt and rough.

What type of aerodynamic instability problems have Ferraris had?

Ferraris are built for speed. However, they must also be able to keep a good grip on the road as they fly down the roads. Most Ferrari instability issues were noticed on race tracks, which means the car was being driven at extremely high speeds. However, below are two aerodynamic problems that were observed with Ferraris driven by civilians.

  • Lift at the Front and Rear: The car becomes unstable at very high speeds due to lift at both the front and rear ends. This could cause the car to become airborne and flip.
  • Porpoising: Porpoising is when a car bounces on its suspension at high speeds. The problem is due to suspension and aerodynamics. A bumpy road or pothole will only add to the problem. Ferraris have had this problem for a very long time at high speeds, any Ferrari driver should be aware of the possibility of porpoising and loss of steering control.

Factors that Affect Your Ferrari’s Aerodynamic Stability

The aerodynamic stability of a car is how well it reacts to the movement of air around it, which is caused by its own motion and also air-flow due to other vehicles. There are several factors that affect the aerodynamic stability of a car.

  • Weight: A lighter car may be better for speed, but it is sensitive to wind and has a lower aerodynamic stability. It’s important to strike a balance.
  • Suspension: In high-performance cars, the suspension will automatically lower at higher speeds, so that aerodynamic stability is improved. This also improves fuel economy.
  • Aerodynamically Stable Components: The design of the car itself will have a great effect on its stability and performance. Cars that have a streamlined body shape and well-fitting windows and doors will have better aerodynamics. However, the car will also require components like spoilers, wings, and diffusers to create a downforce to keep it stable.
  • Active Aerodynamic Features: High-end, high-performance cars usually have stability features built into them. For example, many sports cars have a rear spoiler and air dam that will expand at high speeds. This improves stability.
  • Tire Pressure: Under-inflated tires will create more friction with the road and cause drag. On the other hand, over-inflated tires will reduce contact with the road and make your car unstable.

A Balancing Act

It is a balancing act between lowering drag and increasing stability: the ultimate challenge for engineers! In a luxury sports car like a Ferrari built for speed, it is understandable that you want to reduce drag and friction. Grill blocks are often used to cover parts of the car’s front grill to reduce drag. You could use narrower tires, but they will reduce stability. Be judicious in your decision to add or remove anything to your car. Using rear spoilers, front splitters, or rear diffusers adds to the stability of your car, but please ask our professionals about these. We are here to help you make an informed decision for your safety as well as driving pleasure.

Visit Dell’s Service Center Today

At Dell’s Service Center, we are your European car specialists. Our mechanics are highly trained master technicians with ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certification. With our state-of-the-art garage and high-tech tools and equipment, we can give you dealership-quality service. Please call us or book an appointment to visit us. We are in Green Bay, Manitowoc, and Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin.

* Ferrari Car image credit goes to: Roman Belogorodov.

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