093 - A Ferrari Electric Car? Exclusive chat with Ferrari's product lead
About this episode
An exclusive conversation with Gianmaria Fulgenzi, Ferrari's chief product development officer, reveals the brand's ambitious plans for electric vehicles. The episode dives into the details of Ferrari's new electric platform, showcasing their innovative chassis design and advanced technology, including active suspension and electric motors. Listeners will learn about Ferrari's commitment to maintaining the driving thrill that defines their brand, even in an electric future. The discussion also touches on the broader implications of Ferrari's electrification strategy and the anticipated release of their first electric model.
dash cam
"Get a dash cam, you don't want to have to. You don't need to explain it, just show the video."
A dash cam is a small camera that you put on your car's dashboard. It records everything that happens while you drive, which can help if there's an accident.
A dash cam is a camera mounted on a vehicle's dashboard that records video while driving. It can provide evidence in case of accidents or capture interesting events on the road.
UNIDEN
"You know, you get the little UNIDEN logo there. You know, when you watch the UNIDEN dash cam out of Australia, you get a good sense of the quality too."
UNIDEN makes dash cams, which are cameras that record video while you drive. They are useful for safety and evidence in case of accidents.
UNIDEN is a company known for producing high-quality dash cams and other electronic products. Their dash cams are popular for their reliability and video quality.
Ferrari
"...I went as a guest of Ferrari and I knew from the outset that this was about electric cars. And I also knew from the outset they were not announcing a car."
Ferrari is a famous car company from Italy that makes very fast and expensive sports cars. They have a long history in racing and are known for their iconic designs.
Ferrari is a renowned Italian luxury sports car manufacturer, famous for its high-performance vehicles and rich motorsport heritage. Founded by Enzo Ferrari in 1939, the brand is synonymous with speed, style, and exclusivity.
electric cars
"...I went as a guest of Ferrari and I knew from the outset that this was about electric cars. And I also knew from the outset they were not announcing a car."
Electric cars are vehicles that run on electricity instead of gasoline. They are better for the environment because they produce less pollution.
Electric cars are vehicles powered entirely or partially by electricity, using electric motors instead of internal combustion engines. They are increasingly popular due to their environmental benefits and advancements in battery technology.
Ferrari Electrica
"...they announced the Ferrari Electrica, which is not the name of the car. Well, it's the technology, isn't it?"
The Ferrari Electrica is a new electric car from Ferrari, highlighting their move towards electric vehicles and modern technology in cars.
The Ferrari Electrica is a new electric vehicle concept from Ferrari, showcasing their commitment to electric mobility and advanced technology in performance cars.
chassis
"...they revealed a chassis. So you never drove a car."
The chassis is like the skeleton of a car. It holds everything together, including the wheels and engine, and gives the car its shape.
The chassis is the base frame of a vehicle, which supports the body and components like the engine, suspension, and wheels. It is essential for the structural integrity and performance of the vehicle.
electric motors
"...the chassis of the car with battery pack in it, electric motors, front and back and suspension arms on all four corners."
Electric motors help cars move by using electricity instead of gasoline. They are important for electric cars because they make them run smoothly and quickly.
Electric motors are devices that convert electrical energy into mechanical energy, commonly used in electric vehicles (EVs) to drive the wheels. They are a key component in EVs, providing instant torque and efficient power delivery.
Formula One
"That's what they do in the Ferrari Formula One factory. That's what they learnt from them."
Formula One is a type of car racing where very fast cars compete in races around the world. It's known for using the latest technology and engineering.
Formula One is a premier international auto racing sport known for its high-speed cars and advanced technology. It features a series of races held worldwide, with teams competing for the championship.
drivetrain
"So the drivetrain is there, and then each suspension arm is now fully active, which means it's all electronically controlled."
The drivetrain is the system that helps move the car by transferring power from the engine to the wheels. It includes parts like the transmission and driveshaft.
The drivetrain refers to the components that deliver power from the engine to the wheels, including the transmission, driveshafts, and differential. It's essential for a vehicle's performance and handling.
SUV
"...we're talking about more of an SUV vehicle or what is it going to be? We don't know."
An SUV is a larger type of vehicle that can drive on different types of roads, including rough ones. They usually have more space inside for people and things.
