Ferrari's Latest Patent May Automatically Engage Braking to Protect Your Splitter | Carscoops

      Maranello's auto-braking system is intended to protect supercars from splitter damage caused by curbs and road obstacles.

      August 25, 2025, at 18:30

      

      by Stephen Rivers

      Ferrari's patent details an auto-braking mechanism aimed at preventing damage to the splitter and body.

      The system identifies objects in relation to the vehicle's ride height, not merely based on distance.

      As it stands, this concept is still just a patent, so there is no assurance it will be developed for production use.

      Regardless of how well someone may understand their supercar's position, certain factors remain unknown, such as how close the front splitter might come to a steep driveway or a bump. Ferrari's recent patent application seeks to resolve this concern for its clients.

      This is undoubtedly a prominent issue within the supercar community. Front splitters are increasingly designed to be lower and wider for aerodynamic efficiency. What is effective on the racetrack may not perform as well on the road, which explains why many supercars are equipped with axle lifters to navigate such barriers.

      Ferrari's new patent application addresses this concern by stopping drivers before they can damage their vehicle, utilizing technology that is already commercially accessible. Initially reported by CarBuzz, this patent claims it will employ sensors to assess the height of objects in front of the car. If an object is too tall for the car to pass without scraping, it will issue an audible warning to the driver. Should the driver continue forward, the system will engage the brakes automatically.

      Notably, Ferrari's system does not depend on speed data from the vehicle’s onboard computers. Instead, it computes distances between two points and calculates speed in real time using mathematical algorithms. The patent also mentions the possibility of sending notifications to a phone or infotainment display, likely a strategy to preempt competitors from claiming similar technology. While this is not the only method available, it certainly offers a distinct approach.

      Other manufacturers, such as Porsche and Chevrolet, utilize axle lift systems along with GPS-based memory to automatically elevate a car when nearing a tall obstacle. Drivers can even set up programmed locations they frequently visit to assist the vehicle in avoiding expensive damage.

      A potential optimal solution would be to integrate all these features into a single system. Conversely, some customers might opt out of the axle lift to reduce weight, making this auto-braking feature a potential cost saver. However, it is essential to remember that as a patent, it may remain dormant and not transition into actual production vehicles.