Puritalia Berlinetta.
10-04-2022 10:45 - CAR NEWS
The Berlinetta body is made entirely of last generation carbon fiber. In order to attain its characteristic lightness, Puritalia uses only pre-impregnated carbon fiber that has been cured in an autoclave with the pressure at 8 bar and a temperature of 180º. To improve the rigidity and preserve design lines during the assembly, 60% of the body is achieved through only two components; each is laminated as single monocoque and thus ensures continuity of fibers without junctions or joints. The front area is called the “Front Body” and the central area the “Upper Body”, and combine for a total weight of only 27Kg. Stylistically, this composition is reflected in the lack of the traditional cuts that separate the front bumper from the side fenders, and the absence of those that separate the roof with the windscreen area, the pillars, and the rear quarter.
The combustion engine is a modern V8 5.0L 32-valve double overhead camshafts (DOHC) and dual variable timing independent (Ti-VCT). To ensure optimal weight distribution and a lower center of gravity, the engine is positioned entirely behind the front track axle in a rather low position, thanks to the dry sump lubrication. The engine is supercharged by a 2.9L twin-screw compressor that offers a progressive increase in torque, even at low revs, at a constant pressure of 11 PSI. The compressor is equipped with a liquid intercooler with 2 radiators located in the side air intakes of the front bumper. The combustion engine alone delivers 750 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 878 Nm of torque at 4,400 rpm.
The advanced axial flux electric motor is supplied by Yasa and produces up to 370 Nm of torque and 215hp of peak power at a weight of just over 25Kg. The engine was integrated by Puritalia directly on the rear differential, thanks to its extremely compact diameter of 305mm and axial depth of 106mm. In this configuration, the torque delivered by the electric motor bypasses the gearbox gear ratio and acts directly on the rear wheels through the final ratio only. This configuration is optimal to transfer the enormous torque provided the electric motor to the wheels, that is always fully available from 0 to 7,000 rpm. The control of the electric motor acts alongside the automated gearbox control AMT, increasing the thrust during the opening of the clutch necessary for gear shifting. This results in continuous acceleration - even during gear changes.