An SUV, or Sport Utility Vehicle, is a type of vehicle designed for both on-road and off-road driving. They typically have higher ground clearance, spacious interiors, and can accommodate more passengers and cargo compared to standard cars.
electric vehicles
"...Ferrari, it's electric, is it stupid, is it good?"
Electric vehicles are cars that run on electricity instead of gas. They are better for the environment because they don't produce exhaust fumes like regular cars do.
Electric vehicles (EVs) are cars that are powered entirely or partially by electricity instead of traditional gasoline or diesel fuel. They are becoming increasingly popular due to their potential for lower emissions and reduced environmental impact.
2030 electric vehicle goals
"...They made a strong point that 20% of their range by 2030 will be electric."
Car companies are planning to make more electric cars by the year 2030 to help the environment and follow new rules about pollution.
Many automotive manufacturers, including Ferrari, are setting goals to increase the percentage of electric vehicles in their lineup by 2030 as part of a broader strategy to reduce carbon emissions and meet regulatory requirements.
Ferrari Purosangue
"...with the poor sangua right now, which is broadly an SUV. Yeah."
The Ferrari Purosangue is a luxury SUV made by Ferrari. It's special because it combines sports car performance with the space and comfort of an SUV, and it uses both petrol and electric power.
The Ferrari Purosangue is Ferrari's first SUV, blending the brand's performance heritage with the practicality of an SUV. It features a hybrid powertrain, combining petrol and electric technology for enhanced performance and efficiency.
hybrid electric
"...a hybrid petrol electric car, with the poor sangua right now, which is broadly an SUV."
A hybrid electric car uses two types of power: a regular engine and an electric motor. This helps the car use less fuel and produce fewer harmful emissions.
A hybrid electric vehicle uses both an internal combustion engine and an electric motor to power the vehicle. This combination can improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions compared to traditional gasoline-only vehicles.
electrification
"...to be precise in 2009 with some prototypes and then following in Formula One and La Ferrari and SF90 Stradale, so hybrid cars. And so we wanted to complete this electrification journey..."
Electrification means using electricity to power cars instead of just gasoline. This can include cars that use both electric and gas power or cars that run only on electricity.
Electrification refers to the process of incorporating electric power into vehicles, either through hybrid systems or fully electric drivetrains. This shift is aimed at improving efficiency, reducing emissions, and meeting regulatory standards.
LaFerrari
"...and then following in Formula One and La Ferrari and SF90 Stradale, so hybrid cars."
LaFerrari is a special sports car made by Ferrari that uses both a traditional engine and an electric motor to go faster and be more efficient. It's one of their most advanced cars.
LaFerrari is a limited-production hybrid sports car from Ferrari, combining a powerful V12 engine with an electric motor for enhanced performance and efficiency. It represents Ferrari's commitment to innovation in high-performance vehicles.
SF90 Stradale
"...and La Ferrari and SF90 Stradale, so hybrid cars. And so we wanted to complete this electrification journey..."
The SF90 Stradale is a high-tech sports car from Ferrari that combines a powerful engine with electric motors. It’s designed to be very fast and efficient at the same time.
The SF90 Stradale is Ferrari's first series-production plug-in hybrid sports car, featuring a twin-turbo V8 engine paired with three electric motors. It showcases Ferrari's advancements in hybrid technology and performance.
hybrid cars
"...and SF90 Stradale, so hybrid cars. And so we wanted to complete this electrification journey..."
Hybrid cars are vehicles that use two types of power: a regular engine that runs on gasoline and an electric motor. This helps them save fuel and produce less pollution.
Hybrid cars utilize both an internal combustion engine and an electric motor to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. They can operate on electric power alone or in combination with the gasoline engine, depending on the driving conditions.
electric powertrain
"What does it mean that the car has an electric powertrain but that creates the same emotion of the other Ferrari cars?"
An electric powertrain is the part of an electric car that makes it go. Instead of using gasoline, it uses electricity stored in batteries to power the car's motor.
An electric powertrain refers to the system that powers an electric vehicle, including the electric motor, battery, and related components. It replaces the traditional internal combustion engine found in gasoline-powered cars.
vehicle dynamics
"what we have done in the vehicle dynamics, what we have done in interior design, exterior design, aerodynamics..."
Vehicle dynamics is about how a car behaves when you drive it. It includes how well it turns, stays stable, and feels comfortable on the road.
