With the doors to the Barcelona International Motor Show now closed, Centro Ricerche Fiat review the concept car that provided them with world wide recognition. Named Sportiva Latina, the sports car concept represents the wide range of technology that Centro Ricerche Fiat have been developing over the past years, combined together in an attractive and realistic package.

The Sportiva Latina concept is a high-tech engineering haven from the ground up, using the chassis technology developed under the Sportiva Evoluta project. Intended for use on a low production volume Alfa Romeo sportscar project, the Sportiva Evoluta chassis was designed with manufacturing and homologation requirements in mind. Based around the ideal compromise between power and weight, CRF made use of carbon fibre lamination technology, combined with light weight metal alloys. The result was a chassis weighing under 100 kg (w/o suspension), with a remarkable torsional stiffness of 35,000 daNm/rad.

On top of this, the chassis makes use of split frame architecture technology, allowing for different 'upper bodies' to be mounted on the basic 'lower chassis', by means of elastic mounts which provide the necessary comfort by filtering road and engine noise.
 

Extensive testing revealed a substantial reduction in noise, vibration and harshness, with audible road and engine noise decreasing by 4-6 dBA.

Body and chassis modularity is a key benefit of the split frame architecture. Not only can different body styles be used on the same chassis, but the chassis itself can also be easily adapted for different wheelbases, engines, and traction schemes (2WD, 4WD). Sportiva Latina thus represents one of several market niches that can be approached cost efficiently, by use of modular technology.

A new high performance 'advanced adaptive double wishbone' suspension system improves handling, whilst weight was kept to a minimum by shape optimization of the carbon fibre compositite and casted metal parts. Crash characteristics also played a vital role in the chassis design, with the titanium components displaying incredible strength, and the carbon fibre composite used being very stiff in nature.

With the attractive looking Sportiva Evoluta chassis as a basis, CRF engineers then started adding the more detailed technical components. One of the creations CRF are particularly proud of is the Steer-by-Wire system. The steer-by-wire system eliminates the mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the mechanical steering rack, replacing it with a purely electronic control system. The system is composed of a small electro-actuated steering rack and a feedback unit.

Safety is substantially improved, due to the elimination of the traditional harpoon-like steering rack, whilst the system also allows for an active control of steering behaviour. By wire commands also enable driver posture optimisation, improving exterior visibility. An innovative seat with extended range motion system, along with semi-automatic pedal position, support the technology. The driver position is controlled by a fixed eye positioning system. Already trialled successfully on an Alfa Romeo 147 prototype, CRF will continue development of the Steer-by-Wire system on different platform segments, and estimate the technology to be in cars by the end of 2009.

Concept Sportiva Latina also showcases the patented CRF rear active differential, which offers significant advantages for vehicle dynamic control and stability. The system allows for active safety functions to be achieved, as well as the possibility to customize the dynamic behaviour and feeling to driver preferences.

On display alongside a bare Sportiva Evoluta chassis, as well as the CRF Steer-by-Wire Alfa Romeo 147 prototype, the Sportiva Latina Concept deeply impressed the motor show jury, comprised of members from the Barcelona Fair, and the Society of Automotive Technology. A special prize was awarded to CRF, and Mazel Engineering who were responsible for the construction of the concept car, for "Innovative Concepts for Future Vehicles".

by Paddy Granger