The Bite Magazine - Spring/Summer 2023 - Issue 33

bitecars Revolutionary and innovative, Ferrari Centro Stile im- agined and penned the Vision Gran Turismo under the direction of Ferrari Design Director, Flavio Manzoni. The Italian marque says the virtual race car represents “a fu- turistic design manifesto for Ferrari’s road and racing cars, embodying the maximum expression of formal beauty and innovation, and providing a stimulus for both the engineers and drivers (real and virtual) of tomorrow.” It also takes inspiration from legendary 1960s and 1970s Ferrari sports prototype racers like the 330 P3 and the 512 S, which enjoyed massive success at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and 24 Hours of Daytona (now known as Rolex 24 at Daytona). Ferrari achieved nine overalls and 35 class victories at Le Mans, five prestigious races, and several classic victories at Daytona. The Italian marque added the virtual sports car offers a “tantalising glimpse of the future evolution of closed-wheel racing cars.” What Drives This Power Model? With the same powerhorse as the 296 GTB, GTS and GT3, the 120-degree 3-litre turbo V6 architecture engine has the exact exhilarating sound as the model in the video game. In real-time, it accelerates from 0-62 mph in under an astonishing 2.0 seconds with a top speed of 217 mph, allowing drivers a more realistic racing experience. With no technical regulation constraints, it’s further honed to un - leash genuinely extreme performance to deliver 1,030 PS at 9,000 rpm and 900 Nm at 5,500 rpm. The three electric motors power an additional 240 kW (326 bhp) on the rear axle and the front wheels to give it an all-wheel drive status. The hybrid technology benefits from electric boost and energy recovering strategies Fer- rari developed in Formula 1. The eight-speed, dual-clutch gearbox, also Formula 1-infused, is connected to the ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) and electric motors for max - imum performance during qualifying and consecutive rac- ing laps. Inside The Cabin  The cockpit’s interior design is an extension of the exte - rior, with a purist, minimalist approach delivering optimal functionality and driver ergonomics. It has clean dash - board lines, and the transparent engine cover framing the hybrid V6 powertrain incorporates high-tech materials to reveal the sophisticated modern steering wheel’s mechan - ical components. An HMI (Human-Machine Interface) is designed for immediacy and ease of use so drivers can concentrate fully on the road ahead. On the Outside  This virtual model is derived from a speed form with ge- ometric, sharp and angular lines that underly an organic shape. The disruptive effect and plasticity of the external and internal surfaces blend with the geometric precision of the lines to create a car with a recognisable character. Its architecture centres around the Ferrari-patented ad- vanced aerodynamic concept based on two imposing side channels directing the airflow from the front underbody, around the cockpit and over the striking side pods. The airflow generates efficient aerodynamic downforce thanks to the momentum and suction variation created by the central part of the underbody. The rear aerodynamics, particularly in the diffuser and rear biplane wing, were de- veloped using concepts inspired by the Ferrari 499P. Ad - ditionally, the front S-Duct and the integrated air vents on the wheel arches further boost aerodynamic efficiency and high-speed stability. The body shell appears suspended over the flat, carbon-fi - bre underbody that incorporates its technical components. The chassis is designed to emphasise Vision Gran Turis- mo’s lateral dynamics in on-the-limit handling. At the same time, the powertrain layout guarantees an optimal front- rear weight balance and a low gravity centre that benefits the AWD. Its elasto-kinematic suspension set-up is based