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The Paris Motor Show yesterday provided the
backdrop to Ferrari’s presentation of the
new HELE (High Emotion Low Emissions) system
designed to reduce the environmental impact
of its cars whilst boosting their
performance and driving pleasure.
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The Paris Motor Show
yesterday provided the backdrop to Ferrari’s
presentation of the new HELE (High Emotion Low
Emissions) system designed to reduce the environmental
impact of its cars whilst boosting their performance and
driving pleasure.
The first model to benefit from the HELE system is the
Ferrari California which, at launch, produced 299 g/km
of CO2 on the combined ECE+EUDC cycle. Thanks to the
HELE system, however, that figure has been drastically
reduced and the Prancing Horse convertible now produces
just 270 g/km. However, emissions fall by up to 23 per
cent over an urban cycle that represents real-life use
by a client.
The Maranello engineers are tackling the emissions
challenge by optimising the existing technological
content of the car and by introducing innovations
designed to reduce its energy requirements (vehicle
efficiency) and increase the amount of power generated
(engine efficiency).
Together with the Stop&Start system, HELE incorporates
new intelligent engine fan and fuel pump control,
electronic air-conditioning compressor displacement
control and a gear-shift pattern that adapts to driving
style.
All of these solutions cut emissions and boost
sportiness. In fact, in terms of the cooling system, the
introduction of the brushless motor and continual fan
speed control has allowed the Ferrari technicians to
decrease current absorption and cut the system’s weight
by over 2 kg as well as reduce aerodynamic drag by 5 per
cent at high speeds.
The fuel pump capacity is controlled constantly by the
engine CPU to limit power demands on the alternator,
while intelligent air-conditioning compressor
displacement control slashes the amount of torque
absorbed by the system by 35 per cent and makes for more
rapid, efficient cabin cooling. The result of these
refinements is that, under normal running conditions,
the engine can avail of an extra 25 Nm of torque which
in turn boosts responsiveness.
With regard to the transmission, in automatic mode the
gearbox CPU automatically identifies the driving style
being used and adapts the gear shifts to match. If, for
instance, it recognises a driving style that demands
moderate torque at low engine speeds (typical of city
driving), it optimises the gear shifts to cut fuel
consumption. If, however, a sportier driving style is
adopted, then gear shifting becomes more high
performance too. There is also a pedal map for each gear
to guarantee maximum responsiveness to even small
amounts of pressure on the accelerator and very precise
torque delivery at all times.
Added to this, the California is the first Ferrari to
sport the Stop&Start system which restarts the car in
just 230 milliseconds, so that there is no impingement
at all on driveability. Once again, the technicians’
goal with this technology was to improve fuel
consumption levels and sportiness in tandem. They have
done so using features designed specifically to allow
the driver to restart the engine not just by releasing
the brake pedal, but also by using the accelerator pedal
(ideal for people who left-foot brake) or the UP paddle
mounted on the steering wheel.
Ferrari California Personalisation Programme
An incredibly wide array of personalisation options is
available to ensure that the Ferrari California’s high
performance GT soul shines through at all times. While
it’s true that all Prancing Horse cars are unique, it is
equally the case that Ferrari California owners can
further enhance either the sportier or more glamorous
side of their car, thanks to what goes well beyond a
conventional personalisation programme. The Ferrari
California personalisation programme offers a range of
options in the four traditional areas: Racing and Track,
Exteriors and Colours, Interiors and Materials, and
Equipment and Travel. In addition to this, however,
clients may also request specific content not included
in the catalogue to make their car even more unique and
individual.
Two-tone liveries and three-layer paintwork underscore
the depth of the colour and sleek forms of the Ferrari
California. They also permit owners to add an extra
touch of exclusivity to the exterior of their new car.
There is a virtually endless palette of colours
available, in fact: 16 basic colours, 10 inspired by the
Grand Tourers of the 1950s and 60s and a further 12 from
the recent Ferrari model range. Alternatively, owners
may have their own custom colour made up on provision of
a sample. Such is the detail of our personalisation
programme that even the brake calipers are available in
a choice of different tints.
The exterior personalisation options extend beyond the
merely aesthetic to the functional too: choices include
19” wheel rims or sportier forged 20” versions with
either coloured or diamond finish. Certain elements of
the car, such as the front spoiler, the rear diffuser
and the licence plate surround, are even available in
lightweight carbon-fibre. There is equal freedom when it
comes to the cabin where owners can further underscore
the car’s character by opting for out-of-range leather,
Alcantara upholstery or any of a wide range of carbon-fibre
trim elements. The in-car spec can also be enriched with
other accessories, including a JBL Professional audio
system, a rear parking camera or heat-absorbing
windscreen, to name but a few. The Ferrari California
displayed on the stand features new combinations of
colours for the exterior and new materials and equipment
for the cockpit.
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