Ferrari has completed development of a four-wheel drive system for its future sports cars, according a report by Italiaspeed. Rumors of a Ferrari AWD system first surfaced exactly a year ago when the U.K.’s Autocar magazine published patent drawings made by the Italian automaker for such a system.
Unlike the full-time all-wheel drive systems used by Lamborghini and Audi , the Ferrari setup is an “insertable” four-wheel drive configuration. This means the car will typically operate with power going to the rear wheels only, and engage the front wheels as needed. A computer-controlled clutch determines when to activate the front wheels.
The system will work in both mid-engine and front-engine Ferraris, according to the report. The Autocar report suggested sister company Maserati could also use the technology.
