10 06 2008 Webasto Ferrari California Dach ENG PM37
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
Ferrari California with Webasto Roof First premium sports convertible with a retractable hardtop (RHT) – The perfect consummation of form with lightweight construction, sleek kinematics, and new hydraulic technology Stockdorf/Munich – October 6, 2008 – The new Ferrari California is presented with a convertible roof of Webasto. The multi-faceted premium sports convertible was premiered in Germany at this year’s Ferrari Racing Days 2008 at the Nürburgring (October 3 to 5) – and is the first of its kind to have a retractable hardtop (RHT). Ferrari commissioned Webasto with the 2-piece roof system in 2006. Highlights of the roof, which can open in 14 seconds, include the use of proportional valve technology in the hydraulics, a sleek kinematics concept in order to optimize trunk volume, and a large number of aluminum structural components that Webasto used to deliberately follow through on the lightweight trend. Technical highlights in detail The roof shell, for instance, is constructed completely of aluminum. Further aluminum components include the main pivot brackets, cross members, frame, and the kinematics of the tonneau cover. An additional novelty is the use of proportional valve technology in the hydraulic system, which allows for adjustable flow control. Consequentially, the C- segment and the tonneau cover can be opened simultaneously, providing a perfectly coordinated and therefore quicker opening process for the entire roof system. The result: an opening and closing cycle lasting just 14 seconds. In addition, Webasto developed the first two-piece RHT with equal-shaped stowage in the trunk. The main advantage of this storage method is that it helps create a more sleek elegant design contour than with the classic lens-shaped fold. “With the implementation of highly sophisticated kinematic technology and future- oriented hydraulics, we could successfully sustain the flawless coupe design contours that are Ferrari’s trademark,” explains Rolf-Peter Baule, Global Vice President for Webasto’s convertible segment. “I’m convinced that we’ve applied our market leadership in innovative retractable hardtops to a vehicle that will become a future classic. We’re very proud of that.” Optimized trunk concept From a technical standpoint, the equal-shaped layout of the folded roof requires minimal stowage space. For that reason, the Ferrari California offers an unexpectedly large amount of trunk volume for its class. Capacity totals 260 liters with an open roof and increases to 360 liters when the roof is closed. Optimizing available trunk space was one of the requirements for Webasto’s developers. The objective was to create a Ferrari with unprecedented versatility. Thanks to a sleek kinematics concept in conjunction with a so-called cross brace – instead of the conventional torsion wall – the car could offer a 1 folding rear bench and a hatch for skis, creating a trunk that is suited to the needs of everyday use. The total weight of the roof system (including the tonneau cover, the corresponding kinematics, and the actual trunk lid) totals 105 kilogram, considerably less than what the client had specified. The roof is produced as a complete system at Webasto’s production location in Turin, afterwards being shipped to Ferrari in Maranello. * * * About Webasto: Webasto AG headquartered in Stockdorf near Munich has been a family-run business ever since the company was founded in 1901. It has about 7,000 employees at 58 international locations and is specialized in the Convertible, Roof & Body (CRB) and Global Comfort Solutions (GCS) business segments. With sales of around 1.8 billion euros (2007 business year) Webasto is one of the top 100 automotive suppliers worldwide. The company's core competencies include development and production of convertible, roof and body systems as well as heating, cooling and ventilation systems for passenger cars and commercial vehicles. You will find further information at: www.webasto.com Contact information: Webasto AG Group VP Corporate Communications Petra Horstmann-Diederichs Phone: +49-89-8 57 94-670 Email: [email protected] 2 .