Vehicle dynamics refers to how a vehicle responds to driver inputs and road conditions. It encompasses aspects like handling, stability, and ride comfort, which are crucial for performance and safety.
naturally aspirated
"a Formula One fan might say to you that they wish Formula One would go back to the days of naturally aspirated, throbbing V8s, V10s..."
A naturally aspirated engine gets air from the atmosphere without any help from a turbo or supercharger. This can make the engine sound different and feel more responsive.
Naturally aspirated refers to an engine that relies on atmospheric pressure alone to draw air into the combustion chamber, as opposed to using a turbocharger or supercharger. This can result in a more linear power delivery and distinct engine sound.
V8
"throbbing V8s, V10s, the sound of Formula One, compared to what it is today."
A V8 engine has eight cylinders arranged in a V shape. It's known for being powerful and is often used in sports cars and trucks.
A V8 is an eight-cylinder engine configuration where the cylinders are arranged in two banks of four, forming a 'V' shape. V8 engines are known for their power and smoothness, commonly used in performance and luxury vehicles.
V10
"throbbing V8s, V10s, the sound of Formula One, compared to what it is today."
A V10 engine has ten cylinders arranged in a V shape. It's even more powerful than a V8 and is used in some sports cars and racing cars.
A V10 is a ten-cylinder engine configuration similar to a V8 but with two additional cylinders. V10 engines are often found in high-performance vehicles and are known for their high power output and distinctive sound.
V8 engine
"...wanting the pure Ferrari experience with a V8 engine as opposed to electric?"
A V8 engine is a type of car engine that has eight cylinders arranged in a V shape. It is known for being powerful and is often used in sports cars and trucks.
A V8 engine is an eight-cylinder engine configuration where the cylinders are arranged in a V shape. This design allows for more power and smoother operation, making it popular in performance and luxury vehicles.
EV architecture
"For the first time with the EV architecture, we have been able to create a car that we said has four active corners..."
EV architecture is how electric cars are built, focusing on their electric parts and systems. It allows for features like each wheel being able to steer and brake independently, improving handling and performance.
EV architecture refers to the design and structure of electric vehicles, which often include unique components and systems tailored for electric powertrains. This architecture allows for innovations like four-wheel steering and enhanced control of each wheel individually.
C-Line 7
"Oh, we just recently purchased the EV. What'd you get, mate? We've got a C-Line 7."
The C-Line 7 is a type of electric car. Electric vehicles run on electricity instead of gasoline, making them more environmentally friendly.
The C-Line 7 is an electric vehicle (EV) that represents a growing trend in the automotive market towards electric mobility. It is designed for efficiency and sustainability, catering to consumers looking for eco-friendly transportation options.
Kia EV5
"...gs like that are there. If you want an EV3 or an EV5, Aaron can hook you up. He contacted me."
The Kia EV5 is a new electric SUV that Kia is planning to release. It's designed to be practical and packed with the latest technology, making it a good option for those interested in electric cars.
The Kia EV5 is an upcoming electric vehicle that aims to expand Kia's electric lineup, following the success of models like the EV6. It is expected to offer a blend of practicality and advanced technology, catering to consumers looking for an electric SUV with modern features.
Polestar 2
"...stralia. And this is, by the way, he's driving a Polestar 2. Polestar 2, yeah."
The Polestar 2 is an electric car that looks like a sporty hatchback. It's made by Polestar, which is part of Volvo, and is known for being stylish and having a lot of cool tech inside.
The Polestar 2 is an all-electric fastback that combines performance with sustainability, serving as a direct competitor to the Tesla Model 3. It features a minimalist interior, advanced technology, and impressive electric range, making it a popular choice among electric vehicle enthusiasts.
Polestar 3
"...ar come back at him with an offer for a used PSP Polestar 3? Yeah, he says,"
The Polestar 3 is a new electric SUV from a brand called Polestar, which is part of Volvo. It's designed to be eco-friendly and has a lot of modern features, making it a popular choice for people looking for an electric car.
The Polestar 3 is an all-electric SUV produced by Polestar, a performance electric brand under Volvo. It represents the brand's commitment to sustainability and advanced technology, featuring a spacious interior and high-performance electric drivetrain, making it a significant player in the growing electric vehicle market.
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