Ferrari 550 Barchetta Suspension

Unsprung weight of the Barchetta Pininfarina has been safely lightened to provide pinpoint steering and perfect control of the car in all conditions, especially those necessitating excellent overall dynamic balance. The 550 Barchetta Pininfarina has four wheel independent suspension with a transverse parallelogram structure and triangular arms, aluminum gas dampers with coaxial coil springs, and anti-roll bars front and rear. The suspension incorporates a variable logic, multiple parameter driver-adjustable system to vary damper settings.

Brakes:
Ferrari developed the braking system of the 550 Barchetta Pininfarina with Brembo, applying methods from Formula 1 to the 4-piston caliper on 13" front and 12.2" rear rotors.

The energy exerted on the front axle when braking requires a system with large, extra thick diameter drilled front discs and pads made of friction material that guarantees temperature-independent high performance. Brembo employed recent Formula 1 experience to develop thermally insulated pistons for the front calipers, ensuring an acceptable brake fluid temperature in all weather. The system is completed by four-channel ABS incorporating electronic proportioning offering ideal performance in deceleration above 0.5g. Like all unsprung components, the brake system was designed to be light.

ASR:
The 550 Barchetta Pininfarina offers a unique driver-adjustable dynamic stability control system. Depending on the selected mode, the system intervenes by cutting off the torque delivered by the engine, or, coordinated by the ABS system, braking the two rear wheels independently. It is the first driver-controlled active anti-wheel spin system. The mode selection complements the suspension damping setting, giving the driver total control of the car's lateral and longitudinal dynamics.

Steering:
The ZF speed-sensitive rack and pinion steering system varies assistance with speed.

Wheels:
The 550 Barchetta Pininfarina rides on cast magnesium alloy, five-spoke wheels reflecting Pininfarina's styling and Ferrari's technical specifications. The front wheels measure 8.5 x 18" and the rear 10.5 x 18" as dictated by braking requirements.