Automated driving technology might make Ferraris more fun to drive, according to one of the Italian company's top engineers.

Corrado Iotti, who is in charge of powertrain design, says Ferrari currently uses a range of accelerometers and other sensors to manage engine and gearbox behaviour, and optimise performance, stability and other factors – but they are all onboard.

"Up to now we are just reading what the driver is doing and what the car is feeling. In the near future, we will have some more information related to the road. Digital mapping for sure is something that will be a new possibility … there is a big potential on this side," he said.

When precise three-dimensional maps are available, the drivetrain could prepare for what is coming up before any onboard sensors provide feedback.

Mr Iotti agreed that car-to-infrastructure communication will also become very important and "everyone will be doing it".

Although the company remains fiercely opposed to building self-driving cars, Iotti said the driving attributes of Ferraris have "a big potential to improve as soon as these techniques [can be] directly interfaced with our powertrain control."

Photo: The new Ferrari 812 Superfast.

Ferrari has just taken a small step towards adapting autonomous technology for its own ends with the electronic power steering system fitted to the new 812 Superfast V12 coupe. When there is oversteer, the steering wheel will provide feedback to the driver "suggesting" that he or she countersteers. The company says the input is small and can always be overridden by the driver.

The important thing, from Ferrari's point of view says Iotti, is that any use of information external to the car should be solely to enhance driver pleasure and vehicle performance while keeping the driver firmly in control.

"You must have complete control of the car and the car must follow you as soon as possible, as best as possible," Mr Iotti said.

Beyond that, the company was studying every potential opportunity.

"Industry-wide driving technology is improving quickly and differently. So a big capacity should be right now to understand how to merge these different potentials to have a better result in your own project," he said.

In response to questions about other engineering developments, including a rumoured V6 engine to be offered alongside the prancing horse's V8 and V12 units, Iotti said: "We always evaluate everything. We must be ready, we must understand. Even if you don't use it, you learn something you can use."

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