Delphi Continues Strong Relationship with Ferrari
7 July 1999
Delphi Continues Strong Relationship with Ferrari With Complete HVAC Responsibility on New 360 Modena
LOCKPORT, N.Y., July 7 -- With the recent unveiling of the
360 Modena, Delphi Automotive Systems continues its strong
relationship with one of the world's most exotic automakers.
Through Diavia, its manufacturing facility in Molinella, Delphi's Harrison
Thermal division has been providing heating, ventilation and air conditioning
(HVAC) solutions for Ferrari for the better part of this decade, all sporting
the Diavia brand name. The latest is a complete climate system for a mid-
engine, two-seater sports car that will comprise 65 percent of the famed
Italian automaker's annual production of 3,500 vehicles.
Ferrari officially debuted the all-aluminum 360 Modena, the replacement
for the F355, at the March 1999 Geneva International Motor Show. Since then,
the 400 horsepower, Pininfarina-styled car has received acclaim from
automotive publications worldwide.
Its introduction, combined with the retirement of the 355, allows Delphi
to claim HVAC presence on all current Ferrari models, including the 456 and
550 Maranello.
"Delphi Diavia, now more than ever, is enjoying great success, thanks to
our advanced technologies," said Carlo Mantellini, Delphi country director,
Italy. "Now that we have 'conditioned' all Ferrari models, we really would
like to do the same on the Maserati brand, which has just been acquired by the
Italian automaker."
Delphi Diavia chief engineer Roberto Grotti noted that the 360 posed
special challenges associated with meeting the automaker's requirements for a
car that red-lines at 8500 rpm. "The fully automatic climate control system
features a V-5 compressor from Delphi Thermal's Douai, France joint venture
that had to be modified to adjust to the car's high-performance engine,"
Grotti said. "The compressor has some relevant advantages: it absorbs engine
power only if necessary and keeps constant the temperature near the air inlet
grille."
The Ferrari 360 HVAC module produced by Diavia is managed totally by an
electronic control unit (ECU). It receives and processes data on the external
and internal temperature, including a solar sensor. Through a new
electrovalve, the ECU controls all the climate system's functions. The
software that supports the system's automatic control is fully developed
within Delphi Diavia's electronic division. However, the HVAC system can also
work by hand, to meet customer's requirements for flexibility.
Delphi Thermal's Diavia plant also supplies the fuel cooler system, one
that is integrated with A/C system, for various models exported to the U.S
(e.g. 456 and 550 Maranello). Based on an automatic control valve, it makes
use of the climate system to keep the gasoline at an acceptable temperature.
The Delphi Diavia fuel cooler allowed Ferrari to exceed the U.S. standards on
fuel emissions.
The parallel flow condenser, integral to the car's air conditioning
system, is manufactured at Delphi Harrison Thermal Systems' Ostrow, Poland
facility. Other Delphi Automotive Systems content in the 360 Modena includes
the electrical system and, for U.S.-bound models only, the catalytic
converter's canister.
The plant began its relationship with Ferrari in 1992, when it was known
as Diavia Auto Air Conditioners. (Delphi Harrison Thermal entered into a
joint venture with the company in the early 1990's and completed the outright
purchase of the operation in 1995.)
"Our history with Ferrari is unique in that we have had complete climate
system responsibility with the company before that became the normal practice
in the industry," said Tim Richards, Delphi Harrison Thermal Systems director
of European Operations.
Known as Europe's automotive air conditioning aftermarket leader (also
carrying the Diavia name), Delphi Harrison Thermal's Molinella plant is also
an original equipment manufacturer for special applications and niche
customers. In addition to automotive applications, the site's customers
include manufacturers of agricultural and earth-moving vehicles.
Delphi Automotive Systems, with headquarters in Troy, Mich., USA, is a
world leader in automotive component and systems technology. Delphi's three
business sectors -- Dynamics & Propulsion; Safety, Thermal & Electrical
Architecture; and Electronics & Mobile Communications -- provide comprehensive
product solutions to complex customer needs. Delphi has more than 196,000
employees and operates 168 wholly owned manufacturing sites, 51 customer
centers and sales offices, and 27 technical centers in 36 countries. Regional
headquarters are located in Paris, Tokyo and Sao Paulo. Delphi can be found
on the Internet at http://www.delphiauto.com.