Chassis - Bodywork - Ferrari 612 scaglietti Owner's Manual

Chassis - Bodywork

Aluminum Materials
To reduce the weight of the vehicle, the entire body has been produced
with aluminum materials, as the density of aluminum is 1/3
(2.70 kg/dm 3 ) of that of steel (7.85 kg/dm
Despite the considerable weight reduction, the aluminum parts provide
stability and resistance levels that are higher than those obtainable with
steel parts.
The aluminium sub-assemblies are less prone to bending and offer
excellent resistance to corrosion.
Space Frame Structure
The overall bodywork structure is based on a "space frame" chassis.
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The space frame structure is basically composed of three constructive
parts:
• Extruded section bars, with exceptional resistance and torsional
rigidity features.
• Cast knots, which represent the entire welded joint section for the
extruded section bars. They are used in both the front and rear and as
housing bays and/or fastenings for the mechanical assemblies such as
the engine, transmission and suspension.
• Reinforcing sheets and gusset plates; these are made of highly
resistant aluminium and are welded at various points on the space
frame.
Supplementary body parts
The body assembly is completed with external sheets such as the
mudguards, side panels and roof which are joined to the space frame
chassis using different connection techniques.
The movable parts of the body, secured with screws, such as the engine
compartment lid, the luggage compartment lid and the doors, complete
the body.
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Repair instructions
In the event of damage to the aluminium parts, the normal procedure
would be to replace the part rather than repairing it. Depending on
the extent of the damage, entire assemblies can be replaced as well as
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individual parts. Any straightening procedure performed on an original
damaged part, which is possible with the normal steel bodies, is not
possible on aluminum bodies as aluminum is not a material that can
easily be restored to its original shape.
Connections on the space frame are normally made by welding only.
The body parts may be replaced by means of gluing, riveting, bolting
and welding. The aluminium bodies cannot be straightened cold,
as is the case with steel sheet bodies, but only at temperatures of
approximately 200°C.
All body repair work must be carried out exclusively by expert
mechanics certified by the Ferrari Technical Service Department.